Some countries seem to be losing ground as people are faced with one crisis after another!

The Israeli-Gaza conflict, Libya’s deteriorating state of affairs, the raging war in Syria, the Muslim’s threat to Christians, Egypt’s instability, the desperate situation in Kiev and Russia’s grip on Ukraine, Iran’s nuclear program, China’s powerful built-up in the South China Sea are all but a warning that authoritarian rule and terrorism are finally getting the upper hand!

And as if these tensions are not enough, the worst Ebola outbreak ever is spreading and will almost certainly extend its wings across West Africa unless medical experts intervene to control it.

Since March this year, this virus has killed more than 1000 people in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria. This epidemic is without precedent. The outbreak has been confined to West Africa but it could spread so very easily via travel, especially since victims who have this disease may not know it because symptoms manifest themselves two to 20 days later. If the situation keeps worsening, there is a high risk of new countries contracting it.

Unfortunately we can do nothing except join the families of those affected in prayers that they come through this ordeal with patience and courage.

Jos Edmond Zarb

Birkirkara