Word Sectarianism adjure up with many different ideas, perspectives, affection and concerns. This is a wide term and has variegated meanings. The perspective of its use depends on the audience at hand. In absolute it is not a myth, nor an illusion. It is implication are embedded in our daily life.
Within many countries, including Middle east, sectarianism is being practiced as a tool for political organization, identification and discrimination. If one takes a look in the past few decades, explanations include the rise of Shia Crescent in Middle East and from here conflict keeps protracting. Iran and Saudi Arabia are considered as the main actors on this chess board. Saudi Arabia on the other hand represents the Sunni Axis.The Iranian revolution not only changed the religious figures, but also increased the sectarian tensions. In reaction, the neighbouring Arabs countries fought the eight years Iran-Iraq War 1980s. In 2003 US overstepped in Iraq to remove Saddam Hussain’s regime.
Shia renewal growth in sectarian politics in Iraq and later in Syria with the background of Arabs led to the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) and native Sunni groups. ISIL movement is the outstanding the Sunni movement against Shia power and has expanded into Iran policies. ISIL and Sunni rebellions living in Iraq, Syria have built Shia militias, but Gulf States promote Sunni groups. As a result of this support proxy wars are being waged by these two powerful and Islamic states, spilling over into the entire region.
These two sects are present in Middle East where Sunni Muslims make up majority. The peaceful coexistence between them was interrupted by the advent of Iranian revolution. In this instance, it was perceived that Iranian revolution would have spill over effects in Pakistan where the population of Shias is around 15% to 25% percent. In the violence that ensued, Shia Muslims were targeted in mindless brutal attacks, where perpetrators executed them just because of their belief system. With more violence coming across militant organizations became evident. These militant organizations espoused the ideology that considered Shia Muslims as apostate. Another important event in this regard is the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan from where came the hard-core militant ideologies that strengthened the already detoxicating conditions for the Shias. Even after so many decades we do not see any end to this senseless violence. The attacks on the Hazara community are one example of sectarianism.
Recently if we take a look in Saudi Arabia 37 men were killed April 24 2019. According to Saudi Arabia press person 11 of them charge as Iran spy and they had been arrested from 2013 14 other executed they were involve in violent protest against Saudi Government. These people are from different cities of Saudi Arabia from Makah Medina and Riyadh where Shia minority is living they were (salb) they were killed and their bodies hanged publicly for the sign of deterrence and warn to others for several of hours. It Was not the first time in January 2016 47 Shia protesters were killed in a single day including Shaikh Nimr al –Nimr a spoke person and leader of Shia community . this execution breaks down the relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia but in resent execution no leader were killed.
The only way to make a nation strong and conflict free is through the implementation of human rights and rule of law with the political system of democracy. This is a true development in the real sense.In this critical situation Muslims should think about de-sectarianizing the world. The West is propagating a tinted narrative within the literary market, while the East seems handicapped in doing the same. Eastern scholars and academicians must be supported for the realization of this cause. Both sects believe aone God, Muhammad (PBUH) last messenger, Quran as a holy book and all five pillars of Islam, but even then,a conflict arises and prevails within threshold between them.
Sectarian issues do exist, but not in entirety, the prefect exemplification to this fact is the turmoil in Middle East that prevails through the thick and thin of the Arab Sunnis verse the Shias. Yet, it is not only the driving variable to conflict and violence, what lies beside and beneath is the power quest and power hunger that the Middle Eastern monarchies are trying to preserve in the form of cronyism.
The destructions of wars ranging from the Arab-Israel rivalries to the looming Syrian crisis are glaring lessons for the Arab community of states. These entities should realize the infinite foreign exploitation occurring due to their internal disunity. Major powers have utilized this sectarian rift to reach out to the precious black gold in the Middle East. The conjectured Axis of Evil is being targeted by Washington through tutelage of Saudi Arabia and other Arab states, as it now rests eyes on Iran. Furthermore, Washington’s prime motive in the region in the rise of Israel as the controller of the region. The Middle Eastern States must shun all forms of foreign interference which is evident under the garb of sectarianism. Therefore, an insight to sectarian studies requires critical insight to delve into factors that thicken the sectarian rifts and not only thicken them but destroy the very essential fabric of social development.
Writer is a research scholar in Quaid I Azam University and her research interest is on the sectarian politics between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
