Join St. Charles library's Great Decisions group

The St. Charles Public Library is host to Great Decisions, America's largest discussion program on world affairs administered and produced by the Foreign Policy Association.

This month's discussion, "Sectarianism in the Middle East," will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 23, in the library's Carnegie Community Room, 1 S. Sixth Ave.

Many of the current conflicts in the Middle East have been attributed to sectarianism, a politicization of ethnic and religious identity. From the crisis in Iraq and Syria to the tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia, the struggle between Sunni and Shi'i groups for dominance is tearing apart the region and shows no signs of abating.

But for all the religious discourse permeating the conflict, much of its roots are political, not religious. How does sectarianism fit into a larger narrative of the Middle East? How have governments manipulated sectarian differences? And, finally, what is the U.S. doing about it?

To learn more about the issue, read a glossary of terms, see recommended readings and watch videos on the topic, visit www.fpa.org/great_decisions/.

The annual series features a DVD on each topic, followed by a moderated discussion among the participants. Participants are asked to review the relevant chapter of the Great Decisions briefing book, which is available for purchase for $20 at the library's reference desk and also at check out. Registration is not required.

The discussion group meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Thursday of each month. The program May 28 will be "India Changes Course."

The Foreign Policy Association is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to broadening public involvement with the most important foreign policy issues facing the United States.

Each year, thousands take part in the Great Decisions discussion groups around the country to increase their awareness and understanding of U.S. foreign policy concerns.

For more information, call (630) 584-0076 or visit www.stcharleslibrary.org.