I am interested in the intersection of religion and politics in the Middle East. In particular, I am intersted in exploring the politcization of religious identity. Some of the questions that I try to answer are: How is religious identity instrumentalized and to what effect? Why do some religio-political project successed while others fail? How can religous ideology be used for peacemaking? What role does politics have in shaping religion?
My current research revolves around sectarianism in Lebanon. I am investigating the agency of religious leaders vis-à-vis sectarianism. How does the religious establishment, and in particular the clergy, propagate/limit the spread and devastating impact of sectarianism? In my research, I concentrate on Shiite clergy in Lebanon as they exemplify one of the most active and organized sectarian group in the country.