In this exclusive interview, Christopher Hyland, the Deputy National Political Director for Ethnic Constituencies during Bill Clinton's presidential campaign, shares his insights with Genc Mlloja, Senior Diplomatic Editor at Albanian Daily News. Hyland, with his extensive diplomatic experience and deep commitment to peacebuilding, reflects on the role of religious tolerance, the importance of the Bektashi movement, and his vision for a more inclusive and peaceful future in the Balkans and beyond. This conversation touches on a range of crucial topics—from the potential of a sovereign Bektashi state to the challenges of global peace efforts and religious moderation.

ADN: Mr. Hyland, what would you say about the concerns that creating a sovereign Bektashi state in Albania might set a precedent for religious-based sovereignty elsewhere?

- There are numerous sovereign entities that espouse radical points of view, paramount among them theocratic states. These entities have access to international organizations and ambassadors, which allows them to influence public affairs significantly. To maintain balance, it is crucial to support a voice from the Muslim world that promotes commonality, acceptance of diversity, and peace. Critical analysis, especially in a dynamic Islamic world, must continue to have its place.

-In what way do you believe the establishment of the Bektashi State could contribute to stability in the Balkans and beyond?

- A Bektashi State characterized by hope, justice, and peace would allow the Balkans to become synonymous with the best human aspirations. The presence of such a state within Albania would go a long way toward alleviating EU concerns about religious extremism.

-Do you see the Bektashi model of religious moderation as a counterbalance to extremism in other parts of the world? If so, how?

There needs to be a global narrative that focuses on improving the present—on creating a happier, more moderate, prosperous, and loving world, not only on the afterlife, which often fosters harsh judgments. The Bektashi model of religious moderation counters extremism in many faith-based and politically driven groups around the world. Though grounded in ancient Muslim teachings, the Bektashi respect the thoughts of other traditions and continuously advocate tolerance and inclusion.

-What lessons can other religious and political leaders take from the Bektashi’s history of coexistence and inclusion?

Establishing a Bektashi State serves as a constant reminder that human contradictions need not result in conflict. Instead, focusing on coexistence and inclusion better serves humanity. Religious and political leaders should draw inspiration from the Bektashi’s commitment to coexistence and inclusion, recognizing, as Martin Luther King Jr. once said, that we are all “In a Single Garment of Destiny.”

The inclusion of the Bektashi state in global councils will remind participants that, although history has shown that war is often easier than peace, there is a more just and collegial way forward. Once granted sovereign status on the world stage, the Bektashi ethos will significantly reduce tensions between the Muslim world and regions experiencing conflicts, from China and India to Europe and the Middle East.

-Your work has spanned many continents, from the Irish peace process to the Balkans. What common challenges do you see in peacebuilding efforts, and how does the Bektashi movement fit into this global vision?

-The greatest challenge is that animosity persists, often due to self-serving leaders who perpetuate centuries-old grievances and block reform. This sustains discord, to the benefit of nefarious characters.

In my communications with the Irish-American community, the word "peace" was repeatedly crossed out, indicating that some Irish-American leaders sought to prolong the Irish Troubles and resisted changing U.S. foreign policy toward the UK.

The Bektashi, however, advocate for peace and harmony without reservation, acknowledging human contradictions along the way but not allowing them to divert from the pursuit of good.

-You were a key figure in President Clinton’s outreach to ethnic communities. How did that experience shape your understanding of the role religious and cultural identities play in political engagement?

- As the National Political Director for Clinton’s campaign, I was acutely aware of how political, religious, and cultural identities—often extreme—shape public affairs.

As a youth, I prayed in many of the world’s holy places—from Rome to Isfahan, Rajasthan, Jerusalem, Ladakh, and China—and also witnessed the atheist communist world and the benefits of humanism. Being nuanced, respectful, and inclusive became my mantra, constantly mindful of Martin Luther King Jr.'s advice to “look evil in the eye and give it no succor.”

Religious and cultural identities are crucial in shaping political engagement and public policy. However, the Bektashi, who espouse commonality rather than cruelty, are often persecuted. Their message is urgently needed in both local and global political discourse.

-With your extensive background in diplomacy, do you see international recognition of a Bektashi State as feasible, and which global actors do you believe could support it?

- Thank you for referring to me as a diplomat, but I consider myself a citizen engaged in public affairs, with a brief period as an honorary consul.

Recognition of the Bektashi State is feasible. All sectors of Albanian politics and faiths support a Bektashi State. Albania personifies tolerance, and it is often said that "the faith of Albania is Albania." Regardless of denomination, countless Albanians carry something of the Bektashi spirit.

The establishment of a Bektashi state will positively impact Europe’s future, just as the growing Muslim community in Europe seeks to represent tolerance and inclusiveness.

Global leaders—often driven by faith-based agendas—should embrace the tolerant Muslim, indeed universal, views of the Bektashi State. This would benefit countries such as Albania, Kosovo, the EU, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Libya, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, the USA, Israel, and regions of the Middle East, as well as countries like India, China, Russia, and Ukraine.

Prime Minister Rama should be commended for his vision, which, for me, complements President Trump’s and Prince Mohammed’s groundbreaking Abraham Accords, sending a message to the world that there is hope for a better tomorrow emanating from a corner of the Muslim world, which is especially significant as it is surrounded by the EU.

-Having received the Gandhi Peace Award, how do you see nonviolent philosophy influencing modern global politics?

- Nonviolent methods, often in tandem with or as a response to violence, do change the world and make history. Margaret Mead reminds us that such movements are often initiated by small groups of committed citizens. I witnessed Kosovo Americans make history in securing Kosovo’s independence.

Nonviolence, through persistent efforts, resulted in securing the Good Friday Agreement, despite the preceding violence. Thoughtful, nonviolent actions also contributed to India’s restraint in the late 1990s, avoiding a potentially catastrophic situation.

Kosovo’s narrative blended nonviolent and violent efforts, but without Dr. Rugova’s heroic actions in the face of cruelty, the Kosovo military cause would have been lost in the eyes of world leaders like Dole, Clinton, and the Bush family, upon whom Kosovo’s future depended.

-What personal experiences have most shaped your views on religious tolerance and state-building?

-I will mention some of my experiences:

My parents’ donations to religious institutions outside their own faith and their constant involvement in civic matters.

Knowing Fan Noli’s story and meeting him several times in my youth.

McGeorge Bundy, President Kennedy’s National Security Advisor, shared with me how level-headed discussions during the Cuban Missile Crisis shaped history.

Martin Luther King Jr. told me to “look evil in the eye and give it no succor” when I asked how I could help.

Living on Kibbutz Endor in 1966, where I met Suzy, a Holocaust survivor.

Meeting Baba Mondi and learning about the Bektashi’s inclusiveness and tolerance.

Witnessing efforts to exclude diversity in the highest levels of politics.

Studying with Krister Stendahl at Harvard Divinity School and embracing his belief in the commonality of all faiths and humanity.

Realizing that Christ’s message of love, acceptance, and inclusion applies to all humanity and that proponents of prejudice and exclusion degrade the human condition.

Witnessing the good done by so many diverse communities, regardless of their faith.

Having been assisted in life by the glorious diversity of humanity.

-You have described Kosovo’s constitution as one of the most inclusive in the world. Given the ongoing regional and geopolitical challenges, what concrete steps should the EU and international community take to safeguard its integrity?

-The EU must acknowledge the remarkable nature of Kosovo’s Constitution.

The EU and the USA must stop insisting that towns within Kosovo be designated by Serb ethnicity and Serbian Orthodox religion, and further insisting they have a special relationship with Serbia.

The EU must cease trying to use these concessions as payback for exploiting Serbia’s lithium reserves.

The EU must amend its approach, making it clear that it will no longer use Serbian resistance to Kosovo as a tool to block the admission of the Western Balkans to the EU.

-Looking ahead, how much do you hope your legacy will contribute to establishing dialogue for peace in the world, especially in areas involved in conflicts?

- I hope that the efforts of countless individuals, nonprofits, and governments committed to inclusion, reconciliation, and peace will lead to their noble goals being realized.

I pray that the efforts of Baba Mondi, Hazis Vardar, and myself, along with those of others, will result in the founding of the Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order, becoming a voice for peace emanating from the Muslim world.

If our tireless efforts lead to the establishment of a Bektashi State, which allows future peace dialogues to occur in a special context, it will fill me with hope for a better future. / ADN