Obama's Speech, Inter-Faith Dialogue, Challenges and Opportunities

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Permalink Reply by Brandon Sipes on June 6, 2009 at 6:24pm

In short Craig, I agree with the statements about dialogue not being enough and of the particular difficulties with interfaith dialogue among disparate groups.

Briefly, I think a very large barrier in constructive dialogue among interfaith groups or among those in conflict revolving around identity issues is the lack of engagement with the very difficult underlying issues. That is, without surfacing and dealing with the very deep and lasting differences (and even antagonisms) present between the dialogue partners, what we end up with is a very surface agreement that is likely to fail at the moment these differences and antagonisms arise later.

In addition, many dialogue sessions are built around "What do we want to do, and how can we do it?" This lacks a certain motivational aspect: Why we are doing it. Without knowing and affirming why we are engaging each other and working toward change, we will often lose steam in the long run.

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Permalink Reply by Craig Zelizer on June 7, 2009 at 3:41am

Hi Brandon
Thanks. Having been involved in dialogue work in a number of different areas, I agree in principle that exploring the core reasons for coming together and differences is critical. However, there is also a lot of dialogue work that unfortunately focuses on the why, but without proceeding to the what or how to change things. Obviously we need both, as understanding does not always generation action, but action without a underlying motivation and bond between groups and people does is not sustainable.

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Permalink Reply by M. Ashaq Malik on June 7, 2009 at 2:48am

When we see the reactions of Muslims around the world they seem to be so positive and sincere towards President Obama's peace initiative. This shows they wanted peace but no body, actually, came to them rather many called them by the names as terrorists, extremists, Islamists etc. and tried to press their genuine demands by force.

Mr. Obama is perhaps first United Sates President to make a history of conquering Muslims' hearts, not the physical territories, by his acceptable attitude.

President Obama's speech, no doubt, is good beginning and not only Muslims but all the people who love peace and solidarity must welcome this gesture. However, there are tough challenges ahead to transform the words into action. The Israel-Palestine conflict where Israel has shown reluctance to change its settlement policy will remain the main obstacle to implement his vision. But there are many in Israel who support President Obama's idealogy. At the same time, there are circles in US, who will not easily understand President Obama's doctrine to bring peace in region. Among the Muslims, though most will welcome, many will not believe if Americans are really so sincere towards their welfare. A resistance could be expected.

Therefore, there is urgent need of creating conditions for peace to prevail. Bridging the gaps, perhaps by changing the attitude or mindset of all parties, will be first step in this direction. That can be achieved by brining all actors to one common platform based on the philosophy of social justice, mutual respect, understanding and co-existence. The long term remedy - is imparting peace and interfaith education through the religious and educational institutions all over world. A Peace Education curriculum should be developed perhaps under the aegis of United Nations, and implemented by all member states. What do you think??

Please also visit: www.peaceandtolerance.ning.com

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Permalink Reply by Craig Zelizer on June 7, 2009 at 3:42am

Thanks. the UN already has been involved in many efforts on peacebuilding and peace education. In particular see UNESCO's Culture of Peace effort, http://www3.unesco.org/iycp/uk/uk_sommaire.htm

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Permalink Reply by M. Ashaq Malik on June 7, 2009 at 10:52am

Thank you so much, Craig, for providing this useful information. But yet there is a lot to do to take this culture of peace to grass-root level. I will try to spread the word

Craig, it is great beginning when President of United Sates has come forward to work for peace and security in a different way. Unlike his predecessors, he has realized that the force multiplies the human sufferings and it is the dialogue that brings parties to the conflict to a common understanding. He is on right path we all have to co-operate him in delegating his approach - based on mutual respect and coexistence.

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