There are times when being a news editor must be the worst job.
What ought to lead the news today? What should be the order of priority? Which is most important in its implications for the world?
- The continuing brutality in Syria and the dangers of a wrong move leading to a regional or global conflict?
- The apparently uncontrollable brutality meted out in Nairobi, with Muslims being separated out for life and non-Muslims for execution in a shopping centre?
- The suicide bombings in Pakistan aimed specifically at Christians? (Oops, this one has already fallen off the front pages, so no link.)
- Ongoing violence in Egypt and violence against Christians there?
- The latest warnings by scientists about global warming and the debate about human causes of this?
- Potential rapprochement between the USA and Iran?
- The re-election of Angela Merkel as Federal Chancellor of Germany and the most powerful political leader in Europe?
- The continuing oppression and slaughter in Darfur, Sudan? (Oh dear, not on any page – old news.)
The disappearance of Christian communities from Asia and the Middle East might not seem to everyone in liberal Britain to be the most important phenomenon in the world – especially to those who think religion is just a slightly embarrassing matter of mere individual private opinion. Not only is it a scandal, however, but it might turn out to bring a really significant change to the balance of world politics – and human co-existence in parts of the globe where diverse cultures have lived alongside each other for centuries.
The loudest news isn't necessarily the most important.
