The Complexity of the Sunni-Shia Divide

The Complexity of the Sunni-Shia Divide Sunni and Shia represent the two main sects of Islam. The sectarian divide has its origins dating back to the earliest days of Islam, following the death of Prophet Mohammed in 632. At the time it was a political split on who should be the Prophet’s successor. The choice was between his closest lieutenant, Abu Bakr, and his cousin and son-in-law, Ali. Those who agreed on the latter went on to be known as Shia, and those who were in favor of the former became the Sunnis. In essence, Sunnis believe in the caliph, who is decided upon by consensus of Muslims, while the Shiites believe in the imam, who is divinely ordained and has to be from the family of the Prophet. Since then (and after the founding of Iran), Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shia Iran have been locked in a competition for the leadership in the Middle East. The struggle is not purely religious but also geopolitical, and in the middle is the United States trying to keep a balance in the region. While Washington doesn’t favor one over the other, it has recently changed its strategy with its longtime rival, Iran, and in turn has upset its regional ally, Saudi Arabia. The United States wants to use Iran and its Shiite allies to keep Sunni radicalism in check, but it’s also cooperating with moderate Salafist-jihadists to prevent Iran from taking a preponderant role in the region. Become a full subscriber to see how the region will react to Washington’s efforts and understand the greater implications this will have for the world. Subscribe today for just $129 and get two complimentary books – Iran's World: Breaking Out of the Mountain Fortress and Oxfords Essential World Atlas.