IEP21 Forum

Divisive:
Unresolved issues arising out of historic and contemporary Western Government intervention in the Middle East are arguably the most divisive current issue affecting Muslim cultures and Western cultures. Particularly so when Western Governments use violence as an approach to peace and conflict, and where Western Government negotiation positions are perceived in Muslim communities as being biased or unduly one-sided, and reflecting double standards.

More specifically, within Western cultures the above issues also apply, as well as more local factors associated with integration into the local cultural situation.

Cohesive:
Muslim cultures and Western cultures have the potential to come together around themes and values such as respecting non-violent approaches to peace and conflict, in valuing service, family life, and greater community integration and cohesion.

The imperative of working with non-violent approaches to peace and conflict is a key critical issue on which Muslim cultures and Western cultures can achieve significant cross-cultural convergence. This convergence is likely at a grassroots level, though it seems likely that Western Governments will continue to use violent approaches to peace and conflict.

Neill Walker,
Edinburgh, Scotland.
Edinburgh International Centre for World Spiritualities, EICWS.