May 1991
Recent events in the Middle East have focused world attention on that troubled area in a new way. Gone are the assumptions that, if left alone, the many problems there will sort themselves out or go away; that conflict and division are endemic and, if contained, of no great account, and that nothing can be done for this historically and strategically important part of the world.
The nature and technical advances of modern warfare have changed such thinking and are leading to a reappraisal of the role that the United Nations might play in that theatre. For the first time, the possibility of a nuclear-free zone for the Middle East is receiving serious attention. Also, for the first time, a final and fair solution to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict is seen in many quarters to be of paramount importance, while a new urgency can be heard in the voices of those demanding democratic reforms.
Herein lies the challenge and the opportunity for the community of nations to address these many problems with energy and wisdom. Gone are the days when laissez-faire will suffice to keep under control the many warring factions and interests which struggle for supremacy. The international community must accept responsibility for maintaining peace and prosperity in the region, must use its new-found authority to bring to the negotiating table the representatives of the various peoples, and must guarantee the implementation of the compromise agreements which would follow serious negotiations.
Only thus will fair and lasting solutions be found and true peace restored. The time is ripe for such action. The time has come to lift for ever the dark clouds which, for many years, have menaced world peace and which, today, literally darken the sun.
To reach such agreements and implement such action will not be easy; no simple solutions stand ready to hand. Much will depend on the readiness of the various contenders to look with realism at the future prospects of the region without far-reaching changes of approach. A stark and bitter future, indeed, would follow their refusal to address the problems with wisdom and goodwill.
The time is not far off when wiser minds than those now grappling with the situation may offer Their advice. The long-withheld hand of Hierarchy may soon be extended openly in aid. With this in mind, we may look more hopefully to the future of this long-suffering portion of the world and see a new light scatter the dark clouds of hatred and war.
In recent weeks, the Master Jesus has appeared in vision to the soldiers of both warring sides, each claiming His appearance as a blessing on their cause. Soon, Maitreya Himself will appear to many and proffer His assistance. His guidance, if followed, will lead the world back to sanity and safety, and open the way for the demonstration, in the Middle East, of the rightful brotherhood of those now divided and estranged.
