Conflict between different religious groups cannot be held solely responsible for the upheavals in the Middle East. Participants in the first Westminster Faith Debate of 2014 teased out key factors behind the headlines
“Everyone is quoting God,” said Shuruq Naguib, speaking about the Arab Spring in the latest of the Westminster Faith Debates, held on 12 February.The issue for debate was the causes of violent upheaval occurring across the Middle East and North Africa since 2010. The media often present “sectarian” religious division, particularly between Sunni and Shia, as the culprit. But are the conflicts really driven by religious animosities? And what can be done to achieve peace?Taking part in the debate were Dr Bassma Kodmani, director of the Arab Reform Init
20 February 2014, The Tablet
Divide and rule
Sectarian divisions and the Arab Spring
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