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Many of the current conflicts in the Middle East have been attributed to sectarianism, a politicization of ethnic and religious identity.  The struggle between Sunni and Shi‘i groups for dominance is tearing apart the region and shows no signs of abating. But for all the religious discourse permeating the conflict, much of its roots are political, not religious. How does sectarianism fit into a larger narrative of the Middle East? How have governments manipulated sectarian differences? And finally, what is the U.S. doing about it?  GD guest speaker Jay Shahidi speaks from a personal perspective as well as from astute observation of today's events in the Middle East.  He is a board member of the United Nations Association-Minnesota and the American Refugee Committee (ARC), as well as co-founder and current President of the Iranian-American Society of Minnesota.  Elisabeth Bennett hosts at La Rive’s Party Room.

Sorry, not open to guests; to join the MCC Great Decisions Discussion Group, email the MCC office at info@millcitycommons.org.  Registration on the MCC website is required for Great Decisions members.