Al-Rahi: Some Countries Exploited Arab Spring Demos, Encouraged Violence
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi said on Wednesday that Arab Spring demonstrations are legal means for people to demand their political, social and economical rights, but these protests were hijacked and turned into violent conflicts.
In a speech he gave during the General Bishops Synod in Rome, al-Rahi explained that “some countries took advantage of ongoing protests and supported one side or another with money and arms, encouraging violence and triggering wars in these nations”.
"What could have been settled in diplomatic efforts has now been transformed into sectarian conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Egypt,” al-Rahi added.
Al-Rahi rejected attacks on Christians in the Arab world saying that if this regional minority applied what came in Pope Benedict's speeches in Lebanon and in the Apostolic Exhortation, it would result in a “Christian Spring” and hence, a true “Arab Spring”.
over 11 years
How do you protest peacefully if the other party is killing you? You have to defend yourself! Where in the middle east can one protest peacfully without being attacked?
over 11 years
As a Maronite, I'm embarrassed and annoyed by his comments.
over 11 years
History has shown that no Dictator leaves without a fight.. diplomatic solution??... funny...
choose your words wisely and set an example for other religious leaders in Lebanon..dont meddle in politics...it wont do you any good.
over 11 years
lol...did they leave without a fight?
weren't the people beaten? abused? tortured?
over 11 years
and the people in syria gave Asad many chances to leave peacefully..
First, Musti Qabbani. And now Patriarch al-Rai? March 14, what the heck are you guys and dolls doing? Are you sitting with your arms crossed instead of having them raised to the Almighty and praying that God expedite his strike on the enemies of the lovers of democracy, freedom and more importantly of life? Guys, dolls, GET TOGETHER ASAP and do something before it is TOO DAMN LATE. Did you read me well? Get your acts together, warriors and 3ALEHOM NOW. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. TIME IS RUNNING OUT, WARRIORS.