Notes and Generalizations Religious Conflicts

India and Pakistan Opposing Sides: Hindus (India) vs. Muslims (Pakistan) Background: Both gained independence from Britain at same time (1947) From the time of independence,they have fought over the territory of Kashmir Both sides have nuclear weapons Dates: 1947-present Location: South Asia Outcome: Continued violence

Northern Ireland Opposing Sides: Catholics and Protestants Background: British took over Ireland in 16th century; Irish were treated horribly Republic of Ireland gained independence in 1922 Britain retained control of Northern Ireland, which has a majority of Protestants and minority of Catholics. The Catholics in N. Ireland (led by Irish Republican Army—terrorists) fought to be part of the Republic of Ireland. Dates: centuries old; modern violence 1968-1998 Location: Northern Ireland/Britain Outcome: Good Friday Agreement signed 1998, allowing self-government in Northern Ireland

Israel and Palestine Opposing Sides: Israelis (Jewish) vs. Palestinians (Muslims) Background: Israel was granted territory and independence after WWII in 1948. The land was taken from Palestine. Palestine and neighboring Arab countries attacked--Israel won. Four wars between Arabs and Israel since 1948. Palestine has lost all territory; continued to fight with terrorism Palestinians = refugees. Palestinians have designated areas in Israel, but are controlled by Israeli gov't--they want independence/sovereignty. Dates: 1948-present Location: Middle East Outcome: Continued violence

China/Tibet Opposing Sides: Tibetans (Buddhists) and Chinese Gov’t (Communist) Background: China had a communist revolution in 1949. In 1950, began takeover of independent country of Tibet In 1959, Dalai Lama, the Tibetan political leader and Buddhist religious leader, fled to India where he has lived ever since Dates: 1950-present Location: Tibet (western China) Outcome: Continued oppression of Tibetans; protests continue, sometimes violently. (Ex., 2008, before Beijing Olympics)

Chechnya Opposing Sides: Chechnyans (Muslims) vs. Russian Gov’t Background: Soviet Union broke apart in 1991 and many countries gained independence from the largest part, Russia. Chechnya wanted independence, but Russia wouldn’t allow it. Chechnyans fought with terrorist attacks. Russia fought back with military. Dates: 1991-present Location: Caucasus Region of Russia, between Black and Caspian Seas Outcome: Continued violence

Bosnia Opposing Sides: Bosnian Muslims and Serbian gov’t (mostly orthodox Christian) Background: Yugoslavia broke apart and many parts gained independence; Bosnia wanted independence from Serbia too Serbia didn’t want to let Bosnia go; they fought Ethnic Cleansing: Serbs targeted Muslims and killed them—trying to wipe out the ethnic group (genocide?) Outcome: US and NATO sent troops in 1994 and forced agreement; Bosnia is independent.

Sunnis and Shi’a (Iraq) Opposing Sides: Sunni Muslims and Shi’ite Muslims Background: US attacked Iraq in 2003 and overthrew ruler (Saddam Hussein) Both Sunnis and Shi’ites want to be in charge, don’t trust each other Fight for power Dates: 2005-present Location: Iraq Outcome: Continued violence occasionally; unstable government in Iraq

Generalizations Religious conflicts are violent. Religious conflicts are very difficult to solve because people don't want to compromise their beliefs. Religious conflicts are REALLY usually about control of land or political power, not religion. Religious conflicts are long-lasting--decades or even centuries. Religious conflicts arise from discrimination or oppression of groups who are minorities or who hold less power.