Peter Burns

Peter Burns (@peterburns_1861) is the founder of Burns Group Consulting and Executive Director of the IRF Summit.

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South Africa’s Benedict Option

An Afrikaner community’s bid to preserve its identity

Corrymeela, Northern Ireland: a Christian Outpost in a Nation at War with Itself (Part Two)

Corrymeela’s community believes no one can unwind every evil of the past, so each person can only decide how he will live with others in the present.

Corrymeela, Northern Ireland: a Christian Outpost in a Nation at War with Itself (Part One)

Through the Good Friday Agreement, Corrymeela was an epicenter for people working towards a peaceful settlement to the Troubles.

The Return of Old Middle Eastern Empires
The Return of Old Middle Eastern Empires

What is emerging is a return of three ancient regional power centers, would-be Persian and Turkish hegemons wishing to once more dominate in the domain of their past empires. In the middle is an Arab and Jewish coalition, anxious not to fall prey to their old masters.

Armenian Genocide Recognition Is Just the Beginning of What Armenia Hopes For
Genocide Recognition Is Just the Beginning of What Armenia Hopes For

Even as they engage in this ceremony for the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day in Yerevan, there is a sense that this year is different because President Joe Biden formally recognized the Armenian Genocide, making him the first president to formally use the word “genocide” in connection to what happened to the Armenian community.

Middle Eastern Christians Stepping Up to Lead Coronavirus Response Are Part of a Long Tradition of Healing the Region’s Sick
Middle Eastern Christians Step Up to Lead Coronavirus Response, Part of Long Tradition

During the coronavirus pandemic, Middle Eastern Christians like MP Neemat Frem and Dr. Issam Raad are living up to the best of their community’s tradition as healers of the sick.

Assyrian Mind - Northern Iraq
The Assyrian Mind

For Westerners, the Assyrians’ passion can seem abrasive. But understanding what drives Assyrian activists helps explain northern Iraq’s politics.

Saving Nickels and Dimes on the Backs of the World's Most Suffering People is Poor Policy
Saving Nickels and Dimes on the Backs of the World’s Most Suffering People is Poor Policy

The move to cut USAID’s budget threatens US interests around the world while making almost no financial impact at home.

A Little God with Your Foreign Policy
A Little God with Your Foreign Policy

State Department Ministerial is part of Ambassador Brownback’s rewiring of US foreign policy to prioritize religious freedom.

Sympathy for Hoda Muthana is Acceptable. Mercy without Justice is Not
Sympathy for Hoda Muthana is Acceptable. Mercy without Justice is Not

It is sad to grow up and realize you’ve become a monster. The awareness does not change the fact that you are now a monster.