Syria

 I have just finished reading A Disappearance in Damascus by Deborah Campbell. It was one of those books which was difficult to put down, despite the fact I was reading it as a talking book. I kept turning it on for 15 minute intervals on and off all night as I followed the story of Deborah and her 'fixer', Oflam. The descriptions of how the Iraqi refugees lived in Syria and their fears for both themselves and loved ones at home is difficult to read. The mix of Western journalism and misunderstandings about the Arab world overlapping with the daily grind and slivers of hope the refugees had of a better existence offers an insight into how we, the privileged of this world view those whose lives are such a struggle.

I have read many books like this, some suggested to me by a friend who lived and studied peace resolution in Israel. Her experience has often tempered my thinking about the way we treat other people to justify our own ends. I never fail to be upset by the way the nation of Israel treats the Palestinians, especially considering the long reach of the Holocaust. Where does the juncture fit, why do the pieces not seem to be aligned perfectly. Yes, this is human nature. I live in a country where those of us in the majority, descended from settlers from Europe, are struggling with the demands of the 16% of the population who claim to be indigenous. They also arrived in canoes, not ships with white sails and settlers with guns. Unfortunately in this changing world they are bringing racism upon themselves. Divisions are growing between those of us who have worked for decades to ensure a safe future and are now watching it dismantled by this small number of people in a multi-cultural community. We need to work together, understand each other, and not push for dominance.