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 ChangeSupport 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 yearSupport 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