This Week in the Middle East

Prayer is one of the common aspects of all religions. The form and verbal content of prayer may be different in some cases. Sufi Definition of prayer: Prayer is one of the ways of spiritual interaction with God. Prayer is an expression of love to return to God. "Prayer" is the essence of worship. Prayer means God, I love you. Prayer means that human is not alone. Prayer means God's door is open to everybody. Prayer, God hears his voice. Prayer means that God has given permission to human to talk to Him. Prayer means that when all doors are closed to human, God's door is open to him. Prayer means the spiritual connection of human to God. God hears the voice of the supplicant. True prayer is based on knowledge, love, purity, supplication, supplication, and desire to be close to God. "Prayer" in the mystical view; It is beautiful, but not result oriented. "prayer"; It has intrinsic value. The beauty of "prayer" is manifested when it does not revolve around results. The success of prayer is the result of loving care and attention. Rumi said in the Mathnawi: This demand in us is also from your creation, to be freed from greed, O Lord, it is your gift. ¬ (Rumi, Mathnawi, book1, verse 1241) این طلب در ما هـــم از ایجــــاد توست رستن از بیـــــــداد یا رب، داد تــوست “All prayers from you, all answers from you”,(Rumi, M.B2, v694) هـــــــم دعا از تو اجابت هـــــــم ز تو Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

This week Paul Gutteridge, Senior Fellow of the Next Century Foundation; Honorary Fellow, The Edward Cadbury Centre, Birmingham University; and a leading member of Initiatives of Change, UK gives us an Easter message in which he remembers the ideology of Frank Buchman, founder of the Moral Rearmament movement that subsequently evolved into Initiatives of Change Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

The Ramadan fast is concurrent with Lent this year. This is the second in a series of Ramadan reflections: William Morris LL.D. discusses the implications of forgiveness, sin, trespass and debt in this reflection for the Muslim month of Ramadan and the Christian fast of Lent. Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

For Moslems it is Ramadan, for Christians it is Lent, and for Jews it is a time of reflection as we approach Passover. This comes from William Morris LL.D., Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation, and is rather longer than the usual podcast. In it he addresses the question of the nature of God, and the consequences of a belief in God. We hope you find it helpful, or at least interesting. Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

On the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and the Red Sea and the confused international response with discussions on the political situation, international support, and potential future scenarios. The podcast emphasises the importance of peace negotiations and the need for continuous efforts toward peace. It also discusses the potential roles of China and Russia in mediating conflict. Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

On the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with discussions on the political situation, international support, and potential future scenarios getting nowhere. The podcast emphasises the importance of peace negotiations and the need for continuous efforts toward peace. It also discusses the potential role of the international community in mediating the conflict, mired as it is in confusion. Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

On the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with discussions on the political situation, international support, and potential future scenarios. The podcast emphasises the importance of peace negotiations and the need for continuous efforts toward peace. It also discusses the potential role of China in mediating the conflict. Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

The international force is being put in place to protect Israel as a consequence of the stalemate that is the Gaza War. And then what for Gaza? William discussed the difficulties of establishing an international force to protect Israel from Gaza, emphasizing Israel’s reluctance and the potential challenges. He suggested Canada’s potential involvement and the United Arab Emirates’ potential funding, while mentioning Saudi Arabia’s potential role in building a port. William also touched upon Egypt’s refusal of control over Gaza, the Houthis’ role in the conflict, and the missed opportunities for full-scale diplomatic negotiations. He criticized Britain’s handling of the situation and questioned the United States’ actions regarding international shipping. William also discussed the political complexities in Palestine, focusing on the role of Hamas and the State of Qatar, the challenges of establishing a strong government in Gaza, and Israel’s willingness to support a strong leader there. He also mentioned a potential prisoner exchange and the ongoing peace process, with recognition of Israel being dangled as a carrot. The possibility of a two-state solution was debated, with recognition of a Palestinian state seen as a key need. Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

William Morris LL.D. reflects on our duty during the coming year Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

William Morris LL.D., Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation, shares a Christmas message and suggests that "We are Noah's Ark" Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

In this episode, we are discussing the ongoing situation in Gaza that demands urgent attention from the international community. The recent killing of three Israeli boys, who were held hostage, by the Israel Defense Forces has deeply saddened and shocked us. The manner in which these killings were carried out is not only disturbing but also inhumane. However, we firmly believe that forced depopulation of Gaza is not the solution. To move forward, we emphasize the need to reform the corrupt Palestinian Authority and establish a new administration for Palestine. We have identified two credible candidates for this pivotal role – Mohammed Dahlan and Marwan Barghouti. While the international community may lean towards Dahlan due to his lack of charisma, we believe that Barghouti, who enjoys the support of the Palestinians, would be a more suitable choice. Securing Barghouti's release from jail would require cooperation from both Israel and Hamas. It is essential for them to recognize the benefits that come with his involvement. While the possibility of Israel expanding the war and advancing into southern Lebanon seems unlikely, the threat of diseases and further destruction in Gaza is very real. The lack of access to clean drinking water and the destruction of critical infrastructure have exacerbated an already disastrous situation for the two and a half million people residing in Gaza. The reported death toll, which includes casualties from direct bombings and diseases, is likely underestimated. To improve the situation, we urgently call upon Israel and the global community to take action. It is high time for the establishment of a new Palestinian administration, the initiation of a peace process, and Israel's recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state. Any further delays will only prolong the suffering and misery endured by the people of Gaza. Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

William Morris LL.D., Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation, examines the ongoing civil war in Sudan and prospects for peace between the RSF and the SAF. Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

So you are not going to have an international force. And Israel won't stay. Nor can you get rid of the Gazans. So what then? Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

Next Century Foundation Secretary General William Morris LL.D. reflects on the current Gaza War and suggests an imposed solution may be the only answer. Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

The delivery of the massive Storm Shadow cruise missile to Ukraine by Britain marks a seminal moment in the history of this grinding war Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

The Sudan war is bloody and brutal. Two great warlords slug it out for dominion. Chances that one or other can win outright are slim. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, popularly known as Hemedti, the leader of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), compete with one another to exert control over Sudan. The NCF has a detailed blog on the subject. However, Next Century Foundation Secretary General gives his more personal take on the reasons for this latest in the long series of Sudan wars. Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

Ramadan is over and this is a time of celebration and of feasting or "Eid". However much is not right with the world and we need to set aside our troubles to truly celebrate this brave new dawn. Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

This year Ramadan, Passover and Easter all fall together. And we need above all else to find reasons to hope in this broken world. NCF Secretary General, William Morris shares a few thoughts in this message. Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

Where is the aid for Aleppo, Latakia, Homs and Homa? Where are the big aid organisations like International Rescue or the Disasters Emergency Committee? Where are the Western Governments. Turning their backs on a country in ruins. That's where. Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

We live in tough times, and they may continue to be tough times. What is required of us as we walk forward together into 2023, is Strength. We need to lift our eyes from the furrow and see the stars. If only because so many others depend on us, and they may not be as strong as we are, and what they need, and we can offer, is unconditional love. But if we are weak and broken ourselves and have not yet found a way to carry hope in our hearts, it becomes difficult to generate hope in the hearts of others who need us. Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation