C. Eduardo Vargas's blog

This month, the press has paid much attention to the French parliamentary move to approve the ban of wearing the Islamic full veil in public. The full veil, or niqba, covers the entire face of a person with an opening only for the eyes.  This type of religious garb has proven cumbersome for identification of individuals in security matters, and is even seen as an infringement on the rights of women. However, the decision for the possible adoption of such a measure is seen as a double-standard in French society since it would only affect Muslim women.

Last month—the month of World Refugee Day—António Guterres, the United Nations’ High Commissioner for Refugees commemorated the 100,000th resettlement referral of Iraqi refugees. This is a key achievement in the beaurocratic process of resettling refugees that primarily live in neighboring states where they are not guaranteed any type of legal protection—meaning they can be deported whenever the government chooses to do so.

Lately, the very ignitable topic of immigration has grabbed the attention of the national and international press.  Recently Arizona’s Governor Jan Brewer signed into law SB 1070, which from its inception seems very polemic and prone to civil rights law suits.  This law has even prompted the Mexican Foreign Ministry to issue a travel warning to their citizens who are considering traveling to Arizona.

Last weekend, while most of us were anticipating the winners at the Oscars, Iraqis flocked to polling stations to participate in their parliamentary elections.  Despite the acts of violence that took place, the feeling of empowerment and desire to have their voices heard overtook the fear that limited their participation in the previous election. Sixty-two percent of Iraqis turned out to vote on Sunday.

Earlier last month, I had the privilege to participate in a panel discussion that focused on how the arts can be used to highlight the plight of Iraqi refugees. Joining me in the panel where the Iraqi Voices Amplification Project (IVAP) artists Michael Jordan and Kim Schultz, in addition to Charity Tooze.  Charity is a freelance journalist and academic focusing on politics in the Middle East.

With December here and many people preparing for Christmas and Hanukkah, we often overlook the deeper meanings of the holidays.  In the same way people often eschew religion in favor of spirituality, the deeper meanings of religions are also overlooked.  In a recent book by Samir Selmanovic entitled, It’s Really All About God: Reflections of a Muslim Atheist Jewish Christian, he writes that “. . . our departure from religion is at the very same time a departure from its rich treasures of community, insight, art, practice, organized action, and hard lessons.  Without religion, we find ourselves isolated, incoherent, and naïve on our spiritual journeys.”

Last year, Intersections International’s Cost of War lecture series hosted the former Ambassador of Pakistan to Syria, Malaysia and Morocco; S. Azmat Hassan.  Ambassador Hassan, along with other diplomats and academics discussed the future opportunities and challenges facing America’s future foreign policy.

Religion plays an important role in the identity and culture of a country and its people.  It is quite common to see religious symbols on flags, buildings, and elsewhere in places throughout the world.  Although in many countries there exists a separation of church and state and freedom of religion, one still sees religious symbols as part of a cultural and national identity that—I feel—is worth preserving and admiring.  That being said, I find it lamentable and regrettable that the European Court of Human Rights in a ruling has barred Crucifixes from being displayed in Italy.

Sundown last Friday, September 18th, marked the beginning of Rosh Ha’Shana, the Jewish New Year. This symbolizes the beginning of a Jewish reconciliation process that ends ten days later with Yom Kippur. During this period, Jews from around the world pray to be inscribed in the Book of Life. Jews believe that God judges their actions throughout the past year, and determines every aspect of the coming year; from how much money they will make to what diseases they will contract.

In today’s press, one can frequently find reports of increased tension and violence between nations, non-state actors, and individuals; therefore, it is quite refreshing to read an article that counters this trend.