To my fellow soldier in Christ...

A December 14 article in the New York Times entitled, "Somalia's Islamists and Ethiopia Gird for a War" (cover story) gave account of yet another element and threat of bloodshed in Africa, namely the Horn of Africa. After the take-over of Mogadishu by Islamist forces earlier this year, the city has seen relative peace when compared to the rule by its former murderous warlords. Now those same Islamists are threatening the parameters of the nation's western backed government based out of the capitol, Baidoa. Ethiopia, with its strong Christian identity, has slipped forces into Baidoa in hopes of protecting the U.N. recognized government from being removed from its post by the battle clad Islamists who, for the most part, vehemently oppose Ethiopia and the United States. General John P. Abizaid of US CENTCOM, which has responsibility for American military interests in this region, recently traveled to Ethiopia and made it clear to Ethiopia's Prime Minister Meles Zenawi that a broad military invasion of Somalia could create a humanitarian crisis across the Horn of Africa (lessons from Iraq, perhaps?), Centcom officials said. Ill regard towards American involvement in Somalia's socio-political struggles still lingers after the relief operation in the early 1990's (Black Hawk Down) as well as the recent covert operation to bolster Mogadishu's warlords in an 11th hour bid to prevent the Islamist take over. Sheik Muktar Robow Abu Monsur, the deputy security chief for the Islamists, commented, "I'll be honest. America is the best friend of Islam. It wakes up the sleeping muslim."

To my fellow soldier in Christ,
The summary of the article above is the reality of present day American foreign policy. The hand that feeds us, rocks the cradle at the same time (perhaps a little too hard). What could possibly keep a Church founded on peace and non-violence loyal to the national interests that "awaken the sleeping muslim". This Christmas eve it was announced on Aljazeera.net that Ethiopia has declared war on the Somalian Islamists. Muslims recognize the birth of Jesus, they recognize the Immaculate Conception. We recognize Emmanuel. This season many of Ethiopia's American backed national forces will recognize the entering of God into the world. Amidst all this I'm reminded of a few folk fumblings on love by Leonard Cohen, "I've seen your flag on the marble arch. Love is not a victory march. It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah." May the God of humility bring His Spirit this season to those who may most be in need of the peace that transcends all understanding.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas