1) Start with an acknowledgement that this is a very complex situation, with a disputed history, and a situation at present where it is difficult to know the truth of what is happening in any detail.

2) Therefore before anything else do the hard work of trying to be as informed as possible, consulting a range of outlooks, and then do what you can to weigh up the evidence.

3) In particular, try to understand why people who oppose your viewpoint do so. One useful criterion is Ignatius’s “good construction,” in paragraph 22 of the Spiritual Exercises.

4) Encourage those with whom you have influence, which may include political leaders, to do this same hard work of trying to discover the truth and weighing up the evidence.

5) Recognize that those not directly involved can have at best a limited influence here.

6) If you feel that it is right to speak out, encourage what you see as good actions here, and denounce what you regard as evil actions. Don’t, in particular, denounce people as evil – you will not know their full backgrounds and motivations.

7) Concrete actions might include contributing to organizations offering humanitarian aid, and offering support to those (including those nearer to home) who are more directly affected by what is happening.

8) Learn to live with and accept uncomfortable feelings of powerlessness when confronted with situations of this kind.

9) Look for other “people of goodwill” who are taking what you regard as appropriate action here, and see what you can do to support them.

10) Don’t underestimate the power of prayer, holding the situation before God, asking for the wisdom you need to know how you can best act, and interceding for all those more directly involved.

Paul Nicholson, S.J., serves as socius of the United Kingdom Jesuits.