Bosnia and Herzegovina (Brussels Morning Newspaper), In the heart of Sarajevo, a city that once bore the scars of the Bosnian war, an emblematic event unfolded this past week, symbolizing a rare glimpse of hope and unity in a world increasingly fragmented by conflict. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League, was at the center of this gathering, where he was honored with the ‘Key to the City of Sarajevo’ by Mayor Benjamina Karić. But this was not just an acknowledgment of his efforts towards fostering unity and mutual understanding among Sarajevo’s diverse populace but also a testament to the city’s resilience and spirit.
The ceremony, themed on engaging parliamentarians and religious leaders for peace and coexistence, was attended by dignitaries such as Zeljko Komsic, chairperson of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Denis Zvizdić, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the BiH Parliamentary Assembly. It stood as more than a mere formality, showcasing the power of interfaith dialogue and the essential role of religious leaders in bridging divides. In the backdrop of Sarajevo’s breathtaking landscapes and historical landmarks, the event transcended its physical boundaries, offering key takeaways on peace, coexistence, and the indispensable role of moral leadership in healing divided communities.
But this recent gathering was not merely a ceremonial accolade; it was a profound reminder of the enduring scars left by the Bosnian war and a clarion call for a peace that transcends political agreements. The event’s significance lies not just in the recognition of efforts towards unity but in the location itself—Sarajevo, a city emblematic of the horrors of conflict as much as the possibility of coexistence and resilience.
Amidst the ceremony, Sheikh Issa’s visit to Srebrenica stands as a poignant testament to the profound depths of reconciliation and remembrance. This pilgrimage, a gesture of solidarity with the victims of one of the most tragic episodes of the Bosnian conflict, underscores the profound role of faith leaders in healing the wounds of the past. Following this visit, the presentation of the Key to the City at Sarajevo City Hall by Mayor Benjamina Karić to Sheikh Issa further symbolized the acknowledgment of his and the Muslim World League’s efforts in fostering unity and mutual understanding across divides.
Why is this focus on peace and coexistence so pertinent, especially in light of Bosnia’s tumultuous history? The answer lies in the complex tapestry of human society, where the roots of conflict are intertwined with cultural, religious, and ethnic identities. Traditional international peacebuilding efforts, often characterized by their transactional nature, involving economic incentives and political negotiations, have repeatedly fallen short. They fail to address the deeper, symbolic layers of conflict that resonate with the vast majority of humanity.
Consider this: 84% of the world’s population identifies with a religious group, and over half of all armed conflicts have religious undertones. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a testament to the power of faith as both a motivator for conflict and a catalyst for peace. The international community’s oversight in the protracted conflicts of Afghanistan and Israel/Palestine—ignoring the symbolic and moral clout of religion—has been a critical misstep. Dr. Al-Issa’s work, and indeed the Sarajevo event, underscore a fundamental truth: real peace, lasting peace, is built on engaging societies’ most profound moral and symbolic foundations.
The importance of faith and moral leadership in authentic, long-term reconciliation cannot be overstated. While political and economic negotiations are necessary, they often overlook the human element, the very fabric of society that must be healed and woven together for peace to be durable. Faith leaders, with their deep-rooted influence and moral authority, can bridge divides that seem insurmountable to politicians and diplomats.
Moreover, the Sarajevo model—where a city, once besieged by Serb forces, now champions interfaith dialogue and unity—offers a blueprint for the world. It demonstrates that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of understanding, respect, and mutual recognition among diverse communities.
It’s a lesson that institutions like the European Union must swiftly take to heart.
If the EU and the broader international community fail to recognize the essential role of faith in peacebuilding, this blind spot will continue to hinder efforts towards conflict resolution and long-term reconciliation. The business-like, transactional models of the past must give way to more holistic strategies that embrace the cultural, spiritual, and moral dimensions of human societies. In essence, the path to enduring peace requires a symphony of efforts, where economic and political strategies are harmonized with moral and spiritual leadership. Nowhere is this more needed than in the enduring conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, where the fabric of society is torn by decades of strife, mistrust, and suffering. The Sarajevo event and Sheikh Issa’s meaningful engagements are poignant reminders of this reality, urging us to look beyond the superficial layers of conflict and engage with the deep, often unspoken, currents that define our collective humanity.
Opinions expressed in the op-ed section are solely those of the individual author and do not represent the official stance of our newspaper. We believe in providing a platform for a wide range of voices and perspectives, even those that may challenge or differ from our own. As always, we remain committed to providing our readers with high-quality, fair, and balanced journalism. Thank you for your continued support.Sincerely, The Brussels Morning Team
