SENTINEL WATCH December 17, 2007 Issue

FINDING THE 'AMAZING GRACE' IN GOVERNMENT

KEVIN G. GRAUNKE

AS I READ a column by Benazir Bhutto, "Journeying to Democracy," published as she was about to return to Pakistan, I was struck by her statement: "The forces of moderation and democracy must, and will, prevail against extremism and dictatorship. ... I will not acquiesce to tyranny, but rather lead the fight against it" (Boston Globe, October 18, 2007).

Writer Kamal Azfar has said that, to him, Bhutto is "the symbol of grace under pressure—of enlightenment, of the courage to know and to act" (Pak Tribune, October 29, 2007). As danger, violence, and unrest continue in Pakistan, Bhutto and other opposition leaders in Pakistan are playing an important role in that country's journey toward democracy. They—as well as President Pervez Musharraf—deserve the world's prayers in support of a peaceful and lasting resolution to the sharp conflict there.

Meanwhile, in Burma (Mynmar), another agitated corner of the world, monks chant the "Metta Sutta," a sutra or rule of lovingkindness, to counter worldly conflict from a spiritual basis. Their unusual protest on behalf of the people of Burma against government-sponsored tyranny demonstrates their commitment to end human suffering" ("Burma's Amazing Grace," Mizzima News, November 7, 2007).