Oasis 16

We propose below an anticipation of the next issue of our journal Oasis (n# 16): "Transition through whom?" (January 2013). The United States of America.  Faced with the repetition throughout the world of acts of persecution, the history of the foundation of the United States of Americaand its experience in the field of the promotion of religious freedom are offered as a heritage for everyone. A good that asks to be defended against those who appear to place it at risk.

In 1945 the philosopher Jacques Maritain, pondering pluralism and democracy, acknowledged that men having diverse metaphysical or religious convictions – or even opposing ones – can come together in the practical recognition of certain common principles, but he also argued that no society can live without a fundamental shared inspiration.

The apostolic visit by Benedict XVI to Lebanon in September was an opportunity to focus on a land and a people that, by virtue of their political arrangements and the dramas of their recent history, constitute in their very essence a challenge – for good or ill – both to their neighbours and to others further afield.

Excerpts from H.H. Benedict XVI’s addresses during his Apostolic journey to Lebanon on the occasion of the signing and publication of the post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Medio Oriente (14-16 September 2012).

The Turkish Minister for European Affairs, Egemen Bağiş, explains his Turkey: its desire to enter into a European Union that does not however seem in a hurry to welcome it; its extraordinary economic development; its new role as inspirational model for those of the Arab countries which aspire to reproduce its combination of Islam with democracy.

Mali / The heavy economic and political crisis, which is the outcome of a troubled history, over the last year has been transformed into a conflict that neither the state nor the international community appears to be able to curb. And this while hate also falls on a heritage of Islamic architecture and art that is under attack by violent Islamist groups.