Deaf to the voices of peace

Christians living in the Middle East are speaking out against western military intervention in the Syrian civil war. 

The group, convened by Jordan’s King Abdullah II, met with about 70 Middle Eastern Christians to discuss the challenges facing Arab Christians. 

“I couldn’t find a Christian leader at the conference who supported military intervention,” Tunnicliffe said in an interview. “The question is, how do you protect Christians if there’s a regime change?” 

Tunnicliffe said two Syrian pastors told him independently that Christians have received threats from those who say a regime change would mean a takeover by Islamists who would force Christians out of the country.

Christians living in western countries are calling for diplomatic solutions. It includes faith leaders across the doctrinal spectrum in the United States. The Catholic Church from Pope Francis on down are praying for constructive engagement rather than dropping bombs.

VATICAN CITY -- The Vatican is ramping up its opposition to threatened military strikes against Syria as it draws attention to Pope Francis' plans to host a day of fasting and prayer for peace this weekend. 

The Vatican has invited all ambassadors accredited to the Holy See to attend a briefing Thursday on the pope's agenda for the four-hour vigil Saturday night in St. Peter's Square, and bishops' conferences from around the world have announced plans to host local versions of the vigil as well.

None of this matters. 

WASHINGTON -- Overcoming reservations from the left, the right and the American public, a Senate committee Wednesday passed a resolution to bomb Syria in retaliation for President Bashar al-Assad's alleged use of chemical weapons. 

In a delayed markup of a resolution to authorize the use of military force, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 10 to 7, with one present, to let President Barack Obama mount a bombing campaign aimed at the Syrian regime's weapons of mass destruction for up to 90 days, albeit within a more limited scope than Obama had requested. Specifically, the committee included language that would prohibit the use of U.S. troops on the ground "for the purpose of combat operations.

Pax Americana requires a ready trigger finger. 

The UN investigation of the use of chemical weapons in Syria will not be complete for another two to three weeks. Attacking without making an attempt to go through the UN Security Council further undermines any international legitimacy.

Tension is building between the United States and Cold War rival Russia over an attack on Syria, including each side claiming to have evidence that indicts either the Assad government or anti-government rebels.

By pure coincidence, Israel just test fired its missile defense system with the help of the United States.

May God have mercy on us all.