The American Spectator

OBVIOUSLY, THERE IS MUCH WORK to be done to promote freedom of religious conscience around the globe. Alas, the Commission doesn’t have much good to say about the U.S. government’s response. There is widespread suspicion that the State Department raised Vietnam’s rating and toned down criticism of Saudi Arabia for political reasons.

Moreover, the process of Expedited Removal prevents some refugees from making their case for asylum before being deported. The Bush administration has accepted shockingly few Iraqis as refugees. The Patriot Act bizarrely blocks admittance of refugees who have fought against abusive regimes. The Commission opined that it had “repeatedly expressed concern over inadequate training of consular and other Foreign Service Officers in refugee and resettlement issues.” Aiding victims of religious persecution just isn’t a priority in Washington.

There is no easy answer to religious persecution. Even if policymakers were more concerned, the U.S. government’s options would be limited. Iraq demonstrates how even the best-intentioned military intervention can backfire.

The real work will have to be done by the rest of us. We must educate the public about countries that oppress. We must protest, embarrass and punish the worst offenders. We must aid the persecuted and offer sanctuary to the oppressed. And we must pray.

Americans complain about everything from irresponsible politicians to high taxes. Fair enough. But we live charmed lives compared to most people around the globe. The Apostle Paul wrote that “those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” (1 Cor. 4:2) We must remember, and fight for, our brothers and sisters around the globe who can only dream of the liberties that we take for granted.