Is Peace More Important Than Justice?

I just wanted to pose a question before I head to bed. My query is based upon the incredible book that I'm reading right now, Dancing in the Glory of Monsters by Jason Stearns, which documents the endless cycle of violence in the Congo. Stearns discusses the fact that, even years after the Congolese War, communities mourn the senseless killing of their kinsmen. Sadly, however, the tragic victims go without justice. Often, their bodies are unburied, heaping in mass graves under ruin and rubble.

Is an unsteady peace under yesterday's unsteady military leaders worth the gross miscarriage of justice that the innocent face? It makes me sick that heartbreaking stories go unheard, senseless animosities remain commonplace, and the people of the Congo still die for no reason just for the sake of maintaining a somewhat superficial balance. Even if the war is officially "over", the Congo is so far away from true peace. I believe that to gain actual peace there, we must first listen to the stories of the persecuted (and believe me, people on all sides of this conflict have been persecuted) and seek understanding. Those who inflicted unimaginable crimes MUST be punished. Then, after justice is attained, the Congo has a chance at peace.

PLEASE feel free to post your opinions as well!

After a Brief Respite...

I know that it's been almost a month, but I have been totally occupied with Governor's School, a five week long residential summer program with two college classes (Geology and TN History) and field experiences (Paleontology and Historic Preservation. I am absolutely loving it here, but we have NO spare time, hence my lack of posting. Anyways, I am back to blogging, and so very excited to start thinking about international studies again. Right now, I am reading a lot about Rwanda and the Congo, and in the midst of all the death and destruction that has occurred there, I've been consumed with the question of peace versus justice and which is more important. Does one lead to another? Do they go together inherently? More on that later, but feel free to post opinions.