Beirut & Middle East

In Lebanon today there seems to be a mixture of fear and also relief. Fear at the unknown consequences of what Patriarch Rai calls 'a political and social earthquake in the Middle East' and the critical situation nearby in Syria + Egypt. Yet, also relief...that- for all the political in-fighting - that there is no actual conflict taking place in Lebanon. There are deep anxieties amongst Christian communities about what is happening to their brothers & sisters throughout the Middle East + a real worry about a possible flood of refugees. Yet the Lebanese live on hope...& trust in God + look to charities like ACN to help them. Neville K-S, Beirut, 09.05.11