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Countering Sectarianism in the Middle East: Summary

Core Content

This report explores the concept of sectarian resilience in the Middle East, focusing on how communities can resist or recover from sectarianism. It examines the role of cross-sectarian cooperation and highlights the importance of understanding the factors that promote resilience in the face of sectarian conflict. The study is based on four case studies from Lebanon, Bahrain, Syria, and Iraq, analyzing both external and internal dynamics that influence sectarian behavior.

Main Points

Understanding Sectarianism

• Sectarianism is defined as the politicization of religious, ethnic, or other ascriptive group identities.
• It is often used as a tool by political elites, foreign powers, and religious leaders to maintain power or foster division.
• While sectarianism has contributed to regional instability, it is not the norm and violence remains an exception.

Case Studies

• Lebanon: The Beirut Madinati movement represents a nonsectarian political initiative that seeks to build cross-sectarian cooperation through local issues such as economic development and education reform.
• Bahrain: The study highlights geographical and economic segregation as key drivers of sectarianism, with Isa Town and Hamad Town serving as examples of how social capital and integration can enhance resilience.
• Syria: Foreign support, particularly from Turkey and Iran, has played a significant role in escalating sectarian violence. Effective border control is identified as a critical factor in limiting external influence.
• Iraq: Communities in Baghdad and Dohuk have shown resilience despite sectarian conflict, driven by social trust and community interaction.

Key Findings

• Community resilience is influenced by internal factors such as social trust, cross-sectarian interaction, and local governance.
• External factors like foreign funding, border control, and regional rivalries also play a crucial role in shaping sectarian dynamics.
• Political elites that rely on patronage systems often exacerbate sectarianism, while nonsectarian leaders can create opportunities for cooperation when these elites lose legitimacy.

Policy Recommendations

• Improve border control: Preventing the flow of resources, supplies, and fighters from foreign sources is essential to reducing sectarian violence.
• Limit foreign funding: Exerting pressure on regional powers like Iran and Saudi Arabia to curtail support for sectarian actors can help reduce conflict.
• Encourage civil society: Promoting freedom of expression and association allows for peaceful civic engagement and the development of nonsectarian leaders.
• Support governance: Strengthening domestic governance and institutional capacity can help deliver public services and foster trust.
• Revise urban planning: Integrated urban design that promotes interaction and social cohesion can mitigate sectarian tensions.
• Promote local media: Encouraging local media coverage of nonsectarian issues can help counter sectarian narratives and promote understanding.

Conclusion

• The research underscores the complex interplay of external and internal factors in shaping sectarianism.
• Resilience exists in many Middle Eastern communities, often through shared values and social bonds that transcend sectarian lines.
• The international community should support these resiliencies and avoid actions that could undermine them.
• The goal is to promote cross-sectarian cooperation and reduce the salience of sectarianism through policy and community initiatives.

Key Themes

• Sectarianism is not inevitable; communities can resist or recover from it.
• Resilience is context-dependent and influenced by social, political, and economic factors.
• Cross-sectarian cooperation is possible and can be fostered through inclusive policies and community engagement.

References and Authors

• Contributing Authors: Amanda Rizkallah, Justin Gengler, Kathleen Reedy, Ami Carpenter
• Volume Editors: Jeffrey Martini, Dalia Dassa Kaye, Becca Wasser
• Sponsored by: Henry Luce Foundation
• Published by: RAND Corporation

Summary of Case Study Findings

• Beirut Madinati in Lebanon demonstrates the potential for nonsectarian political movements to emerge.
• Bahrain shows how geographic and economic segregation can heighten sectarian tensions, but integration efforts can promote resilience.
• Syria highlights the role of foreign intervention in escalating sectarian violence.
• Iraq provides evidence that social capital and trust can buffer communities from sectarian conflict.

This report aims to fill knowledge gaps by identifying factors that enhance resilience and recommend strategies for promoting cross-sectarian cooperation in the Middle East.