How to counter sectarianism

Sectarianism seems to be one of the thorniest problems Arab societies will face.

A society fragmented based on ethnical and religious criteria is a recipe for chaos. So, how to escape the nightmare of sectarianism?

There are no easy solutions to this problem, but decision makers need to take a concrete, serious and prompt initiative.

This should begin by acknowledging the problems within the society.

Signs of sectarianism are apparent in many countries in the Arab region; the psychological divisions usually anticipate geographical divisions.

The only valid way to deal with this continuous fragmentation of societies is to rebuild the concept of the state through forging a strong national identity that overrides religious, ethnical, tribal and geographical identities.

Strengthening the notion of nation, restoring the state of law and nurturing pluralism can help address the problem of sectarianism. At the same time, there is need to raise people’s awareness and invest more in social consciousness. 

This can be done through a clear strategy and an enlightening movement that leads to a cultural revolution whose aim should be to give people the chance to adopt different models of thinking and lifestyle that help them think in a wider perspective, and deal with the challenges posed to the world by the concept of “global citizen”.

Limitations on the mind would lead simply to more fragmentation, more conflicts and fewer opportunities for peaceful coexistence.

It is not easy to face sectarianism, but it can be done with serious political will.

The attempt should focus on building thought and intellectual, movements, disseminating them and transforming ideas into concrete actions.

Most important is to liberate people from the intimidation of many powerful radical groups. 

Scaring people with the “inferno” is something psychological that represents the incapacity of those groups to deal with changes.

As such, it is inevitable that change will be met with resistance, but that should not block the process of change, if indeed there is a desire to effect it.

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