In a compelling panel discussion hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), experts gathered to address the critical issue of religious freedom in the Middle East. The event featured prominent speakers including Janine di Giovanni, author of The Vanishing: The Twilight of Christianity in the Middle East; Daniel Philpott, a political science professor at the University of Notre Dame; and Dwight Bashir, Director of Outreach and Policy at the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. The session was presided over by Heba F. El-Shazli, a faculty director at George Mason University.
The panelists explored the alarming decline of religious minorities in the region, particularly Christians, and the broader implications for society. Di Giovanni, drawing from her extensive experience as a conflict reporter, emphasized the historical significance of Christian communities in countries like Iraq, Syria, and Gaza. She lamented the “vanishing” of these ancient communities, highlighting the fear and trauma they have faced, particularly during the rise of extremist groups like ISIS.
“These communities are vital to the cultural and spiritual fabric of their societies,” di Giovanni stated. “If they leave, the identity of these regions will be irrevocably altered.”
Philpott contributed to the discussion by examining the relationship between Islam and religious freedom. He noted that while many Muslim-majority countries struggle with issues of tolerance, there are also examples of high levels of religious freedom, particularly in West Africa. He argued that the nature of governance—whether democratic or authoritarian—plays a significant role in shaping attitudes toward religious minorities.
Bashir provided insights into U.S. policy regarding religious freedom in the Middle East, discussing the challenges of addressing state-sponsored hostility and social hostility toward religious minorities. He highlighted the need for consistent policies that transcend geopolitical interests, calling for accountability for countries that violate religious freedoms.
The discussion also touched on the intersection of climate change and religious freedom, with di Giovanni warning that environmental crises could exacerbate existing tensions and lead to further persecution of vulnerable communities.
As the panel concluded, the urgency of the situation was clear. The speakers called for greater international attention and action to protect religious minorities in the Middle East, emphasizing that the preservation of these communities is essential for the region’s future.
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