Pearson said that in the 1950s, but it was a prophetic statement that comes to mind with the war in Lebanon, Iraq, and now, the foiled terrorist plot in Heathrow all competing for television space. The last words in Huntington’s book was a warning that the futures of both peace and civilization will depend upon understanding and cooperation among the political, spiritual and intellectual leaders of the world’s major civilizations. "In the emerging era clashes of civilizations are the greatest threat to world peace and an international order based on civilizations is the surest safeguard against world war."
Well, that prophecy is happening now and unless we heed those words, then we must be ready for the worst. And what a pity it will be if given this foreknowledge we continue to ignore Pearson’s sound advice. In small ways, the Philippines has contributed to these efforts for peaceful coexistence. Indeed, the majority part, the Lakas-CMD, as far as I know, is the only political party which houses both Muslims and Christians. Speaker Jose de Venecia who co-chairs the party with President GMA is well known in circles around the world, as a plugger for a ‘dialogue of civilizations’. It must be said, too, that the Lakas-CMD Party Platform for Charter change is driven by the same objective. Federalism, one of the three objectives of Charter change, is seen by Muslims and Christians in Mindanao as the way to peace. By acknowledging their right to their religion and culture, Filipino Muslims will have no cause or reason to fight or secede. In ADCOM’s sorties around the country, the biggest crowds and applause came from Mindanao. I will never forget the standing ovation we were given in Marawi City.
Ironically, as it now appears, according to British officials, the foiled terrorist plot at Heathrow is remarkably similar to a plot hatched in Manila in 1995 by Ramzi Yousef who is now in jail for life in the US. It was discovered then that liquid explosives would be used and detonated simultaneously in 12 American airliners while in mid-flight.
Indonesia’s President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said: "This war must stop now, or it will radicalize the Muslim world, even those of us who are moderate today. It is just one step from there to a clash of civilizations." Indonesia is home to the largest Muslim population. It may be a coincidence but the largest peace march since before the Iraq invasion is expected was planned today on Downing Street to demand that Tony Blair call for an unconditional ceasefire in the Middle East.
The British are among the most vociferous critics of American policy in that region. Rightly or wrongly, it is held by many in the United Kingdom that President Bush and his neo-cons can halt the war if they wanted to.
An interesting front page of The Independent was held up in a recent ANC talk show with almost the entire world symbolized by their countries’ national flags for immediate cessation and only two, the UK and the US against. Not surprisingly, the focus of the radicals’ assault would be the two countries.
"The foundation would like to ask you to exercise your jurisdiction according to articles 13 and 15 of the Statutes of the International Criminal Court to investigate the massacre that was perpetrated, supervised and planned by the Prime Minister of Israel, the Israeli Defence Minister and the Israeli forces’ Chief of Staff."
The International Criminal Court said it had received several appeals concerning Lebanon but it did not have jurisdiction to act. "The court’s jurisdiction is limited to crimes committed by nationals of member states or crimes committed on territories of member states. Neither Lebanon nor Israel are member states of the court," said Christian Palme, spokesperson for the ICC chief prosecutor.