One week on from Paris attacks

#1154 for broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 22 November 2015

One week on from the horrific terrorist attacks in Paris last weekend, killing 129 victims and injuring 352, and the repercussions continue to be felt around the world.

And let’s not forget the terrorist attack in Beirut, Lebanon, which killed at least 43 people and wounded over 200 one day before the Paris attacks.

As our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of victims, thoughts also turn to Europe’s refugee crisis, and how to balance the compassion impulse with national security concerns.

A statement by Australia’s top Muslim cleric, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamed, condemning the Paris attacks but suggesting that Islamophobia might cause terrorism, was not received well.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is right in calling for a political solution to the crisis in Syria that acknowledges the social dysfunction fuelling the rise of ISIS.

And at home, Australia should maintain its commitment to welcome 12,000 Syrian refugees as part of our international humanitarian obligation.

I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.