I may need more context, the "for" at the beginning of the sentence indicates that this statement is built upon something that was said before. If I had to guess I would say that pre-judging people makes them more likely to be closed-minded toward others because they do not feel welcome. In other words, perception becomes reality.

Hi Mustafa, While I think this is as much a question about interpretation as it is a language question, here are my thoughts on the meaning of the quote. I believe this quote is about prejudice and how we view people from other cultures/religions. Maalouf is saying that if we see people as fitting within a certain group (culture/religion) and we judge them based on that, we trap them within that group and make it harder to build connections between different groups. The second sentence says that if we view people without these prejudices, we free them from this trap and make it easier to build these connections. This is just my interpretation, but I hope it helps.

The way this paragraph starts, the preceding paragraphs will help clarify the assertion the author is making. I would interpret this quote in the context of social injustice of some kind. The use of "allegiances" tell me this quote centers around social injustice, politics etc. I believe the author is asserting that, we and them as humans, are complex. Thus, we identify with our associations in more than one way. Our perceptions of other people may oppress them into an imaginary conflict that ironically is imposed by our perception about them. Therefore, "they" feel threatened or we can free them if we would just reconceptualize who they really are. Beliefs, thoughts and words can kill or free people.

This is the first time I see that phrase "sure wish", when it is good to use it ? Is it formal or informal ? Thanks. Im learning from your diction anyway. :)

I sure wish I could help you out but this is way beyond me. I wish you good luck.