Lebanon war out of proportion
published: Thursday | August 10, 2006

The Editor, Sir:

I want to affirm your decision to speak on this very disturbing current situation in the Middle East. Our world is being polarized in such a manner that those who hold positions that differ from the views of certain groups or power bases are being demonised. This strategy is used by some to claim some kind of divine right or sanction to the positions that they hold and to discredit and goad into silence those of a differing perspective.

There is no question in my mind that what is being done to Lebanon is out of proportion to the alleged provocation and that innocent civilians and public facilities and infrastructure are being targeted in ways that would have seen persons of other nations and persuasions being dragged off to the Hague. It will be interesting to see what happens after this conflict is over.

A more insecure Middle East

Your commentary has rightly identified many of the dynamics which are obvious to those who choose to see the reality on the ground. The war will not succeed in what is purported to be its intent. What we can look forward to is not only a more insecure Middle East, but the more frightening reality of a more insecure and dangerous world. It seems that we never learn that peace is not the outcome of the overwhelming use of force or the surgical use of bombs.

It is my hope that the major players in the present Middle East Crisis will come to an appreciation of the perspectives you have raised, learn from the past, and stop the current madness, notwithstanding the package in which it is being wrapped and dignified with the label of "diplomacy".

I am, etc.,

Rt. Rev'd. Dr. HOWARD GREGORY

Suffragan Bishop of Montego Bay.