Marsha’s Reviews > The Mighty and the Almighty: Reflections on America, God, and World Affairs – A Bold Critique and Call for Moral Consensus in an Era of Religious Terrorism > Status Update

Al Qaeda's leaders concern themselves with issues of history, identity and faith. To be heard, the rest of us must address matters equally profound. The three monotheistic religions provide a rich tradition of overlapping principles, ethics and beliefs. Each places a high value on justice and compassion, points the way toward common ground, offers the opportunity for repentance and is a religion of peace.

"There is no clear vision to where my country is heading. We want to progress, but we also want to live like good Muslims did 1,400 years ago. We want to change, but we believe that change is the road to hell. We want the people to have a role in leading the country, but we don't want democracy. We want to have dialogue with the West, but our preachers are preaching that all Westerners or non-Muslims go to hell."

The rise of Hamas has seemingly dragged the Middle East peace process back to the point where it began roughly 15 years ago. Hamas does not accept the existence of Israel, nor is it willing to disarm or renounce violence. Until it does, a peace agreement will not be possible. The best that can be hoped for in the interim is a suspension of hostilities. This would enable each side to catch its breath.

In 1981, I visited Poland; it was during the second year of the uprising by the Solidarity movement against the communist government. I had long studied central and eastern Europe, where, for decades, very little had changed. Now the entire region was awakening, as from a deep slumber, a large part of the reason was that Pope John Paul II had earlier returned for the first time to Poland, his native land.