Ithna Asharis believe the so-called "awaited imam" did not die and will return at the end of time to restore justice on earth. In countries which have been governed by Sunnis, Shia tend to make up the poorest sections of society. They often see themselves as victims of discrimination and oppression.
Sunni extremists frequently denounce Shia as heretics who should be killed. The Iranian revolution of launched a radical Shia Islamist agenda that was perceived as a challenge to conservative Sunni regimes, particularly in the Gulf.
Tehran's policy of supporting Shia militias and parties beyond its borders was matched by Sunni-ruled Gulf states, which strengthened their links to Sunni governments and movements elsewhere.
Today, many conflicts in the region have strong sectarian overtones. In Syria, Iranian troops, Hezbollah fighters and Iranian-backed Shia militiamen have been helping the Shia-led government battle the Sunni-dominated opposition. Sunni jihadist groups, including Islamic State IS , have meanwhile been targeting Shia and their places of worship in Syria and neighbouring Iraq.
In January , the execution by Saudi Arabia of a prominent Shia cleric who supported mass anti-government protests triggered a diplomatic crisis with Iran and angry demonstrations across the Middle East. Quick guide: Islam. Sunnis and Shia in the Middle East. Image source, AP. Pilgrimage to Mecca is one of many rituals that are shared by both sects. Who are the Sunnis? Image source, Getty Images. Egypt is home to some of Sunni Islam's oldest centres of learning.
Who are the Shia? The deaths of Ali, Hassan and Hussein gave rise to the Shia concept of martyrdom. What role has sectarianism played in recent crises? Image source, AFP. Fundamentalist factions of both Sunnis and Shiites promote terrorism. They believe in jihad. That is a holy war waged both outside, against infidels, and inside, against personal weaknesses.
Sunnis have claimed territory in Iraq and Syria. They feel they have the right to murder or enslave all non-Sunnis. Almost one-third of its fighters are foreigners from more than 80 countries. This Sunni group wants to replace non-fundamentalist governments with authoritarian Islamic states governed by religious law. Al-Qaida attacked the United States on September 11, These Sunni Palestinians are intent on removing Israel and restoring Palestine.
It won the Palestinian election in This group is an Iran-backed Shiite defender in Lebanon. It also launched successful rocket attacks against Haifa and other cities. The Hezbollah recently sent fighters to Syria with backing from Iran. It was founded in Egypt in by Hasan al-Banna to promote networking, philanthropy, and spreading the faith.
That makes the region of economic importance. As a global power, the United States has a legitimate role in the Middle East of protecting the Gulf oil routes. That dependence has lessened as shale oil is developed domestically and reliance on renewable resources increases. Still, America must protect its interests, allies, and its personnel stationed in the region. Embassy be overrun. Ninety people were taken hostage, including 62 Americans.
After a failed military rescue, the United States agreed to release the Shah's assets to free the hostages. The United States severed diplomatic relations with Iran on April 7, Iran-Iraq War - Iran fought a war with Iraq from to The war led to clashes between U. Navy and Iranian military forces from to The United States designated Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism for promoting Hezbollah in Lebanon.
This created the Iran-Contra Scandal in , implicating the Reagan administration in illegal activities. In February , the Taliban and the United States signed a peace deal, but fighting continued. It renewed airstrikes in when the Islamic State group beheaded two American reporters.
Calling for democracy, they led to civil wars in Syria, Iraq, Libya, and Yemen. They toppled the governments of Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Yemen. Its goal was to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad. Climate change is worsening the conflicts between the two factions.
According to NASA, the region has been in a drought since It's the worst in years. That's Droughts helped cause the Syrian conflict. They unsuccessfully looked for work in Hamah, Homs, and Daraa. Armed conflict began when President Bashir al Assad used armed forces against them. Islamic State capitalized upon the impact of the drought during the Iraq conflict. The terrorists captured the Mosul and Fallujah for the dams. They also targeted the Iraqi regions of Zumar, Sinjar, and Rabiah, to gain control of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
The Sunni-Shite divide occurred in A. They chose Muhammad's advisor, Abu Bakr. As a result, Shiites have their own Imams, who they consider holy. They consider their Imams to be the true leaders, not the state. Sunni and Shiite Muslims have many beliefs in common. They affirm that Allah is the one true God and that Muhammed is his prophet. Council on Foreign Relations. Pew Research Center. Department of State. Relations with Saudi Arabia ," Accessed March 6, The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
CRS Report for Congress. CIA World Factbook. The Brookings Institute. Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs. BBC Religions. Council of Foreign Relations. Gatestone Institute International Policy Council. Hoover Institution.
Office of the Historian. War in Afghanistan ," Accessed March 6, The Review of Financial Studies. World Meteorological Organization. World Bank Blogs. Congressional Research Service. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights.
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