I am in the midst of an inspiring weekend of activities centered on peace for Austrian, Yugoslavian, Bosnian and Macedonian youths. I returned from an evening event still smiling...until I learned that war had stepped to the door of a dear friend. The world is still grappling to find sustainable peace and reconciliation. Wars that we thought had ended are raging again—struggles for emancipation of minority groups that we all felt was a done deal has taken on new dimensions. Just last night, my fellow 2011 Nobel Laureate Tawakkol Karmans home was raided by militants. Never one to back down, Tawakkol swiftly updated supporters via social media. Thankfully, Tawakkol had not yet arrived home, and her family, her associates and their families are safe. So we come to the question: What is wrong with our peace efforts? Why does peace persistently elude us? The answer is simple. We continue to use fire against fire; we use violence to end violence, and rather than end conflict, it breathes new life to it. Using violence to bring peace creates more casualties, more pain, and a deeper sense of discrimination and inequality. Our efforts will always come to haunt us. Peace and reconciliation must be built on a foundation of non-violence, equality and respect. Nineteenth century American Frederick Douglas, a former slave turned anti-slavery activist, said “No man can put a chain about the ankle of his fellow man without at last finding the other end fastened about his own neck.” Violence, inequality, and all other vices contrary to peace will always come back to haunt the perpetrators. Vietnamese philosopher Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us, “The practice of peace and reconciliation is one of the most vital and artistic of human actions.” The world needs your action. Let us all deliberately develop a culture of peace one person at a time. One small act of compassion at a time.
Posted on: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 22:42:09 +0000
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