Killing in the name of God
Aftermath of Israeli strike on Hamas leader, Gaza, September 2003
Throughout history wars have been fought over religion – or that's how it seems. Most of those conflicts had more to do with competition for territory, trade, resources and political power than with persuading others of the correctness of one set of beliefs over another.
Trade routes
It was not an accident that for 200 years the medieval Crusaders fought the Muslims for control of the land on the eastern side of the Mediterranean. This was the gateway between Europe and Asia, crucial for trade and access to resources. Though the two great proselytising religions, Christianity and Islam, were both trying to convert the peoples of the region, it is difficult to imagine such violence over land which had no strategic significance.
That same land is still being fought over today, but this time by the Israelis and the Palestinians. Again, many people characterise the conflict as a religious war but for those involved, it clearly has more to do with territory, political influence and economics.
A fragile ceasefire is holding in Northern Ireland after 30 years of violence. The history of this conflict goes back way beyond living memory but centuries of bitterness are woven through both communities today. Is this a conflict between local Protestants and Catholics? A struggle of colonised against colonisers? A cycle of violence which has developed its own momentum?
