The position of the Newspapers on Religious and Ethnic Sectarianism in 2006, an Analytical Study of Al-Zaman, Al-Sabah, and Al-Adalah Newspapers

Through looking at ethno-religious relations in Iraq, this research delves into the dynamics that showcase media’s impact on alleviating or aggravating religious and ethnic sectarianism. It explores how the media helped leave a positive impact on alleviating the impetus for such violence in Iraq by means of influencing political circles and paving the way for religious tolerance for the sake of achieving freedom of religion. The following study clarifies why media outlets should address and stimulate a moderately political and religious conversation across existing communities especially after what mainly came as the result of foreign intervention that obviously fed chaos and furthered sectarianism, which threatened people’s identity and national unity. To that end, the study examines two dominating attitudes; one, that largely thrives on fomenting sectarianism, sowing sedition and strife among different communities by peddling falsifications and tapping on people’s worst and morally wicked sentiments, and two, a religious conversation that is entirely derived from religion and is void of any inflammatory or demonizing approaches, intends to clarify religious thought and its superior value, and highlights interpersonal relations. Specifically, the current study seeks to discover how newspapers in Iraq were affected by ethno-religious sectarianism back in 2006 and how to give voice to those that have adopted a moderate approach therein. As a result of a case study, the researcher found that the mentioned ethnic group has no interest in isolating itself; especially if it is demographically located around neighboring countries or bordering regions. Finally, in accordance with the study, the researcher has developed a couple of broad recommendations including:

* Demanding that relevant government authorities carefully monitor media outlets, both digital and written, in order to prevent ethno-religious sectarianism.