In my opinion, an unresolved problem in the modern world is religious intolerance. Religion can be one of the strongest motivations in people’s lives and even entire cultures. Too often religions do not teach of acceptance, but of moral supremacy and bigotry. Religious intolerance is as old as religion itself; several wars and genocides have been declared in its name. A modern example of this would be the ongoing violence between Israelis/Palestinians. Both Jews and Muslims claim a religious right to own the same lands currently located in Israel. There have been bad relations between the two peoples since ancient times, but they have been brought to a violent level in modern times because of border disputes and war. To this day there has yet to be any agreement reached between the two. Religious fundamentalists often advocate using violence as an effort to somehow further their cause, although it goes to no end. Violence occurs daily between them, and they aimlessly destroy innocent lives out of motivations that can find root in religious conflicts. The violent cycle only creates more extremists, willing to go beyond reason to seek revenge and create more violence, perpetuating the cycle that will never cease. That practice has been going on for thousands of years, but they have yet to prove effective in bringing end to any religious conflict. An alternative method of thinking for the two groups must be used, their current mindset has proved fruitless. In order to make peace, tolerance must be first taken into consideration. The violence must be ceased even before steps towards peace can be taken. Peace has been the only viable form of resolution regarding religion throughout human history. Unless tolerance, instead of violence, can be used, violence in religion will never be solved.
I agree that continued food aid is necessary for the people of many African nations. They have thrown themselves into a state of endless civil war. In order to ensure long term stability for these countries, intervention by a greater military power must be put into place. The countries have been in turmoil for so many years that they can no longer maintain themselves or their people. It is a constant state of civil war that has no visible end. If we really want to provide them long term humanitarian aid, instead of short term aid, we must do something to stabilize the governments in revolt. The few stable nations in Africa that have formed coalitions to help other nations have found that they can’t do so for extended periods of times without sacrificing their own stability. I feel that the US even has an obligation to use troops in Liberia, a country we helped found, which is now descending into total anarchy. Liberia was colonized by freed slaves from the United States in the 1820’s and became independent in 1847; it remained economically stable until the later part of the 20th century after several military coups. The US should maintain our interests and obligation to the country it once created, and step in to support it in its darkest hour. Once the US or another nation’s troops can establish a stable government in a country like Liberia, then short term humanitarian aid by the US will truly be effective, by holding the country over until it can meet its own needs. If a stable government is made, it could possibly be an example for other African nations struggling from the same problems and instability.