12.1 Sectarianism and religious conflicts

Sectarianism and religious conflicts shape the Middle East's political landscape. The Sunni-Shia split, rooted in succession disputes after Muhammad's death, fuels ongoing tensions. Modern conflicts in Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon highlight the complex interplay of sectarian identities and power struggles.

Religious movements and minorities add another layer of complexity. Conservative Islamic movements like Wahhabism influence regional dynamics. Meanwhile, religious minorities face challenges in political representation and social acceptance. Some countries adopt power-sharing systems to manage religious diversity.

Sectarian Divides

Origins and Significance of Sunni-Shia Split

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  Shi’ism – Keys to Understanding the Middle East View original

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• Sunni-Shia divide stems from disagreement over succession after Prophet Muhammad's death in 632 CE
• Sunnis believe leadership should be based on consensus among Muslim community
• Shias maintain Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law Ali was divinely appointed as his successor
• Split led to distinct theological interpretations and political rivalries throughout Islamic history
• Sunnis constitute majority (85-90%) of global Muslim population
• Shias form significant minorities in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and several Gulf states

Sectarian Conflicts in Modern Middle East

• Alawites emerged as offshoot of Shia Islam in 9th century Syria
• Alawite minority gained political power in Syria under Hafez al-Assad's rule starting in 1970
• Sectarian violence in Iraq intensified after 2003 U.S. invasion toppled Sunni-dominated government
• Sunni insurgency and Shia militias engaged in retaliatory attacks, causing widespread civilian casualties
• Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990) involved complex sectarian alliances among Maronite Christians, Sunnis, Shias, and Druze
• Syrian Civil War (2011-present) initially began as pro-democracy uprising, evolved into sectarian conflict
  • Assad regime (Alawite-led) faced opposition from predominantly Sunni rebels
  • Regional powers intervened along sectarian lines (Iran supporting Assad, Gulf states backing Sunni opposition)

Religious Movements and Minorities

Rise of Conservative Islamic Movements

• Wahhabism originated in 18th century Arabia as puritanical reform movement within Sunni Islam
• Founded by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, advocating return to strict interpretation of Islamic texts
• Formed alliance with House of Saud, becoming official religious doctrine of Saudi Arabia
• Wahhabism influenced development of Salafism and other conservative Islamic movements globally
• Conservative movements often clash with more moderate or secular interpretations of Islam

Religious Minorities and Political Systems

• Religious minorities in Middle East include Christians (Copts, Maronites, Orthodox), Jews, Druze, Yazidis, and Baha'is
• Minorities often face discrimination, persecution, or limited political representation in some countries
• Confessionalism allocates political power based on religious affiliations
  • Lebanon's National Pact of 1943 established power-sharing system among religious communities
  • President must be Maronite Christian, Prime Minister Sunni Muslim, and Speaker of Parliament Shia Muslim
• Interfaith dialogue initiatives aim to promote understanding and cooperation among different religious groups
  • Jordan's Amman Message (2004) sought to define true Islam and denounce extremism
  • A Common Word (2007) fostered Muslim-Christian dialogue on shared values