Prayer to end division in the Middle East

BY ROSALIE E. DUNBAR, NEWS EDITOR

Israel's attack on gaza in December has once again focused attention on the continuing challenges in this region. Hamas, the radical Islamist organization which currently holds power in Gaza, has been attacking southern Israel for years. While Israel's response has been criticized by some Arab groups, it isn't being condemned by moderate Arab governments, who are willing for the radical group to take a hit. Meanwhile it appears Iran's political leadership would like to see the war go on and destabilize the area.

No doubt thousands of hours have been spent trying to negotiate peace among the various groups, but it isn't easy when people feel vulnerable and afraid to trust one another. A history of hatred and desire for revenge hasn't helped either. Besides the political aspects, there is also the humanitarian side. Restrictions on the movement of people and goods in the name of security have tended to breed resentment more than cooperation.

The situation is a little easier to understand if you realize that Israel is a small country, just about the size of the state of New Jersey. It would fit comfortably into Lake Michigan. Technically, its area is 8,367 square miles, but in some places the country is only three to nine miles wide. At its longest point, Israel covers 260 miles.

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