Blog 10: Group of South Sudanese Youths Open Fire on Civilians

Summary:
Since mid-December, South Sudan has been locked in a bloody conflict that has political and ethnic roots. South Sudan is the world's youngest country, gaining independence on July 9, 2011, after longtime conflicts between the Sudanese government and opposing forces in the south. The years since then have been filled with uncertainty; political rivals Salva Kier (an ethnic Dinka) and Riek Machar (an ethnic Nuer) have struggled for the upper hand in the government (and are now struggling for control of the country's oil resources). Kier became the president and Machar the Vice President. President Kier fired Machar with the rest of his cabinet in July 2013, and in December of 2013, gunfire broke out between the forces loyal to both men. After that night the violence spread, and thousands of people have been killed, and the UN has scrambled to provide accommodation for the many thousands of people seeking shelter in their compounds. Currently over a million people have fled their homes to find safety, many in other countries. Just the other day, a group of armed youths dressed in civilian clothing broke into the UN base in the town of Bor and started firing indiscriminately. Reports say that dozens of civilians were killed before the UN peacekeepers were able to repel the attackers by returning fire. The UN has increased its vigilance and says that it will do whatever it needs to do to protect those who simply want to stay alive.

Analysis:
We can analyze the South Sudanese conflict in terms of its harmful effects as well as its helpful effects. First, its harmful effects are obvious. The conflict is causing violence, mass killings and displacement, a clear division of ethnic groups (the Dinka and the Nuer), and fear and hatred among all in the country. However, the situation might have some helpful effects, although not as obvious as its harmful ones. Examples of helpful effects of a conflict include promoting unity within conflicting groups, giving attention to a problem that needs to be resolved, and possibly moving a group or civilization on its road of development (i.e., conflict can change one's position, status, authority, etc., and sometimes for the better). Within-group unity may not be as applicable to the South Sudanese conflict, because identifying more closely with one's ethnic group may just lead to more violence; intergroup unity is what is needed. However, the hostility does highlight some problems that need to be resolved in South Sudan: perhaps a greater national unity as opposed to a tribal-ethnic one (as was the problem in Rwanda), and the need for changes in the political realm. Hopefully the country will emerge from this struggle wiser and better able to handle the future challenges that come its way.

Sources:
http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/24/politics/south-sudan-explainer/

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-27074635

http://www.sociologyguide.com/basic-concepts/Conflict.php

Blog 10: Leaflet tells Jews to register in East Ukraine

Summary:

East Ukraine and Russia have fallen under global scrutiny in their recent political activities, but yet another event has thrown them in the public eye.  World leaders and many Jewish groups and people are concerned with a leaflet passed out to people as they left a Passover ceremony in Donetsk.  As the people emerged from the synagogue, they were given a leaflet that required them to provide a list of the property they owned and register as Jewish or their citizenship would be revoked.  The incident has even drawn the attention of Secretary of State John Kerry, who called the leaflets “unacceptable” and “grotesque”.  Pushilin, the leader of the pro-Russian movement in Donetsk, whose name was attributed to the leaflet, denies any connection to the leaflet.  The leaflet describes documents needed to register, or states the people’s citizenship would be revoked and they would be forced outside the country.  Many of the Jewish citizens of the Ukraine are startled by the leaflet, official or not, that brings back memories of World War II era Germany.  The Jewish community has stated that they do not plan to comply to the letter.  Many people globally are questioning its validity or who is actually behind the distribution of the leaflet. 

Analysis:

One of the more fascinating effects of global historical events such as World War II is the ramifications it has on the socialization of generations after.  Everyone since the Holocaust has been raised knowing what Anti-Semitism is.  The world has grown sensitive to issues of discrimination against the Jewish people, and tends to rise up against mass anti-Semitism such as is observed in this article.  The fact that people of any religion could be singled out for what they believe highlights the sociological issue of the boundaries of government and a person’s personal belief system.  Since religion and government both play such a big role in the way people are socialized, when these forces are at direct odds with each other, they create a tension within the people themselves and the communities affected.  It will be interesting to see how this story develops further and affects the other tensions in the Ukraine and Russia.  

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/04/17/jews-ordered-to-register-in-east-ukraine/7816951/

Blog 9: Malaysia, Indonesia Ban Biblical Epic 'Noah'

Summary:

Malaysia and Indonesia have joined the ranks of a number of countries to decide to ban the movie Noah.  The movie is based on the biblical tale of a man who saves his family and two of every animal from a global flood by building an ark.  The movie has experienced a lot of kickback from fundamentalist Christians in America, but is now experiencing complaints from other countries, especially ones that hold strong religious ties in their governments.  Muslims make up about 60 percent of the Malaysian people, and Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim nation.  The film censors decided to block the movie to avoid negative kickback.  Indonesia specifically banned the movie for fear of “controversies and negative reactions”.  The Quran mentions 25 prophets by name, and Noah is beloved by many Islamic groups, such as the Indonesian Council of Ulama, support the decisions, going so far as to say films with corrupt religious teachings should be completely outlawed.  Many filmmakers are disappointed with the bans, saying that it is a step backward in development. 

Analysis:

This is a very interesting case examining the interaction of religion with both government and art/media.  What stands out about this particular case is the cooperation of the two religious groups that often end up at odds with each other.  Muslim and Christian fundamentalists seem to almost be joining forces to criticize Darren Aronofsky (who incidentally identifies as atheist) and his portrayal of the biblical account.  The censorship highlights the power of religion when it is a central influence of the government.  While it is not uncommon for American movies to be banned from other countries due to differences in ratings and what is acceptable to show, this movie has been banned solely for the misrepresentation of the biblical narrative.  This article also shows the interaction religion has with art.  Many members of the filmmaking community are claiming the censorship as a step in the wrong direction when it comes to freedom of expression and development.  Filmmaking, considered to be an art form by many, is an expression of the actors, directors, producers, and technical operators.  To censor the movie is to restrict their expression.  Many argue that religion should be an avenue to further express themselves, not restrict expression.  In such a globalized community that we all live in now, people are bound to create things that do not fit or satisfy all religious beliefs.  The task now is to decide when to draw the line of the far-reaching effects of religious belief systems into government and media. 

 http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/malaysia-bans-biblical-epic-noah-23217661#.U0gIX0sbddE.email

Blog 9: Israel responds to Palestine with Halted Tax Transfers

Summary:
The eternal chess game of moves and counter moves continues in the Middle East. Since Israel refused to release the fourth group of prisoners the other week, Palestine applied to join 15 international conventions and treaties, which it had promised not to do while peace talks were open, which they are until April 29th. Despite the fact that Palestine violated the agreement, an article written earlier this week suggested that the move was not intended to disrupt peace talks, but rather to retain credibility with Palestine's impatient citizens. And even though a former Israeli negotiator has admitted that the application was not that big of a political deal for either Palestine or Israel,  Israel has responded by announcing that it will withhold the tax revenues that it collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority and will use the money instead to pay off some of the Palestinians' utility bills. The last time Israel punished Palestine with a tax sanction was in 2012, "after their successful bid to upgrade their status at the United Nations to that of a nonmember observer state." Without the money, it was difficult for Palestine to pay its government workers. With the recent tax sanction -- totaling hundreds of millions of dollars -- Palestine could be facing financial struggles again unless it cooperates with Israel by the end of the month, when the money is usually transferred.

Analysis:
It looks like Israel and Palestine are testing each other. They remind me of toddlers who will throw something on the floor with their parents watching to see if they can get away with it. Are Israel and Palestine trying to see where the boundaries are and where the eventual peaceful boundaries (if it ever reaches peace) will lie? It's definitely a common behavior even with adults: students test which assignments they can get away with not doing or what ungraded but "suggested" material they can skip; workers test which rules they can break; engineers test which codes they can disregard (with sometimes disastrous results). Maybe John Kerry should just look at it from this light so he can save himself some stress.

Sources:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/11/world/middleeast/israel-to-halt-tax-transfers-to-palestinians.html?ref=middleeast

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/03/world/middleeast/middle-east-peace-talks.html

Blog 8: A New Solution to Ethnic Conflict?

Summary:
Rwanda is turning to technology and education to try to forget the horrors of the past and unite the people. Monday marks the 20th anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda, where over 800,000 ethnic Tutsis (and moderate Hutus as well) were slaughtered over a period of 100 days. There are still feelings of tension and resentment -- as well as guilt from foreign powers like Britain and the US for not stopping the killings (which led to huge amounts of foreign aid after the massacre) -- but the Rwandan government has a plan to forever unite its people.

The Rwandan government hopes that providing education and technological knowledge to everyone, rich or poor, will accomplish several things, including weaning the country off of foreign aid, bringing equity, understanding, and a shared national identity to the people, enticing investors and multinational corporations to the nation, and ultimately placing Rwanda into the 21st century with a service-based economy. Here is the official mission statement of the Ministry of Education:
   The mission of the Ministry of Education is to transform the Rwandan citizen into skilled human    
   capital for socio-economic development of the country by ensuring equitable access to quality  
   education focusing on combating illiteracy, promotion of science and technology, critical thinking and 
   positive values.

Don't overlook the last two objectives in the list: critical thinking and positive values. The government hopes that by teaching its people to think critically, they will not fall prey to the propaganda and  brainwashing which led to the violence 20 years ago.

The leadership is carrying out this ambitious plan by bringing buses equipped with laptops, wifi, and teachers to rural areas, as well as Knowledge Labs where students and teachers work together to launch businesses and computer applications. Laptops are being purchased for primary schools across the country.

Analysis:
Does education have the power to unite people? Will education really prevent another genocide? I think there is a good chance that it will. Just look at college students around the world. Young, educated people are often the ones fighting for peace and tolerance. In Tiananmen Square they protested the government and petitioned for freedom. UNCG is marked by a growing student diversity and its acceptance of minority and oppressed groups, such as the LGBT community and various refugee groups which the students engage during service learning. Other factors may contribute to the school's progressivism, such as the young age of the students or simply the progressive culture of the country, but exposure to different ideas, points of view, and ways of life are certainly involved.

Of course, the practical side of the Rwandan approach is that education and especially IT education (extremely important for the business world today) will lift people out of poverty and perhaps take away jealousy and reasons to hate others.

Sources:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/20-years-after-the-genocide-rwanda-looks-to-a-tech-revolution/2014/04/04/bbde2df2-bb4a-11e3-80de-2ff8801f27af_story.html?tid=hpModule_949fa2be-8691-11e2-9d71-f0feafdd1394

http://www.gov.rw/Education-and-capacity-building

Blog 8: Burma census bans people registering as Rohingya

Summary:

Officials in Burma, also known as Myanmar, are conducting the first census in three decades, but they are neglecting a religious group.  The officials say that the Muslim Rohingya must call themselves "Bengali" or they cannot be registered for the census, while the Rohingya themselves feel a part of the country and feel persecuted.  This is only another step in a series of persecutions the Rohingyas have faced.  They are the target of many hostilities by the predominant religious group in the country, Buddhists.  Most recently, sporadic violent attacks have occurred against the people group, and many of the aid agencies working in the region were also attacked.  The Rohingya is described by the UN as a minority that is one of the most persecuted in the world.  When talk of Rohingya being added as an ethnicity on the census, many Buddhist Rakhines pledged to boycott the census. 

Analysis:

What seems to be most troubling about this religious persecution is the institutionalized discrimination occurring in the form of the census.  By refusing to acknowledge the group as an ethnicity on the census, it will most likely encourage the people to continue their discrimination of the Rohingya.  A big part of the discrimination comes from their Muslim religious beliefs combining with their ethnic heritage.  When people are part of an extreme minority, it is very easy for the majority to think of them as the “other”.  When a group becomes part of the “other”, it makes them seem less human and easier to target.  The further institutionalization of the discrimination adds to the persecution of the people, but also shows socially how deep the discrimination goes.  It is also interesting to see Buddhist people, who subscribe to beliefs promoting peace and harmony, act as instigators of such violent behaviors.  

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26807239

Blog 7: Peace Talks between Palestinian and Israel Threatened

Summary:
Peace talks between the Palestinians and Israel have been threatened as Israel has refused to release the last batch of Palestinian prisoners on Friday. Israel had agreed to release 104 prisoners in total, 78 of which had already been returned to Palestine, in exchange for the Palestinian Authority's agreement to hold off on trying to obtain statehood through the United Nations. It appears that Israel is holding back the prisoners (those convicted of the worst crimes) due to discontent with Palestine's performance at the peace talks. The Palestinians have been accused of "dragging their feet," refusing to extend the negotiations beyond April 29th, and refusing to agree with Israel about various side issues like recognition of the Jewish state. Meanwhile, the Palestinian leaders are under pressure to end negotiations with Israel and continue to pursue recognition of statehood within the U.N., where they are making progress. Israel and the U.S. are opposed to this route because they fear that Palestine might bring "international legal and human rights cases against Israel." Although both sides have agreed to resume talks in the summer, tensions are high, and the prisoner debate only adds fuel to the fire.
Analysis:
At this point it is hard to "blame" either side for the stalled proceedings. It appears that both groups have their grievances with the other. However, Palestine's attempts to go around Israel and the U.S. probably will not help their case in the long run. I mentioned in my last post about Palestinian and Israeli relations that violence is not the answer to lasting peace, and neither is turning down peace offerings with your most powerful neighbors. John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, is urging the Palestinian Authority against going through the U.N. for this very reason. Fortunately, peace talks are supposed to keep going, but for them to be successful, both sides must remember that peace, not a laundry list of demands, is the ultimate goal.
Source:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/palestinians-threaten-walkout-in-talks/2014/03/28/4f3cfa44-b68f-11e3-9eb3-c254bdb4414d_story.html

Blog 6: Iran's Khamenei rieterates doubts about Holocaust

Summary:

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, has officially voiced doubts over the entire existence of the Holocaust.  Iran has not recognized Israel as a country, and has threatened to attack it using weapons from Tehran, one of the major cities in Iran working on a nuclear program.  Other officials in the government have made comments supporting the idea of the Holocaust and the oppression of the Jewish people.  Many of these supportive comments, however, have raised frustrations among people, especially those in strong support of nuclear action in Tehran.  Kahmenei made these remarks in a speech about the Persian New Year, referred to the ideas of the Holocaust as a “cultural invasion” against Islamic religious beliefs, calling out Western countries on their treatment of those who cast doubt on the holocaust.  The UN, in turn, has criticized Iran for the increase in executions, detention of dissidents, and discrimination against woman. 

Analysis: 

There are a number of sociological issues brought to light in this article, though many of them stem toward religion, or more correctly using the excuse of religion.  Many peoples in the Middle East, especially in those countries with governments tied to Islamic beliefs, dismiss Israel as its only country.  The tensions between more fundamentalist Islamic groups and Israel have been high since World War II.  This is one of the first times, however, that a country has discounted the Holocaust and called it a complete myth.  Radical fundamentalist groups in all religions have used their belief systems to justify violent acts against other religious peoples.  With this statement, the Western world is sure to take notice of the denial of history and the steps toward nuclear attack, not to mention the condemnation of Western ideology and practices.  This is sure to increase tension in relationships between nations that are already very strained.  

http://news.yahoo.com/irans-khamenei-reiterates-doubts-holocaust-180208157.html

Muslim-Christian Conflicts Tear Apart Marriages

Summary:
The terrible atrocities being committed in the Central African Republic are tearing communities, families, and even marriages apart. Marriages between Christians and Muslims are being threatened due to the intense animosity between the two sides. Christian militias are killing Muslims and those married to Muslims, even if they are Christians themselves.

Former Christians who converted to Islam are being warned that if they don't convert back to Christianity, they will be killed, and the Christian vigilantes are following up on their threats. Children and adults alike are being hacked to death, shot, burned, and beaten, and their houses and possessions are being looted and torched.

The current brutality follows events from a year ago when Muslim group which gained power in the predominately Christian country, and was blamed with committing numerous atrocities. Christians fought back and regained power, and have thrown the Muslim out of the CAR and attacked and killed the rest. Husbands and wives of different faiths, who used to be warmly welcomed into the other's family, are separating--the Christian partner often staying behind where it is safe, and the Muslim partner escaping to a surrounding country like Chad. Emotions are high because partners must choose between their home and possessions and being with their spouse. If a couple separates, they will likely never see each other again. One Christian woman stayed behind to watch her house, and her Muslim husband pleaded,  "Our life together or the house: Which is more important?"

Analysis:
Muslim-Christian marriages are not uncommon in the CAR, because tribal identity has historically been much more important than national or religious identity. But with the past fighting between the Muslims and Christians, religion has become a major issue. Suspicions, anger, and the desire for revenge fuel terrible attacks on what used to be peaceful, neighborly communities. Extreme Christians hate to see their own associating with the "other" side, and threaten death to those who don't convert back. This is an excellent example of violence used to coerce others and achieve a desired result. Of course, the result will only be weakly realized when this type of violence is used, because it will never lead to the stability that peace requires. For some reason I have not seen a great deal about outside governments coming in to restore order. Unfortunately other countries often like to take a hands-off approach to foreign fights (unless it directly threatens something of theirs), even if there are flagrant, widespread violations of human rights, as in the CAR.
 
Source:
http://www.todayszaman.com/news-342560-conflict-in-central-african-republic-destroying-muslim-christian-marriages.html

Blog 5: Severe Attack on Israel from Hamas

Summary:
The Islamic Jihad group Hamas fired 50 missiles into Israel the other day, the most severe single attack in 2 years. Israeli tanks fired shells back at a suspected launch site within the territory. Three of the missiles were shot down by Israel's Iron Dome defense system, and others landed in places like a petrol station, an open field, and a library. The article did not report on the number on causalities or fatalities. The attack happened on the day that the British Prime Minister David Cameron told Israel in his talks at the Israeli president's home that he would fight for their rights to defend themselves, and denounced Iran's shipping missiles to terrorist groups. Cameron said that the attacks were completely indiscriminate, which shows how "barbaric" the terrorist group is. He wished to be clear to the international community that violence and terror would not lead to independence and statehood. Israeli president Shimon Peres issued a sort of ultimatum to the Hamas, warning that the Israel could not just forget what had happened, and that the terrorist group must choose between peace and violence, between a normalized territory and a center of terror. He said that Israel would not accept the Gaza strip as a center of terror.
Analysis:
The hyper-nationalism of the Palestinian terror group is not helping their cause of independence. Just as people in everyday social situations do not willingly do things for bullies, and might actively resist them, other countries do not want to allow a group to harass others. Even if the Hamas was able to obtain their goals through violence, the situation would be extremely unstable, because as soon as a weakness became apparent, someone else (Israel or one of her supporters) would be able to exploit it and shut them down. There is also the risk of the Palestinian citizens themselves revolting as they tire of the violent measures taken by extremist groups. In the end, as President Peres said, violence is not the answer.
Source:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/10693432/David-Cameron-condemns-barbaric-missile-attack-on-Israel.html

Blog 5: Brunei sultan urges country to support Islamic law

Summary:

Brunei’s sultan is getting ready to implement a form of Islamic law that carries a high price for crime.  Under this version of Shariah, theft may be punished by amputation, and adultery may be punished by stoning, to name a few examples.  While generally the people stay relatively quiet in regard to their government, many people are speaking out, especially through the internet.  About a third of the Brunei population does not follow Islam, and many are concerned about the laws.  There is some question from international human rights groups as to the laws.  Many find the new set of laws inhumane and want the sultan not to instigate the new rules.  The Sultan, however, intends to move forward with the new laws, saying that people outside of Brunei should respect the way they are trying to live and govern themselves.  The new punishments will not be carried out until years from now, according to officials.  While neighboring countries also have laws based on Islamic teachings, most aren't nearly as strict as the proposed laws in Brunei

Analysis:

There has always been a sociological struggle between government and religion.  In particular, when harsh punishments and laws are based on religious teachings, many people get upset.  The fact that these laws could advocate the forced amputation of a hand for theft or stoning for adultery has involved many who believe in global human rights.  We can see a similar battle occurring in America in the debate over gay rights, where many laws are being passed against gay marriage, often fueled by religious beliefs.  The main difference here is that the punishments to these crimes are violent, and could easily lead to death.  This creates a sort of division, though many may be too intimidated to speak out about it.  This article also shows the globalization of our world, as concerned citizens of Brunei are taking to the internet to voice their concern.  

http://news.yahoo.com/brunei-sultan-urges-country-support-islamic-law-104418862.html

Blog 4: France Tries to Keep the CAR Intact

Summary:

The Central African Republic is still the center of intense fighting between the Christians and Muslims, which is leading France to intrude more and more in order to keep its former colony intact. Thousands of French, European, and African military forces are struggling to disarm the still-angry Christian militiamen who continue to attack Muslims. The Christians at first welcomed the French, but are now viewing them contempt as the French troops attempt to disarm all perpetrators of violence. The Christians see it as "defense," while the French view the violence against Muslims as "score settling." But even with the French troops present, some still fear that peace will be a long time in the future, as two soldiers have already been killed. Still, France's president's goal remains to “end the score settling, re-establish the government’s authority, allow dialogue and avoid that the slightest attempt to partition Central African Republic.”

Analysis:

You don't often hear about Christians killing other people in places like America or Europe. These "Christians" in the Central African Republic don't sound like the typical churchgoer here, even the occasional ones that blow up abortion clinics. This is on an entirely different level. I believe it's because these Christians have adopted the word as more of a broad cultural identifier than a personal belief. It's become a default ethnic label. It's similar to calling broad groups of people Muslim because that is their religious tradition, although every person called a Muslim might practice Islam to a more or less varying degree. I also think of being "Jewish" as a similar situation. The fact that the Christian faith calls for peace and these Christians are making war shocked me at first, but with the understanding that in the CAR these people have used "Christian" as a cultural label makes the situation clearer.

Source:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/france-vows-to-prevent-c-african-rep-breakup/2014/02/28/8bd8c0ec-a072-11e3-878c-65222df220eb_story.html

Blog 4: Thousands fleeing Boko Haram find little comfort in Niger

Summary:

This article detailed the story of a few different families affected by the Islamist group Boko Haram in Africa that have moved into Niger to escape the violence around their homes.  Boko Haram is attempting to try and create an Islamic country in the northern states of Nigeria, to the displacement of numerous people.  Gremah, a man whose family has been displaced due to the group’s attacks, says that the militia arrives in the villages, attach the government’s militiamen and members of the village.  While the government in Niger has offered the people refugee status, they are doing little to help the people, banning the construction of formal refugee camps.  The government states that they do not want to attract a great influx of people, or unintentionally create a base for the militants. 

Analysis:

This particular instance depicts further violence supposedly fueled by religious extremism.  The group, eager to make a new sort of theocracy in northern Nigeria, is using violence and force to further their control.  Another extremist group has used violent, gang-like behavior in order to enforce their ideals.  Much of American press and media is focused on groups in the middle east, though there are similar, extremist groups in other areas of the world.  There are other sociological issues that come into play in this particular incident, as well.  The government of Niger is not being helpful to the refugees apart from offering them safe passage into their country and refugee status.  This constitutes the social classification of the refugees as the “other” among those already in Niger, painting them as outsiders. This, coupled with the torment the refugees faced in Nigeria from the religious extremist militia, creates connotations of them as unwanted outsiders, which can be particularly harmful to the children in these displaced families.  

http://news.yahoo.com/thousands-fleeing-boko-haram-little-comfort-niger-143056348.html;_ylt=AwrBTztvFhBTcGQABW9XNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTExcTdidDdsBHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMQRjb2xvA2JmMQR2dGlkA1VJQzFfMQ--

Blog 3: Israel and Palestine talk about peace but leave Gaza out

Summary:
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kerry, are currently carrying out peace negotiations with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. The two sides hope to work out peaceful relations between the groups, which have had political, ethnic, and religious conflicts for decades. The treaty would be only the beginning of what is hoped to be a future of resolving issues, including concerns like Palestine's borders and Israel's security. Kerry is optimistic that an agreement can be reached. The catch is this: the Palestinian Gaza strip, governed by the (in the opinion of the U.S. and Israel) terrorist group called Hamas, refuses to enter the negotiations and is thus "left off of the table." Instead, talks are focusing on the West Bank, where Israel and the U.S. believe they have a better chance with the more moderate leader Netanyahu. Obama believes that Gaza and the Hamas can be later integrated into the peace agreements as Palestinians in Gaza take action and demand new leadership so that they can receive the benefits of a peace treaty along with the West Bank. The Hamas feels differently, however; its leadership claims that without the Gaza Strip, negotiations are only destined for failure. Since the Gaza Strip is home to 40% of the population of the two Palestinian territories, it remains to be seen whether or not they are right.

Analysis:
Why are the Palestinians and Israelis at such odds? We know that religious, ethnic, and political divisions in the past help to explain this conflict, and tensions are continued today through terror, fighting, political factions, etc. My point is not to delve into the details of why Israeli and Palestinian conflicts are the way they are, but to show that religion and ethnicity are two key factors, among many others, in dividing people. All things being equal, you'd think that several million people living in the same area could learn to get along. But when you add in human nature and its compulsive need to find an "other" and thus define the "self" (i.e. reinforce identity), you get extreme group solidarity for those inside your group and hatred for those outside it. Religion and ethnicity are only two of many covers for this behavior; you can find anything and everything to divide yourself from others. To me, it sounds like we've largely forgotten Jesus' words, "Love your enemies" and "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Sources:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/gaza-left-out-of-mideast-peace-talks/2014/02/20/9764f454-9590-11e3-afce-3e7c922ef31e_story.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/israeli-palestinian-peace-talks-at-crunch-time-us-secretary-of-state-john-kerry-says/2014/01/02/11cc4b38-73cd-11e3-bc6b-712d770c3715_story.html

Blog 3: Christian militias invade second city in C. Africa

Summary:

There has been a high level of violence related to religion in the Central African Republic.  Recently, a mainly Muslim rebellious group, known as the Seleka rebellion, left the mostly peaceful city of Berberati.  While the group had committed widespread violence elsewhere in the Central African Republic, they did not do much harm in the actual city.  A few days after this group left, however, an “anti-balaka” group of Christians arrived to take over.  This group, originally formed to fight robbers in the country, has taken to attacking any Muslim civilians who were accused of siding with the Seleka fighters.  The anti-balaka group has killed 10-15 Muslim civilians in the area.  Now, French soldiers are on patrol in Berberati, but they are nott received kindly by the local peoples and have been the subject of more violence.  Many people, frustrated by their lives, side with and support the anti-balaka people.  

Analysis:

Sociologically, we can see that it is much easier for people to blame their problems on the “other”.  Throughout history, we can see a pattern of creating the “us” and the “them”, leading to discrimination against certain groups.  The “us” in command works to undermine and get rid of any threat from the “them” to usurp their power.  Religion is often a defining factor in creating this division.  “We” worship in a church, while “they” worship in another temple.  Obviously, “they” are the problem because it could never be “us”.  This is clearly illustrated in the changing powers in the city of Berberati.  While the Muslim group was in command of the area, the Christians were careful to follow rules.  As the Christian extremist group took over, they worked to intimidate and silence the Muslim civilians.

http://news.yahoo.com/christian-militias-invade-second-city-c-africa-155437224.html?soc_src=mediacontentstory

Blog 2: China says 11 "terrorists" killed in new Xinjiang unrest

Summary:

Friday eleven so-called terrorists in the far western part of China were killed in an attack.  The Xinjiang region is known for its violence and the high Islamic population that lives there.  A leader of the Turkic Uighur community that is in exile in the region has said that many of the attacks are in response to the domineering Chinese rule.  The Chinese government attributes the attacks to Islamist militants and separatists who are attempting to establish a separate state known as East Turkestan.  Many exiles say the unrest is due to China’s policies, which restrict Islam, the Uighur people’s culture, and oppresses the people.  Leaders in Uighar groups claim that violent provocation causes the people to resist their repression. 

Analysis:

This details a very important division we can see within a global context: the division of government and religion.  While those of us who live in Western-thinking, democratic societies are familiar with the idea of the “separation of church and state”, many countries around the world struggle with strict governments dictating the way they should live.  These dictates include the accepted or allowed religion, and often come with a strict and harsh punishment if the laws and rules are broken.  Religion seems to be a very personal and individual concept, relating to the beliefs of a person and their innermost ideas.  Having a societal pressure to conform and deny your own beliefs for the safety of yourself and your family can cause violent reactions from people.  The society in which these people live in essentially is denying their very selves.  When an individual is denied by their society, there is often a violent reaction, as seen by the “terrorist” groups in China.   The clear division of two cultural spheres, the political and religious, leads to a conflict between the often oppressive government and those struggling to practice what they believe.  

http://news.yahoo.com/china-says-39-several-terrorists-39-shot-dead-105350043.html

Blog 2: Increasing Numbers of Hate Crimes Make British Muslims Uneasy

Summary:
Muslims living in England are becoming uneasy and reluctant to leave their communities. Hate crimes increased in London during 2013, from 318 in 2011, 336 in 2012, to over 500 in 2013. This pattern is repeated in several other areas of the country. Now Muslims living in predominantly South Asian neighborhoods, such as Alum Rock in the city of Birmingham, prefer to stay inside their communities rather than venture out and face insults and possible attacks and violence. Some factors leading up to the elevated numbers of hate crimes include the killing of a white soldier by two young, fanatical British Muslims; the fear of jihadis from British Muslims who have gone to Syria; and the anti-immigration tone in British politics. One woman moved outside of a predominantly Muslim area but was forced to move back again after insults and attacks from others in the area, which had intensified after she began wearing the niqab. However, even with all the attacks, many Muslims have had a mostly positive experience in England, saying that it is safer than Pakistan, and that most people are nice and the government is lawful. Indeed, there has been a trend toward "greater racial understanding" in Britain. It seems like events such as the killing of the soldier spark anti-Muslim crimes but that the tension will then go back down to a much lower level.

Analysis:
I did not mention this in the summary, but an interesting fact from the article is that there has been a renewed interest in Islamic head coverings and veils. One of the people interviewed, the chairman of the Central Mosque in Birmingham, said that he believes that the recent interest in head coverings, rather than being for religious reasons, is a reaction to the degradation that Muslims as a whole have faced. Minority groups tend to exhibit greater solidarity, and ethnic group identity increases, when prejudice and discrimination are present. So foolish, stereotyped attitudes may prevail at times like these, but the head coverings show that many Muslims are not ready to give up yet.

Link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/14/world/europe/as-hate-crimes-rise-british-muslims-say-theyre-becoming-more-insular.html?ref=world

Blog 1: Christians force Muslims to flee, 2/7/14

Summary
Thousands of Muslims have been forced to flee their homes on Friday, February 7 due to intense  antagonism by Christians. The Muslims have been chased out of Bangui, the capitol of the Central African Republic. Last March, several Muslim rebel groups united to overthrow the president of the CAR and have been blamed for numerous atrocities, including looting and killing sprees. The CAR is predominantly Christian, although the rebel group's crimes, not their religion, led many Christian citizens to retaliate against the groups. The Christian fighters attempted to overthrow the rebel government in December, which led to over 1,000 people dead. The Muslim leader has stepped aside, but this has not stopped Christians' hatred for anything that has to do with the Muslim rebels. Many of those suspected to be involved have been tortured and killed. Now the hatred has taken on a religious turn, and all Muslims in the country are being targeted by the Christians. The Muslims escaped from the capitol today in a convoy protected by armed Chadian soldiers. Their destinations are the neighboring countries of Chad and Cameroon. Entire Muslim communities in other parts of the country are surrounded by the Christian "anti-Balaka" groups and remain in danger from violence as well as diseases such as cholera. The interim president of the country has voiced her support of the Christian soldiers.

Analysis
This situation illustrates the concept of "othering," which is separating yourself from other people whom you view as different from yourself, and whom you usually view in a negative way. 99.99% of the Muslim population in the CAR had nothing to do with the crimes of the rebel government, yet they were targeted with hate crimes because the Christians had grouped them all together and associated them with the rebels. This allowed dormant religious tensions to erupt, and the Muslim community as a whole became a scapegoat for the anger of the Christian nation.

On a less intense level, othering occurs every day between the rich and the poor, among different races, genders, and political parties. It happens whenever we use the words "us" and "them," and can lead to terrible things which the antagonizing group believes are completely justifiable. It does not only occur in the dominate group; a poor person can just as easily form an opinion about all rich people as a rich person can form an opinion about all poor people.

Source
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2014/02/07/world/africa/ap-af-central-african-republic.html?rref=world&module=Ribbon&version=origin&region=Header&action=click&contentCollection=World&pgtype=article

Blog 1: German bishops tell Vatican: Catholics reject sex rules

Summary:

This report describes the results of a recent worldwide survey within the Catholic church, specifically the opinion of most German Catholics.  German bishops reported that, when it comes to matters of birth control, premarital or gay sex, and remarriage of the divorced, public opinion varies greatly compared the Catholic Church's official stance on the issues.  While many German Catholics like the idea of stable marriages and happy family lives, they are put off regarding harsh treatment of sexual transgressions.  Because Germany is one of the most influential nations in the Catholic world, many are now turning to look toward Pope Francis to see how he will handle possible reforms to Catholic doctrine and policy. 

Analysis:

The article raised a number of interesting sociological issues.  The division occurring in the article itself was not among two contrasting religious groups or even denominations, but among the cultural ideals of a population and the leadership among the group.  While the society at large has become slowly more approving of premarital sex, gay marriage, and divorced people remarrying, the current accepted doctrines of the church reflect a more traditional view on the issues.  This displays a sociocultural shift in attitude, and the concept that the principals of a culture slowly change throughout time and generation.  It shows a need for groups and organizations to be aware of the opinion of the time and the society which they are trying to interact with.  In order for a religious group to be relevant to the society as a whole, they must understand the leanings of the culture they attempt to reach. It also shows a growing shift in the importance of religious theology and doctrine in people's lives.  While religion used to be the bases for many opinions and stances on issues, it has now become a small aspect of a person's life.  Western society especially seems to be turning away from upholding religious ideals as the lense with which they look at their world and are influenced by other factors.  

  

http://news.yahoo.com/german-bishops-tell-vatican-catholics-reject-sex-rules-193503160.html;_ylt=AwrBEiSQJfNSw1oA4RvQtDMD

Religious Division

For my blog topic, I would like to look up different religious divisions around the globe.  As someone who has been involved with a church my whole life, the differences in religion have always interested me.  I would love to examine how different religions or denominations have affected the social interactions between people throughout the world, and how the differences create divisions between people.