The Study Paper “Religion, Peace, and Security: Challenges and Prospects in the MENA Region”, promoted by the NATO Security Force Assistance Centre of Excellence (NATO SFA COE) and the Religion & Security Council (RSC), is now available online:
The publication, edited by RSC Chairman Emiliano Stornelli in collaboration with Dr. Sihem Djebbi, Associate Professor at the University of Sorbonne Paris Nord and the Pontifical Faculty of Theology of Southern Italy, collects the proceedings of the Study Seminar held in Rome on 5-6 May 2022, which brought together an international group of scholars, experts, religious leaders, military officers, and civil society representatives, with the goal of examining the potentialities of the “religious factor” in the Mediterranean and the Middle East as a “driver” of peace and security.
The experiences, analyses, and recommendations shared during the event by the keynote speakers and discussants are encompassed in this timely volume, allowing a better understanding of the role that religions can play within international security strategies aimed at advancing crisis management, conflict resolution, peace-building, and post-conflict stabilization in the MENA region. In particular, three main domains are examined: interreligious dialogue, countering radicalization and violent extremism, fostering reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.
At odds with the view associating symbiotically religion to war and instability, the Study Paper is of great value for policymakers, practitioners, researchers, students, and all the stakeholders interested in addressing the nexus between religion, peace, and security in an area where crises and conflicts need the positive and constructive engagement of the “religious factor” as part of their solution.
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
“RELIGION, PEACE, AND SECURITY”: CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK AND GOALS
Col. Massimo Di Pietro
NATO SFA COE Director
Mr. Emiliano Stornelli
RSC Chairman
Dr. Sihem Djebbi
Associate Professor,
University of Sorbonne Paris Nord and the Pontifical Faculty of Theology of Southern Italy
Lt. Gen. Stefano Del Col
Director at the Supreme Council of Defense, Italian Presidency of the Republic
Former UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander
I. INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND PEACE-BUILDING
THREE LEVELS OF ENGAGEMENT FOR PEACE AND SECURITY
Dr. Elie Al Hindy
Executive Director, Adyan Foundation
THE “AMMAN MESSAGE” AND OTHER INSIGHTS FROM JORDAN
Dr. Majeda Omar
Associate Professor, University of Jordan
Former Director, Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies
– Roundtable Discussion
II. ADDRESSING RADICAL THINKING AND VIOLENT EXTREMISM
THE MOROCCAN EXPERIENCE
Prof. Aicha Haddou
Director of Ta’aruf − Morocco Interfaith & Peacebuilding Research and Training Centre, Rabita Mohammedia of Ulemas
POLICIES AND INITIATIVES AGAINST THE RADICAL DISCOURSE
Imam Yahya Pallavicini
President of the Islamic Religious Community of Italy (COREIS)
Ambassador for Dialogue among Civilizations,
Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO)
– Roundtable Discussion
III. HOW TO FOSTER RECONCILIATION AND PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE
“FOOD FOR THOUGHT” ON RELIGION, IDENTITY-POLITICS, AND GOVERNANCE
Dr. Elie Abouaoun
RSC Senior Fellow
Former Director of North Africa Programs & Regional Hub, U.S. Institute of Peace
SECTARIANISM AND THE PREDICAMENT OF RELIGIOUS MINORITIES IN IRAQ
Hon. Pascale Isho Warda
RSC Senior Fellow
President, Hammurabi Human Rights Organization
Former Minister for Migration and the Displaced, Iraqi Interim Government
– Roundtable Discussion
STRATEGIC TAKEAWAYS ON “RELIGION, PEACE, AND SECURITY” IN THE MENA REGION
Mr. Emiliano Stornelli – Dr. Sihem Djebbi