CPTnet
2 February 2001

IRAQ: Muslim Peacemaker Team training in Karbala

Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) recently conducted a five-day training for
Muslim peacemakers at the request of a human rights organization in Karbala.
Four CPTers, Peggy Gish, Cliff Kindy, Maxine Nash, and Allan Slater
conducted the highly participatory training at the office of the human
rights organization from 22-26 January 2005.

Some of the topics covered in the training included stories of non-violent
peacemaking, the power of non-violence, the spirituality of non-violence and
planning for public action. On the last day, the trainers covered various
smaller topics, including trauma and self-care, working with media and human
rights documentation.

In response to the stories and exploration of the power of non-violence,
participants asked the questions, "How did that work?" and "Can we do that
here?" The group also explored the roots of non-violence in the Muslim
tradition and told the CPTers that Islam has a firm tradition of
non-violence rooted in the teachings of the Qu'ran and in the teachings of
the Prophet Mohammed. During each day's session, the trainees had
opportunities to facilitate sessions, be the daily photographer, log keeper,
time-keeper, convener and process observer. The concept of assigning roles
for the day was new to the trainees and they greeted it with great
enthusiasm.

In the course of the training, participants shared stories of suffering and
trauma they experienced under Saddam Hussein and during the wars in which
Iraq has participated, including the most recent war with the United States
and the subsequent occupation. The trainees said they feel compelled to use
their suffering for peacemaking instead of avenging wrongs done to them.

Muslim peacemakers and CPT are planning for future trainings in other venues
around Karbala. Possibilities include training at a university in Karbala
and in the surrounding cities of Najaf and Hilla.