So how does the situation in the Middle East affect me? When you are between three worlds it can be kind of dizzifying. It seems that in the first of my worlds people are seeing a carefully controlled and orchestrated series of intense visual images and intense talking heads, most of whom seem to have the same opinions and the same recommendations. People who don't take the time to search the internet for alternative views will probably eventually be persuaded, though surely a certain number must be cursing all parties involved because they are forever fighting and causing problems for the rest of the world.

Here in the third of my worlds, the biggest concern seems to be getting this country's workers out of Lebanon safely. A very practical, down-to-earth concern. A few returnees have been interviewed by the press and the general consensus is that they are glad to be away from the bombing and most are not interested in going back - ever. Other than that, the major headlines have to do with domestic issues with the middle east mess taking a definite back seat.

Next week I will be going to the second of my worlds. The vast majority probably know little of the conflict. If they know anything at all it probably falls into the category of general background noise. After all, the folk in the Middle East have been fighting forever, so what's new? But for a certain segment of the population, their news comes from sermons. Some are also able to access news from the internet. A few days ago it was announced that a group was planning to go to Lebanon to help their brothers in the faith, dozens from nearly every country in southeast Asia. Whether it will actually happen remains to be seen since nobody has any money for the trip, but it does show a growing anger and frustration with what is more and more widely perceived to be the ongoing harassment of their faith. Stay tuned....