ISIS on the offensive in Iraq

[Rhyfelwyr]

Redrawing borders isn't always going to cut it. Centuries, or even just decades under centralizing states has meant that populations that were once geographically divided are now relatively intermixed. Without resorting to ethnic cleansing, people are going to have to learn to live with each other.

[rory_20_uk]

Redrawing borders isn't always going to cut it. Centuries, or even just decades under centralizing states has meant that populations that were once geographically divided are now relatively intermixed. Without resorting to ethnic cleansing, people are going to have to learn to live with each other.

But indulging in ethnic / religious genocide / mass exodous oes appear to be the preferred approach with several minorities being displaced or culled.

[HoreTore]

But indulging in ethnic / religious genocide / mass exodous oes appear to be the preferred approach with several minorities being displaced or culled.

How many years have those minorities lived there without any of that happening?

Don't make the mistake of assuming that the current state of affairs is the natural state of affairs.

[rory_20_uk]

But once they're gone, often they're gone. Given that Sunnis view at least two groups in the area as Devil worshipers or Apostates it doesn't really fill me with hope.

The locals might still be getting on with each other as well as they ever had, and it is persons from elsewhere in the world coming into the area that are doing these things - with modern communication making this so much easier.

Alexandria was a centre of Christianity for a long time - then was razed to the ground in a very short time.

[Fragony]

How many years have those minorities lived there without any of that happening?

Don't make the mistake of assuming that the current state of affairs is the natural state of affairs.

Wouldn't call it a natural state of afairs, insanity would be a better word, but IS is just doing what their holy book tells them to do. That there are some disputes on how and what doesn't change that. I doubt the Shia's would be any less barbaric.

[HoreTore]

Wouldn't call it a natural state of afairs, insanity would be a better word, but IS is just doing what their holy book tells them to do. That there are some disputes on how and what doesn't change that. I doubt the Shia's would be any less barbaric.

If they are, the middle east christians would have been wiped out 1500 years ago.

Mao is actually relevant(for once). A hundred years ago, who would've thought China would be this unified?

[Seamus Fermanagh]

...A hundred years ago, who would've thought China would be this unified?

I have to say, while not the greatest student of Chinese history, I cannot recall reading about ANY other period where they were both this unified and had this degree of personal freedom and prosperity at the same time. I realize they are not free in the sense that Europe is, but it is pretty impressive how far they have come. I might not concur about Mao's role....but that would be for the Monastery.

[Pannonian]

I have to say, while not the greatest student of Chinese history, I cannot recall reading about ANY other period where they were both this unified and had this degree of personal freedom and prosperity at the same time. I realize they are not free in the sense that Europe is, but it is pretty impressive how far they have come. I might not concur about Mao's role....but that would be for the Monastery.

Deng Xiaoping was probably the most effective and liberal ruler they've had since Kang Xi. His technocratic dynasty has been changing chairmen with hardly any noticeable differences.

[HopAlongBunny]

How many years have those minorities lived there without any of that happening?

But now you have people with plans for the population/area and the people with plans have guns.
So...ya fer us or ag'in us!
Think carefully.
Mao had some appropo comments about this.