Outcome of "Arab Spring" uncertain, says Patriarch

(April 26, 2011) The outcome of “Arab Spring” is uncertain according to Latin-rite Patriarch Fouad Twal of Jerusalem. In a recent interview on the website of Latin Patriarchate he said “While the political protests sweeping through the Middle East and Northern Africa to bring an end to oppressive regimes is a positive development, there is a concern regarding the final outcome”. He expressed the hope that the result will be for the better and the common good.
"We are very pleased with this awareness of our youth who are taking over their destiny and future," he stated. "It is a movement without political colour or particular religious bias”.
Patriarch Twal noted that the element of fear has been broken on the side of the people, and Governments fear that masses of youth with their opinions and beliefs, are waking up. "On the other hand," he stated, "we must recognize that there is always the unknown and uncertainties that these emerging movements bring about. No one knows what will happen thereafter. We hope it is for the better and the common good." With regard to the role of Christians in the "Arab Spring," the patriarch affirmed that they should not be on the fringes of these movements. Christians should feel 100% citizens like their Muslim compatriots," he said "The Church of Jerusalem has a special mission and must cooperate in a just and lasting peace through its interventions, institutions and schools, the Patriarch added.