All articles tagged with #sectarianism
The article discusses false claims and propaganda surrounding alleged Israeli attacks on Christian sites in Taybeh, West Bank, highlighting how these narratives are politically motivated and used to manipulate sectarian tensions and influence international and American Christian communities, with the Church and various actors amplifying these false stories to serve broader geopolitical and sectarian agendas.
In a surprising turn of events, the coastal heartland of Syria, traditionally loyal to the Assad regime, celebrated the rebels' victory as Bashar al-Assad fled the country. The Alawite community, which has historically supported the Assads, expressed discontent due to worsening poverty and high casualties during the civil war. Despite fears of sectarian retribution, rebel leaders have sought to reassure Alawites and Christians of their safety. The fall of the regime has led to the dismantling of Assad's patronage networks, with many regime loyalists fleeing or hiding.
Despite being born after the Good Friday Agreement, young people in Northern Ireland are still exposed to the trauma of the Troubles, as clashes over identity and constitutional issues continue to dictate political discourse. The power-sharing system of government created by the agreement is failing, leaving young people caught in the middle of a constitutional tug of war. They dream of living in a future free from sectarianism, but political discord is stifling their futures. Northern Ireland has the highest levels of child poverty per head of population in the UK, and youth organizations are crying out for government support.
Northern Ireland's "peace babies," the generation born after the Good Friday Agreement was signed, are now adults and are more interested in issues like equality, housing, and social justice than sectarian politics. Many were unaware of the three decades of violence the deal largely ended until learning about it in school. While they grew up without the kind of bloodshed their parents witnessed day in day out, progress has been painfully slow in many areas. More than 90% of schools in Northern Ireland remain segregated along religious lines, as is housing in many areas.
Lebanon's chaotic switch to daylight saving time (DST) is emblematic of the country's politics. The government delayed the change, resulting in a calendar nightmare, with state institutions staying on winter time, while church organisations and some schools and news outlets jumped an hour ahead. The decision was intended to benefit the country's Muslim majority, who are observing Ramadan, and is emblematic of Lebanon's sectarian politics. The country has been in political deadlock since its president resigned without a replacement in October, and a worsening financial crisis risks spiralling into hyperinflation.
Lebanon postponed its daylight saving change due to Ramadan, causing confusion and chaos as people are going by two different time zones. The decision was supported by Muslim institutions and parties but opposed by the Maronite church and many Christian institutions. The confusion has affected airports, businesses, and people across the country. The situation has led to fears of inflaming sectarian tensions in a country that has long been home to numerous different religious groups. The cabinet has now voted to rectify the issue and move the clocks forward by one hour on Wednesday night.
Ghaith Abdul-Ahad's book, A Stranger in Your Own City, reflects on the impact of the US-led invasion of Iraq 20 years ago. The book shatters the assumption that sectarianism was deeply rooted in Iraq's history, revealing that it was imposed by new rulers who needed a political system based on sectarianism to build constituencies. The book also highlights the militarization of ordinary lives, the rise of corruption, and the mass protests that demanded an end to the post-2003 political system. The protests shook the system, but it quickly rebounded, killing hundreds and injuring tens of thousands more.
Two decades after the U.S. invasion of Iraq, corruption and sectarianism continue to plague the country's politics, with Shiite, Sunni, and Kurdish parties dividing up top jobs and government ministries to enrich themselves and their supporters. Patronage networks, state resources, and militias have helped entrench the power of a new class of politicians who emerged after the invasion. Despite a modicum of freedom, repeated and relatively fair parliamentary elections, and a free press, Iraq remains one of the world's most unhappy countries, with plunging voter turnout and waves of protest driven by a lack of basic services. Current Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, backed by pro-Iran parties, is trying to balance outside powers and demonstrate progress at home, particularly in the power supply, but many are skeptical that the old guard will change its stripes.