November 17, 2007

Loss and gain

Muslims to Iraqi Christians: Come home

Turkey: Halki’s Chapel of the Transfiguration left in ruins

The first story shows that human decency can always triumph over the propaganda of hate, even when that hatred is grounded in talk of religious duty and loyalty. That's a sign of hope.

The second story shows that that talk of religious duty and loyalty -- specifically the Islamic duty that jihadists present to subjugate non-Muslims or punish them for their refusal to be subjugated -- is still potent, and that there is a long way to go.