1. Notes and Generalizations
Religious Conflicts

2. 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: present
Location: South Asia
Outcome: Continued violence

3. 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
Location: Northern Ireland/Britain
Outcome: Good Friday Agreement signed 1998, allowing self-government in Northern Ireland

4. Israel and Palestine
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 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: present
Location: Middle East
Outcome: Continued violence

5. 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: present
Location: Tibet (western China)
Outcome: Continued oppression of Tibetans; protests continue, sometimes violently. (Ex., 2008, before Beijing Olympics)

6. 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: present
Location: Caucasus Region of Russia, between Black and Caspian Seas
Outcome: Continued violence

7. 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.

8. 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: present
Location: Iraq
Outcome: Continued violence occasionally; unstable government in Iraq

9. 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.