If faith leaders take sides in a conflict, do they give up any possible role as a trusted mediator? “Religious discourse has become both politicized and a source of polarization,” the report states. Yet more than three in four Libyans say religious leaders and scholars should be involved in creating a transition to democracy. The report recommends that foreign diplomats rely on local traditional religious leaders to help achieve peace. Sometimes in armed conflicts, faith leaders must take the high road of simply staying neutral rather than taking sides on divisive questions.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 19, 2017 20:26 UTC