The contemporary period presents extra-ordinary challenges for economic, religious and social issues, law and order, extremism and of rapid changes in global politics. The religious and political divisions are increasing. Traditional politics is being replaced with new populist slogans, anti-establishment ideology and with the idea of bringing extensive and overall changes to the current system of governance.

Regrettably, the world is divided into blocks, vested interests and social classes, and this division is further highlighted and sustained with slogans of building walls and adopting divisive policies. In many parts of the world, far greater priority is being given, either directly or indirectly, to asserting dominance and supremacy over others and satisfying a craving for power and authority.

The world stands in great need of peace, tolerance, mutual understanding, harmony, love and brotherhood. The world needs an end to wars and conflicts. Instead of walls of hatred being erected, we need peace to prevail, and for this to happen, people of all faiths, creeds, colours and political affiliations must join together. How rightly it has been said that “united we stand, divided we fall”.

I believe that wisdom demands learning lessons from our history, because the turbulent times we live in today cannot afford further divisions, barriers and walls. The history of the Berlin Wall alone is sufficient proof against building walls and in favour of building bridges which unite people across the globe.

Undoubtedly, walls create distance, isolation and exclusion, and bridges bring people closer and create unity and strength.

I am afraid that such conflict-ridden policies will bring no benefit to the people. Instead these may fuel radicalism and extremism, or the extremists may exploit such situations. In a globalised world, the effects of political decisions are felt across the… read more at source.