Minority groups are the focus of much of contemporary conflict in the Middle East. Many Middle Eastern minorities—whether Egyptian Copts, Israeli Arabs, Turkish Kurds, Palestinian Jordanians, Algerian Berbers, Saudi Shia Muslims, Assyrian Christians, Turkmens and Yazidis —are facing increasing hostility at the hands of extremist groups and even government bodies. CIGI is initiating a dialogue by examining the root causes of the marginalization of these minority groups and drawing comparisons with the minority experience in other regions around the world in order to explore what is needed to create a culture of peace and respect in the Middle East.

CIGI’s Minorities in the Middle East project begins by looking into the historical account and background on the minorities in question in order to examine and generate discussion on what led to the increased extremism and fundamentalism currently in place in the region. This includes an analysis of the discriminatory policies affecting these groups as well as the response of marginalized groups—from peaceful protest to an upsurge of violence. One critical area of this study will juxtapose choice minority groups with a history of violence to similar minority communities living in peace in Arab countries. The aim of this project is to articulate a number of appropriate steps to be taken by Middle Eastern governments in relation to minority groups and to identify the role of governments, intergovernmental organization, and civil society groups in promoting a culture of tolerance and common citizenship in their respective states. Work under this project is expected to conclude by providing lessons learned and policy recommendations for the international and national communities.