Mere Light

Continued Problems in US Foreign Policy

2011-12-31T09:08:00.000-05:00

Continued Problems in US Foreign Policy

Iran and Nuclear Weapons

2011-11-10T02:29:00.001-05:00

On Tuesday, November 8, 2011 the “New York Times ran a piece reporting on The long-awaited report, [of the] International Atomic Energy Agency noting it to be the harshest judgment that the agency has ever issued in its decade-long struggle to pierce the secrecy surrounding the Iranian program.” The report from United Nations weapons inspectors inside what the Times calls “a trove of new

9/11: 10 Years After

2011-09-14T19:15:00.000-04:00

9/11: 10 Years After

Wisdom Thinkers reflect on 9/11: Ten years after

2011-08-26T07:35:00.000-04:00

is an international network of peace seekers, many at the top of their fields, committed to world change arising from the common ground of perennial wisdom found in the stories of sacred and secular tradition. In recent years, good efforts have been made to advance the cause of peace through dialogue, but as time passes, the concept of bound communities talking across lines of separation is an

Clerical pedophilia – The next step

2011-06-22T07:43:00.000-04:00

Clerical pedophilia – The next stepThese horrors of abuse continue to haunt us with no signs of abating. But is the world of legal settlements sufficient to rescue us from our collective suffering? Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/308210

Clerical pedophilia – The next step

2011-06-21T23:13:00.000-04:00

Clerical pedophilia – The next step

The staunch refusal of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

2011-06-01T08:53:00.000-04:00

The staunch refusal of His Holiness the Dalai LamaAn article about democracy movements

Strauss-Kahn: Private lives, public responsibility

2011-05-18T02:08:00.000-04:00

Strauss-Kahn: Private lives, public responsibility

Nazis and German Catholics and Lutherans

2011-04-22T18:32:00.000-04:00

Nazis and German Catholics and LutheransAn article about Christian martyrs in Nazi Germany, and Catholic-Lutheran relations

Is it possible to live with a clear conscience

2011-04-20T16:44:00.000-04:00

Quora is a forum for questions and answersHere is a response I gave to a member who asked:Is it possible to live with a clear conscience in a modern industrial society?Yes it is possible, but extremely difficult.Attaining this status is done one decision at a time, thousands of times a day, every day, all day. Eventually it will need to be pursued even in sleep.The continuous and

Is it possible to live with a clear conscience

2011-04-20T16:43:00.000-04:00

Two State Solution

2011-04-20T13:42:00.001-04:00

Quora is a forum for questions and answersHere is my response to a member asking about the "two-state solution."If the two state solution is dead, what is the future for Palestinians?The Palestine Papers indicate that the Israeli government refused huge concessions. Does that mean that they believe they can inch the Palestinians out, one settlement at a time?Answer SummaryThe pursuit of two

Bibles released in Malaysia

2011-04-09T20:31:00.001-04:00

Bibles released in MalaysiaThe government of Malaysia confirmed Saturday that the proposed 10-point solution has paved successfully the way for the release of the 35,100 Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia, which were impounded in Port Klang and Kuching. While attracting relatively little attention worldwide, Malaysia has been wrestling with a matter of global significance now in its third year.

Religion and the exploitation of religion in Cote D'Ivoire

2011-03-31T00:17:00.000-04:00

Religion and the exploitation of religion in Cote D'IvoireThe horrific violence in Ivory Coast, stemming from Laurent Gbagbo's gross violation of election results, is degenerating into sectarian conflict involving religious identities of Ivorians typically divided north and south. Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/305222#ixzz1I9C4rOEB

The problem with attacking Libya

2011-03-22T00:56:00.000-04:00

Op-Ed: The problem with attacking LibyaPublished today in Digital Journal

Christmas sermons of Pope Benedict and Archbishop Rowan Williams

2010-12-26T16:52:00.000-05:00

Christmas sermons of Pope Benedict and Archbishop Rowan Williams

Wikileaks and the Balance of Political Principles

2010-12-05T22:43:00.000-05:00

Wikileaks and the Balance of Political Principles

Julian Assange and Wikileaks: What is lost, what is gained

2010-12-04T11:26:00.000-05:00

Julian Assange and Wikileaks: What is lost, what is gained

The Catholic Synod statement on Israeli settlements

2010-11-11T11:28:00.000-05:00

The Catholic Synod statement on Israeli settlements

Materialism and genetics

2010-11-01T11:26:00.000-04:00

Materialism and geneticsThis article is about genetic research, its potential good and potential danger

Opinion: Juan Williams, Vivian Schiller, and Suicide Bombers

2010-10-25T05:47:00.000-04:00

Opinion: Juan Williams, Vivian Schiller, and Suicide Bombers

Saudi King, Ahmadinejad Talk Politics on Phone 12/10/2010 « Values Forum of New World Encyclopedia

2010-10-13T12:57:00.000-04:00

Saudi King, Ahmadinejad Talk Politics on Phone 12/10/2010 « Values Forum of New World Encyclopedia

Values voters see common cause, if not agenda, with Tea Party - Values Forum of New World Encyclopedia

2010-09-23T08:35:00.000-04:00

Values voters see common cause, if not agenda, with Tea Party - Values Forum of New World Encyclopedia

Interpol worried about spike in extremist websites Â« Values Forum of New World Encyclopedia

2010-09-23T06:18:00.000-04:00

Interpol worried about spike in extremist websites - Values Forum of New World Encyclopedia

Opinion: Israel and Palestine: Talks going well. Do not expect peace

2010-09-17T08:42:00.000-04:00

Opinion: Israel and Palestine: Talks going well. Do not expect peace

Is it Christian to burn the Qu'ran

2010-09-09T15:15:00.000-04:00

Is it Christian to burn the Qu'ran

The Mosque at Ground Zero - New York Church & State | Examiner.com

2010-08-20T02:38:00.000-04:00

The Mosque at Ground Zero - New York Church & State | Examiner.com

Opinion: Concrete barrier removed in Jerusalem

2010-08-15T21:24:00.000-04:00

Opinion: Concrete barrier removed in Jerusalem

The Values in Knowlege Foundation

2010-08-15T09:52:00.001-04:00

Values in Knowledge FoundationOn August 10, 2010 the State of New York granted incorporation to the Values in Knowledge Foundation.We are very excited for the official launch of this project.Please visit the site as we begin the important work of the foundation.Thank you

Netanyahu: Conversion laws and direct talks

2010-07-18T10:26:00.000-04:00

Netanyahu: Conversion laws and direct talksPublish Post

Jain Saint Ascends

2010-06-22T01:02:00.000-04:00

Jain Saint Ascends

NY Church State Examiner Receives International Peace Award

2010-06-10T21:05:00.000-04:00

NY Church State Examiner Receives International Peace Award

The only viable strategy for the Vatican

2010-04-07T15:02:00.003-04:00

The only viable strategy for the VaticanPosted using ShareThis

Obama's Team and a New US Middle East Policy

2010-01-09T10:10:00.001-05:00

Obama's Team and a New US Middle East PolicyPosted using ShareThis

The Church, Sex Abuse Legislation, Robocalls, and a Lawsuit

2009-12-28T15:54:00.001-05:00

The Church, Sex Abuse Legislation, Robocalls, and a LawsuitPosted using ShareThis

Muslims and the Law

2009-12-19T18:09:00.001-05:00

Muslims and the LawPosted using ShareThis

The Melbourne Parliament: A question of relevance

2009-12-16T07:06:00.001-05:00

The Melbourne Parliament: A question of relevancePosted using ShareThis

Climategate: The 5th Plague

2009-12-04T12:21:00.001-05:00

Climategate: The 5th PlaguePosted using ShareThis

Rain and flu challenge Mecca pilgrims - AP gets it right

2009-11-25T14:47:00.001-05:00

Rain and flu challenge Mecca pilgrims - AP gets it rightPosted using ShareThis

Where in our lives does religion belong?

2009-11-24T18:52:00.002-05:00

Religion is a dicey subject. Along with politics it is known to be one of the two big no no's when trying to keep dinner conversation peaceful and civil.For most, the word religion means buildings (churches, temples, and mosques), beliefs, books (like the Bible, the Qur'an or the Baghavad Gita), the occasional person or two (like the Pope, or the Dalai Lama), and the rare and occasional saint

Belief and Charity, Rough Times Ahead

2009-11-15T23:36:00.004-05:00

We humans are both physical and spiritual. Ideally these should function happily in harmony. Often they don't. This war waged within is eloquently described by many religious greats through the ages, the apostle Paul in Romans 7:23 ("another law at work in my members ... making me a prisoner"), the Sakyamuni in verse 1 of The Dhammapada ("the wheel of the wagon follows the

Papal Cynicism

2009-11-11T23:44:00.001-05:00

On October 20, Pope Benedict XVI approved a plan wherein the Pope will issue an apostolic constitution, a form of papal decree, that will lead to the creation of "personal ordinariates" for Anglicans who convert to Rome.John Hooper of the UK Guardian reports:More than half a million Anglicans are set to join the Roman Catholic church following an announcement from the Vatican today that Pope

2009-11-11T19:35:00.002-05:00

This paper was created by commission to be presented at the:The Fifth Global Forum on Human SettlementsWater and Human Settlements in the 21st CenturyNovember 8 – 9, 2009,Wuxi, ChinaUnseen Causes in Danger to Water, Untapped Resources for the Protection of WaterNovember, 2009Many may think, “Ah Wuxi, a perfect place for such a conference, because China is a place with severe water resource

United Nations Speech Announcement

2009-07-22T11:56:00.000-04:00

Counter-Terrorism and International Organizations July 22, 2009 • 4:00 PM ~ 6:00 PMHardin Room • 777 UN Plaza, New York, NYHow the Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee is working to bolster MemberStates ability to prevent terrorist actsAhmed El-DawlaParticipating in his personal capacity, Judge on LeaveCan Religions Help Counter Terrorism?Frank KaufmannExecutive Director,

Obama in Cairo - Reactions

2009-06-14T08:35:00.000-04:00

President Obama's speech at Cairo University June 4 was important.A great amount of analysis already has transpired.Analysis also will appear in this space following the forthcoming major foreign policy address tomorrow from Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. He will speak at Bar-Ilan University.Observant readers will see immediately the challenges faced by politicians, and by anyone with

Politics and substance in the Sotomayor nomination

2009-05-31T23:49:00.001-04:00

byFrank KaufmannMay 31, 2009We are moving toward a just society.Not because we are seeing things in the moment grow increasingly just, but because the instruments necessary for justice are gradually falling into place.Injustice is possible under conditions of imbalance of power, and under conditions of shadow and secrecy.The communications revolution (spawned by the popular use of internet

Hillary's visit to Indonesia: Islam is a religion

2009-02-21T14:05:00.002-05:00

Newy York, NY, United States,Indonesia was the second nation, after Japan, visited by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on her first overseas mission for the Obama administration. This was brilliant and correct. There is broad consensus within foreign policy circles that the Asia rim poses the most complex challenges for the Obama administration. Clinton, quite properly and naturally, had a

Stimulus Counter Proposal

2009-02-20T06:32:00.000-05:00

This morning a friend (a political professional) called:"Excellent article Frank. I fully agree with the critique you laid out vis a vis the process that led up to passing the current stimulus package. But I must ask, what is your counter proposal?"I responded that I did in fact have one, but my ignorance of the technical aspects of political life made me reluctant to put it forth.He encouraged

Stimulus Package - Not a Victory

2009-02-15T17:47:00.002-05:00

Only by partisan and non-progressive standards can the preliminary passing of this week's stimulus package be called a "victory" for the new Obama administration.Both the political process and its analysis and commentary in the media were a feast for the demons of politics as usual.Since 1992, (save the forces and advantages of incumbency), Americans have lurched to and fro voting through a fog

Be Good and Grow Rich: Reversing the Economic Meltdown

2008-12-26T18:35:00.001-05:00

Frank Kaufmann December 23, 2008 "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." Albert Einstein Why is it that suddenly everyone seems lost. Only weeks ago, the pantheon of cable news finance wizards flooded our lives around the clock with pride, bluster, and "expertise." And while

India terror aftermath - Greater integration needed

2008-11-29T12:45:00.003-05:00

This morning's AP headline reads "Pakistan U-turns on sending spy chief to India." Three links down on the Google "news page," its collection of links is the Hollywood Today headline: "Mumbai Massacre Now Linked to Pakistan: War to Follow?" making it clear that those who generate current world problems are not merely the lawless and conscience-less villains at the extremes, but rather that our

The Natural and Effective Response to Poverty

2008-11-21T05:34:00.000-05:00

1. What is poverty from a theological point of view? If one hopes or presumes to address this wellspring of human indignity, the first and most important task is to establish one's theological assumptions regarding the nature of poverty. Is poverty the will of God? Is it a "natural evil" (like predation in nature for example)? Is it a curse or a punishment? Is it curable? Or are the demands

Interreligious reception at the American Academy of Religion conference

2008-11-03T15:08:00.004-05:00

Please read about the recent panel and reception held by the Inter Religious Federation for World Peace, and the New World Encyclopedia at the annual conference of the American Academy of Religion.

New World Encyclopedia and Inter Religious Federaton - Meeting in Chicago

2008-10-31T15:28:00.001-04:00

For 20 years the IRFWP has offered an evening of stimulating and relevant intellectual reflection on the eve of the annual conference of the American Academy of Religion

Beyond the Meltdown - Part 1

2008-10-16T13:09:00.001-04:00

Part 1 of a 3 part series:Part 1 Unity and division in the pursuit of solutionsThe current economic crisis is showing no signs of going away. Already drastic measures have been taken, only to be met with erratic lurches and increased global contagion. There is plenty of blame to go around, and the willingness of many to be divisive at this juncture is harmful to all. These divisions harm chances

Balanced analysis of the economic crisis

2008-09-30T12:36:00.000-04:00

There is a vote McCain video (<-- click) in circulation that offers careful research to show that the current economic crisis is caused by Democrats and the history of finance and legislation designed to "provide housing for the poor." My friend and colleague Gordon L. Anderson, Ph.D., author of Philosophy of the United States: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, responded to the

Conflict Tests Ties Between the Georgian and Russian Orthodox Churches

2008-09-07T12:03:00.000-04:00

On September 6, 2008, on page A5 of the New York edition of the New York Times this article (<-- click) "Conflict Tests Ties Between the Georgian and Russian Orthodox Churches," by Sophia Kishkovsky appeared. In it Kishkovsky explains the struggle and sorrow experienced by Orthodox leaders of the two respective Churches over the recent military aggression between the Russia and Georgia. “Today,

Getting Better the Hard Way

2008-08-20T09:05:00.001-04:00

Religious people know that God (by whatever name) is greater than the evil of which we as a race are capable. They know that the love of God is such that our positive welfare is sought more than arbitrary punishment for our misdeeds. The combination of God's perfect love and power with with responsiveness from the faithful produce a fascinating reality, a reality that benefits everyone, not

Olmert resigns, peace at hand

2008-08-01T15:37:00.004-04:00

Bank Closing this September, Put your money herebyFrank KaufmannI published several articles urging readers to suspend emotional attachment to or even interest in peace language and promises from Olmert, Abbas, and Bush administration representatives. Each for their own (many) reasons represents zero chance to effect peace. The US is at perilous juncture with its status and international

AIDS, Medicine, and Morals

2008-07-05T23:19:00.001-04:00

This article first appeared in Mission Herald, the denominational newspaper of the National Baptist Convention What about AIDS has to do with being Christian? Much. Healing, sexual morality, and compassion, are but a few points of overlap. The other area appropriate for Christians trying to form a proper, personal and communal response to AIDS is the Christian obligation to have a wise and

Karmapa in America '08

2008-05-19T16:01:00.004-04:00

On Saturday, May 17, 2008 I was greatly blessed to attend together with my family the discourse of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, head of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.Here is the report on this day, that appears on the website of His Holiness:Today, American Buddhism saw yet another historic occasion revealed, as His Holiness the Seventeenth Gyalwang Karmapa,

Belief and Charity in a World of Religions

2008-05-14T11:54:00.004-04:00

This article appears in this month's issue of the Mission Herald, the denominational newspaper of the national baptist convention.It speaks particularly to Christian believers, but the essential truths regarding strong personal and particular faith and interfaith consciousness can apply universally for believers of all faiths.Belief and Charity in a World of ReligionsbyFrank KaufmannNo one ever

Recent interfaith history, and the persistence of religion and faith

2008-04-08T16:06:00.003-04:00

Interfaith as an ideal and as an activity now abounds. Very few in the world will admit they do not affirm peaceful and collaborative relations among religions and believers from different traditions. This current expanse of interfaith consciousness has been evolving and maturing for approximately 40 years since the 1970's. The elder statesmen of the interfaith pantheon coincided with the spirit

The appeal of "radical Islam"

2008-03-10T11:05:00.000-04:00

An important article appears today in The Times of India entitled "Young Muslims in UK attracted to radical Islam." The unfortunate reality is described plainly in the headline, but the article fails to unpack the implications of two key elements concealed in the very words of the writer himself.The first clue appears in paragraph one: Young Muslims in Britain are increasingly getting inclined

Danish Foreign Ministry Errs

2008-02-17T05:39:00.000-05:00

The ten members of the Danish parliament's Foreign Policy Committee, including Denmark's former foreign minister Mogens Lykketoft, erred when they canceled a trip to Iran two days prior to scheduled meetings. The purpose of the trip was to meet with members of the Iranian Parliament as well as to look into such issues as the country's human rights and uranium enrichment.During this same time

Bush Middle East Tour: No sadly, not a joke

2008-01-21T11:00:00.000-05:00

The founder and board chairman of one of America's largest restaurant chains sitting beside me on a NY bound jet was fascinated to learn of my work for religion and peace on the international level. "What do you think of Bush's trip to the Middle East? I mean I voted for the guy, but it's a joke isn't it?" "Don't expect progress from this tour," was my answer. The first and main reason to

Turkey should lift head scarf ban

2008-01-17T13:27:00.001-05:00

Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is pushing to lift Turkey's "headscarf ban" that forbids the wearing of Muslim head scarves in universities and public offices.This is not merely and purely an issue of religious freedom. It is also the wedge and icon of the decades long power battle between "the generals" and elected governments in Turkey.In addition to plain fights over power, there

2008-01-09T09:59:00.000-05:00

Watching New HampshireNew Hampshire, the granite state, is the first on the calendar of the United States to hold party primaries. NY Senator Hillary Clinton edged over Illinois Senator Barack Obama by 3 percentage points 39 - 36. Former North Carolina Senator Edwards came a distant 3rd with 17% of his party's vote. On the Republican side it was McCain 37%, Romney 32, and Huckabee 11. Both

2007-12-09T09:58:00.001-05:00

Excerpts from Mitt Romney's 'Faith in America' SpeechMitt Romney's speech does NOT work on a number of important fronts.Follows is a point by point response to excerpts from the Romney "Religion speech" earlier this week:clipped from pewforum.org"Given our grand tradition of religious tolerance and liberty, some

2007-07-16T13:17:00.001-04:00

Commentary on LeavesDear FriendsRecent demands have interfered with my steady production of editorial length commentary.Presently my reportage and commentary is to be found onLeavesandThe web presence of the Inter Religious Federation for World PeacePlease visit these sites frequently.Thank you as always for your constant support and encouragementFrank K

2007-02-13T09:51:00.000-05:00

A deal for North Korean denuclearization by Frank KaufmannResolving differences and removing tension and conflict is always good. It must be genuine of course, and cannot be sought for or declared carelessly or naively, for each breach of trust in the pursuit of harmony makes the next try fraught with all the more struggles. At times the seeming breach of agreement can come from misunderstanding,

2007-01-15T13:36:00.000-05:00

Planning Ahead by Frank Kaufmann16 Asian nations just signed the Cebu Declaration on Energy Security, (in the Philippines). Signatories to the Cebu Declaration on Energy Security pledged their support on ensuring the security of energy supplies in the Asian region and to work together to find alternatives to fossil fuels. On December 1 in the New York Times and wildly reprinted everywhere, Thomas

2007-01-10T14:56:00.000-05:00

How Congress may block a troop 'surge' | csmonitor.com

2006-12-19T09:51:00.000-05:00

Changing course in Iraqby Frank Kaufmann December 19, 2006 The Bush campaign in Iraq was defeated on November 7, 2006. At the end of the day 17% per cent of Americans stand with the president in pursuit of an imaginary "victory in Iraq" (see whitehouse.gov). On November 7, 2006 Republicans garnered not one Senate, House or gubernatorial seat from Democrats. Not even one, suffering massive,

How to Win this Election

2006-10-29T11:51:00.000-05:00

By Frank KaufmannAmericans are coming up to an extremely important election for many reasons.No matter what anyone says, this election is about three things, in this order:1. The Iraq War2. Political power in the entrenched 2 party system in the US3. Long term spoils and domestic national direction, especially as it affects the judiciary.In a great many ways, America's two parties have become

What to do with the Amish schoolhouse?

2006-10-09T10:56:00.000-04:00

by Frank KaufmannJeff Gammange and his colleagues in The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote fairly in the article "Tragedy scene: What to do? Some Amish would burn the school. It's a familiar issue." The ways of the Amish are perhaps the only shining light in the phenomenally horrid spate of news of the moment, nuclear tests, poisoning of Iraqi police at Iftar, Foley's tragic immorality, and more.

2006-09-19T11:30:00.000-04:00

The Holy Father Should Apologize. Muslims Should Refrain from ProtestBy Frank KaufmannThe problem arising from Pope Benedict XVI's Regensburg speech is deeply serious, perhaps far more than people grasp on the face of what we know through the news.The present situation is this: The academic address of The Holy Father Benedict XVI to the faculty at his alma mater in Regensburg is tragic beyond

2006-09-09T17:52:00.000-04:00

Religions as Conscience: The Interfaith Imperative by Frank KaufmannThis essay was delivered at the The Convergence of Science and Spirituality ConferenceGreat Hall, Iliff School of Theology - September 09, 2006 AbstractThe evolution of interfaith consciousness in the modern period is rapid and promising. Progress notwithstanding, pioneers in the field have yet to intuit an endgame sufficient to

2006-08-18T01:49:00.000-04:00

The Deficiency of UNSC Resolution 1701People of conscience, good will, and humane sensibilities stood aghast to see our race drawn into full scale war lasting over a month in July and August of this year! The excruciatingly slow to write and pass UNSC Resolution 1701 is insular in its premise, cosmetic in its intention, and fragile in its design. It is built on self-interest, namely the very

2006-07-31T01:02:00.000-04:00

Israel, Lebanon, and the Middle East: Problem of IntelligenceFrank Kaufmann, July 30, 2006The situation in the Middle East has spun out of control. Analysts and so –called experts cannot see a way beyond the ever intensifying horrors. William Kristol, our generation’s most eloquent and greatest lover of war, said this morning “Iran and Hezbollah have won this battle…” Lost and morose, Kristol

2006-07-19T16:10:00.000-04:00

ISRAEL, LEBANON: The Escalation of Conflict in a New WorldFrank KaufmannJuly 19, 2006Israel bombing Lebanon is serious. (Many argue Israel was left with no choice.) Incursion into Gaza and the West Bank is a sovereignty-oddity that withstands the ascription international war. Bombing Lebanon does not.Military engagement in both Gaza and Lebanon purportedly stemmed from the kidnapping of Israeli

2006-07-05T17:21:00.000-04:00

Beyond Gilad ShalitFrank KaufmannJuly 5, 2006The abduction of Gilad Shalit has as much to do with Palestinian rivalries as it does to do with the Palestinian struggle against Israel. The Hamas – Fatah clash is linked in ways to the thankless marriage of Abbas with a Hamas Cabinet. Added to that is the fact that substantial disunity exists within both Fatah and Hamas in Gaza (each embracing

2006-03-24T17:46:00.000-05:00

Karzai Must Take a Standby Frank KaufmannPresident Karzai is in a terrible situation. He has no easy way out of the looming beheading of Christian convert Abdul Rahman. Karzai's decision will affect not just Afghanistan and his own political future. It also will have huge impact on the exorbitant foreign policy gamble perpetrated by the Bush administration.Our 200 Billion dollar effort at

2005-12-22T10:06:00.000-05:00

Iraq's election result: a divided nationBy Patrick CockburnPublished: 21 December 2005Reprinted from The IndependantIraq is disintegrating. The first results from the parliamentary election last week show the country is dividing between Shia, Sunni and Kurdish regions.Religious fundamentalists now have the upper hand. The secular and nationalist candidate backed by the US and Britain was

2005-10-24T11:22:00.000-04:00

American debacleBy Zbigniew BrzezinskiLA TIMES October 9, 2005Some 60 years ago Arnold Toynbee concluded, in his monumental "Study of History," that the ultimate cause of imperial collapse was "suicidal statecraft." Sadly for George W. Bush's place in history and - much more important - ominously for America's future, that adroit phrase increasingly seems applicable to the policies pursued by

2005-09-01T19:09:00.000-04:00

Dialogue and Alliance 19-1This is the first half of the introduction to the forthcoming Dialogue and Alliance. I left out the article summaries that naturally fill out an issue introduction.Dialogue and Alliance 19-1Introduction The past 50 years or so can be described as the modern period of interreligious dialogue. During this time, interfaith activity matured into a world of ever-greater

2005-08-31T08:56:00.000-04:00

This is Fukuyama's Analysis of the Bush WarThis first appeared in the New York Times--------------------------------------------------------------------------------August 31, 2005Invasion of the IsolationistsBy FRANCIS FUKUYAMAWashingtonAS we mark four years since Sept. 11, 2001, one way to organize a review of what has happened in American foreign policy since that terrible day is with a

2005-08-23T11:15:00.000-04:00

The Future of ReligionRichard RortyGianni VattimoEdited by Santiago ZabalaNew York: Columbia University Press, 2005 91 pagesReviewed by Frank KaufmannThe Future of Religion is an outstanding and important work. The editor, Santiago Zabala studied under Gianni Vattimo, and is now a researcher at the Pontifical Lateran University. His published work has tended to revolve around his teacher,

2005-07-17T11:47:00.000-04:00

Thank Allah for Tony BlairIf Mr. Blair can stay the course he set in response to the deplorable London bombings, and if the people whom he calls as partners can rise to meet the challenge, what is called Muslim terrorism will end.Mr. Blair offers the first intelligent response from a major Western leader to what is called Muslim terrorism. Mr. Blair’s clear and balanced 4 point plan introduced in

2005-06-21T21:51:00.000-04:00

The Democrat crusade for irrelevanceGas hit sixty dollars a barrel today. Iraq fatalities and casualties drip daily into the sandstone of citizen confidence. Rogue states own and build nuclear weapons with impunity, and the Democrats nobly and fiercely joust at the windmill named John Bolton.The United Nations lies crippled under a pathetic scandal of simple greed and graft, which spread like

2005-06-14T20:52:00.000-04:00

Only radical change can save the European UnionEurope is a land of conflict grounded in religious difference. August Prize winner, Sweden’s Per Olov Enquist notes that “half of Europe’s wars, from the Monophystic struggles in the Roman Empire… to the German Empires’ cultural battles in the 19th Century, had arisen from some sort of theological strife, and since the church was a state institution,

2005-05-21T19:24:00.000-04:00

War, Journalists, and Cultural BlundersBy Frank KaufmannSpecial to World Peace Herald Published May 21, 2005 NEW YORK -- The near thorough removal of all communications boundaries in our contemporary world is literally unprecedented. Incendiary Arabic language sermons quickly circulate among American conservatives, and insults to Islam are heard instantly in remote cities and villages from

2005-05-10T10:43:00.000-04:00

Kill People, Break Things, Hug ChildrenThere are seven areas of great political interest at this time, Afghanistan, Iraq, Ukraine, Lebanon, Palestine, Taiwan, and Korea.The similar cases have strong differences and unique aspects. Still three basic groupings are evident: 1. Afghanistan and Iraq, 2. Ukraine, Lebanon, and Palestine, and 3. Korea and Taiwan.Afghanistan and Iraq are countries

2005-02-10T08:28:00.000-05:00

A Time for Vigilance Not AmnesiaSharm el Sheik Frank KaufmannDirector, Office of Interreligious Relations, IIFWPDirector, Middle East Peace Initiative, IIFWPcontact irfwp@myway.comFebruary 9, 2005Political processes, truces, ceasefires, roadmaps, and other symbols and contracts for peace are fragile and have a habit of breaking down. Witness the aftermath of the “roadmap,” and the birth of the

2005-01-01T20:12:00.000-05:00

Worldwide Call to Prayer The Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace, Office of Interreligious Relations Affected Area Our family has suffered a terrible blow, this time in Southeast Asia and stretching right the way across to Somalia on Africa’s eastern coast. Confirmed deaths exceed 124,000 with 1,000s still unaccounted for, and millions remain homeless. Reports are

2004-12-16T19:14:00.000-05:00

IIFWP's Methodology for Peace and Its Application By Frank Kaufmann December 12, 2004 IIFWP identifies two core principles as requisite for the effective pursuit of peace. These are "living for the sake of others", and "life without boundaries." These concepts carry a great danger of misunderstanding, which could slow down or impede our peace efforts. Why? It is because people use terms

2004-11-22T07:13:00.000-05:00

The Reception of the Inter Religious Federation for World Peace at the 2004 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Religion in San Antonio Scholars of Religion were treated this week to time in the lovely city of San Antonio. The AAR continues its superior tradition of conference organization, and the town showed itself to be exceptionally well suited to host the 1000’s of guests in

2004-10-25T21:22:00.000-04:00

The Middle East Peace Initiative (MEPI) of the Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace (IIFWP) and the Interreligious and International Peace Council By Frank Kaufmann The Middle East Peace Initiative (MEPI) of the IIFWP and the IIPC is rooted in the theological and philosophical worldview and lived commitments of Sun Myung Moon and his associates. The MEPI of the IIFWP

2004-10-22T12:06:00.000-04:00

Our Mission in the Political Season Frank Kaufmann October 21, 2004 Just days remain before we choose who will lead us and who will represent our great nation at home and to the world for the next four years. This decision is monumental, not just for America, but for the world. Today’s America has an historically unprecedented degree of power that ultimately will affect the life of every

2004-10-02T21:23:00.000-04:00

Peace and the Future of PoliticsFrank KaufmannOctober 2, 2004This panel is designed to have writers and speakers do something new for the sake of peace. We are called to analyze peace efforts so as to bridge visions, proposals and activities coming from religion and civil society with the world of political power. Peace activists and spiritual leaders often blame politicians for war and