The Rewards of Allah: Cultural Analysis of Reconciliation

In the analysis of warfare and conflict, Peace Studies rarely directs attention to unique cultural symbolism and motifs that are critical elements of the popular support and perception of warfare. Conflicts are represented and perpetuated in the minds of participants according to the symbols and motifs of their culture and history. Meaningful traditions of strength and power, drawn from the cultural background of those involved, must be countered with positive symbols of reconciliation and coexistence that are not imposed by outside 'mediators' or analysts, but drawn from the cultural identity of the people themselves. In this study, such symbols are located within the Jewish and Palestinian traditions. Detailed attention is given to the Palestinian ceremony of reconciliation known as the 'Sulha', as an illustration of the kind of cultural analysis that Peace Studies must include within its areas of concern.