Notes and Generalizations

 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

 Opposing Sides: Catholics and Protestants  Background:  British took over Ireland in 16 th 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  Location: Northern Ireland/Britain  Outcome: Good Friday Agreement signed 1998, allowing self- government in Northern Ireland

 Opposing Sides: Israelis (Jewish) vs. Palestinians (Muslims)  Background:  Israel was granted territory and independence after WWII in The land was taken from Palestine.  Palestine and neighboring Arab countries attacked--Israel won.  Four wars between Arabs and Israel since  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

 Opposing Sides: Tibetans (Buddhists) and Chinese Gov’t (Communist)  Background:  China had a communist revolution in  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)

 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

 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.

 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

 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.