Dear HumanDHS Friends

Inside this edition 26 June – 02 July 2012

Former combatants switch to politics in Indonesia
by Ayi Jufridar
The Indonesian province of Aceh struggled through years of violence and some former combatants have since made the switch from armed struggle to politics. Indonesian journalist Ayi Jufridar looks at the challenges involved in the shift.
(Source: Common Ground News Service (CGNews), 26 June 2012)

Young Arab Israelis volunteering for national service, despite criticism
by Ruth Eglash
As Israel re-examines its universal conscription law, the debate over whether Arab Israelis will participate in civilian service programmes has again come to the fore, writes journalist Ruth Eglash.
(Source: Common Ground News Service (CGNews), 26 June 2012)

After clashes, Lebanon’s majority steps up
by Rita Chemaly
Recent violent clashes the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli have made headlines, but peace activists are telling another side to the story that deserves to be heard, writes Lebanese blogger Rita Chemaly.
(Source: Common Ground News Service (CGNews), 26 June 2012)

720 new ways to see US religious identity
by Beth Katz
Are there constructive ways to respond to stereotypes? Beth Katz, Founder and Executive Director of Project Interfaith, shares the stories of individuals who speak openly about their religious and spiritual identities in a personal way.
(Source: Common Ground News Service (CGNews), 26 June 2012)

Cross-pollination distinguishes great Islamic art
by Naazish YarKhan
Why should we learn about the history of geometric patterns on mosques or the origins of the word “damask”? Writer Naazish YarKhan explores the ways that art and history impact how Muslims and non-Muslims see each other today.
(Source: Common Ground News Service (CGNews), 26 June 2012)

www.commongroundnews.org