Sunni - Shiite Divide and Modern Politics

Islam, a monotheistic religion practiced by nearly one and a half billion people worldwide, is divided into two major factions, the Sunnis and the Shiites. Most importantly, the two denominations differ in opinion on who can rightfully lead within the Islamic tradition. Sunnis, the vast majority of Muslims, believe that the Caliph, or leader, must be elected. Shiites, who only make up about fifteen percent of Muslims, hold that Muhammad elected Ali ibn Abu Talib as the first Imam, or leader, and that all subsequent Imams must be descended from him.[i]

When the United States invaded Iraq in 2003, the conflict between the Sunnis and Shiites worsened, and began to become violent. By 2006, the United Nations had deemed the situation a civil war. In Iraq, the majority and minority status of the two sects are switched, with almost twice as many practicing Shiites as there are Sunnis.

The conflict itself revolves around many issues, the sectarian religious division being only a part of the dispute. Many Sunnis are wary of the Shiites because they believe that they may be planning on establishing a Shiite theocracy in Iraq. Many Shiites are upset with the Sunnis because the Saddam Hussein's Sunni regime persecuted the Shiite community.[ii]

[i] "Islam." Wikipedia. (Accessed April 19, 2007)

[ii] "Civil War In Iraq." Wikipedia. (Accessed April 19, 2007)