Constructing Sectarianism in the Middle East and South Asia

The CMES 10th Annual Middle East Studies Conference
Scholars will present papers offering in-depth analyses of sectarianism in the Middle East and South Asia. The theme of the 10th Annual Middle East Studies Conference is to examine critically the concept and evolution of sectarianism. Special focus is placed on the role played by foreign powers, such as the United States, in prompting sectarian conflict or in other ways making sectarian identity fundamental to contemporary political, social, and economic systems.

” General media coverage of recent conflict in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan
” Gender, class, and ethnicity
” The role of piety and pilgrimage
” War and refugees

Location: Mosher Alumni House, UC Santa Barbara

Tentative Schedule

Saturday, April 19th

9:00-11:05 a.m. Iran, Iraqi refuees in Jordan, and Turkey

11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m India, Pakistan, and media coverage

12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Lunch

2:00 – 3:45 p.m. Plenary panel:
“The ‘New’ Middle East and its Social Categories: Producing Knowledge, Space and Identities,” Prof. Julie Peteet (Anthropology, University of Louisville)
“Five Years and Counting: An Assessment of the Iraq War,” Dahr Jamail (Independent Media Reporter)

4:00 – 5:15 p.m. Free concert, UCSB Middle East Ensemble

The USCB Center for Middle East Studies thanks the conference supporters: The UC Humanities Research Institute, and the UCSB Interdisciplinary Humanities Center.