The World of Islam In Turmoil

For the first time in living memory, the United States of America abstained in the vote which was carried by the remaining fourteen members of the Council. The refusal of the United States to exercise its veto power on this occasion infuriated Israel to no end. The United States veto power in the Security Council had hitherto emboldened Israel to defy all earlier resolutions of the Council to ensure peaceful resolution of the conflict.

Unfortunately, the Security Council resolution will not bring peace nearer as the newly elected President of the super power, the United States. has signified his intention to pursuc a pro Israeli policy in the Middle East. The omens for peace in the Palestine will be further out of sight. and perhaps may foreshadow physical or armed conflict between the parties.

The second event was the capture of Aleppo. Syria's second largest city by the combined Syrian and Russian air and land forces, with the assistance of Iran and Hezbollah.

Russia, along with Turkey and Iran. is promoting peace talks between the Syrian Government and some of the anti-Bashir al-Assad (rebel) forces Shiites in the main. The main opposition to al-Assad - mostly Shiites - are still fighting on, with the support of the United States now in doubt. So are the Daeshi- Sunni to the core- at war with Svria.

That Russia is now a dominant factor in the search for peace to end the turmoil in the Muslim Ummah can no longer be contested. On the other side of the coin are the Saudis. fighting a proxy war in Yemen.

In the final analysis, it is only Saudi Arab, leading the Sunni, and Iran leading the Shite, who can end the feud between the Sunni and the Shiite in the Muslim world, and suppress their rivalry for political supremacy in the Middle East.

Ultimately, Power belongs to Allah. (Surah 3, vv 26 - 27).

It is my hope that this little effort may contribute to peace in this troubled world.