Focus switch: religious conflict and peacemaking

Admittedly, this blog has fallen by the wayside - it is safe to say, however, that I still have not completely disappeared from the blogging world, having kept track of an active summer in Denmark and Germany via "For the love of words."

Now that it's back to school for my final semester, though (cue Adam Sandler song), a new sociology/religion class has inspired the revitalization of this blog, transformed from a MENA focus to religious conflict and peacemaking. While it is rather likely that this will often mean continued talk of MENA to some extent, religious conflict and friction is certainly not limited to any one part of the world. Arab-Israeli conflict, India, North Ireland, Balkan Peninsula, to name just a few, not to mention right here on the homefront.

Disclaimer from the start: it's a touchy subject (both religion and politics, and this includes both). Lively discussion and commentary is always fantastic, keeping in mind that each is entitled to their own opinions. You'll find that my stance will be a more moderate, human one, if I can help it. David Grossman-esque in terms of sentiment, though lacking the sheer brilliance. [His latest, To the End of the Land, is, of course, fantastic, and extremely relevant to this topic. I highly recommend you take a gander.]

(Photo from a recent visit to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin.)