A Culture of Peace

It amazes me how amid the wars in the world, a culture of peace still prevails. Perhaps we may never achieve a total world peace, but there are surely regional peace that can make people proud.

Yesterday, countries of the African Union came to Zimbabwe to help its neighbor in its internal problems. Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe has finally signed a power-sharing deal with Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai. It is a historic moment that was pushed and witnessed by Zimbabwe's neighboring countries. South Africa President Thabo Mbeki himself mediated the talks that has long been stalled due to violence. It was a celebration for Zimbabwe and for Africa.

Today, South American leaders converged in Chile to discuss the problems of Bolivia. All expressed their support for Bolivian President Evo Morales, who faces a divided country. Bolivia's neighbors hastily called a summit to discuss how they can help the nation achieve peace and order. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez expressed an all-out support for his dear friend. The conflict has not ended, but the meeting of several presidents of South America is a clear sign that they all want peace.

Over in the European Union, amid the on-going war between Georgia and Russia, European nations have repeatedly urged Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to stop the conflict in Georgia. The nations, currently chaired by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, have also discussed the issue with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili. Members of the European Union wanted not a repeat of the Cold War, but a lasting peace in that side of the globe.

And here in Asia, a culture of peace has not gone down the drain. Although there is still not a clear stand, members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have demanded Myanmar to release democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been detained for several years now. The ASEAN also has interferred in the looming war between Thailand and Cambodia over a border dispute a few months ago.

Amid wars and violence in almost all parts of the world, the desire for peace and the desire to help has not faded. And that makes me smile. The world may have a lot of disagreements, but the culture of helping other countries remains. Whether it is a time of war or a time of disaster, nations from all over offered to help, whether financially or just by sending a small number of troops or rescue workers (like what the Philippines always does).

It is good to know that the world is after all not that cruel.



*photo from: www.globalprocessinstitute.org/Images/Peace%20On%20Earth.jpg