The essential fault lines fueling the fire of terror, discontent and violence which defines the middle east in general lies in the sectarian tensions between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The nexus of this cycle of hatred originated centuries ago as a result of the succession wars for the Muslim Global Empire after the death of the third Muslim Caliph Uthman (Usman). However, the final thaw to originate this longest ever bloody sectarian conflict of the world began in the aftermath of the "Battle of Karbala" in Muharram 61 AH as per Islamic Calender or October 680. The massacre of the holy prophet Muhammad's (Peace be upon Him) last direct descendants by the forces of Yazid at Karbala, Iraq sew the seeds of the world's oldest and bloodiest sectarian conflict going on till date. Muslims were divided in two main sects of "Sunnis" who are in majority and "Shias" who are a minority in the aftermath of these "succession wars".
Modern day Iran, is the flag bearer of the "Shia" sect spread around the globe, while the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia proclaims the reins of "Sunni" majority sect of Muslims all over. The strategic geographical location of both these states and the centuries old feud for influence and power is what results in the quagmire known as the Islamic sectarian conflict with the greater middle east as its forward staging posts. The conflict till date have affected unaccountable Muslims globally while the flag bearers of both the sects fight on for their respective turfs of influence and vested interests led by respective religious leaders.
This conflict has given rise of various proxy/non state actors across the globe in general and in the middle east in particular. Depending upon the sectarian makeup of these proxies/non-state actors either Iran or KSA sponsors them in order to exert influence in the Muslim world. This covert war between Iran and KSA creates a security nightmare for smaller Muslim states and even bigger ones likes Pakistan as a point in case. Pakistan have lost hundreds of thousands of nationals in these bloody conflict between these two rival factions which continues to spread extremism and non tolerant behaviors.
The likes of Taliban and the most recent ISIS terror network thriving on sectarian based hatred while pursuing their own vested interests are the perfect example as to how, these terrorist organizations are using and abusing this century old sectarian rivalries. While these non-state but sometimes states sponsored organizations thrives on the the greater conflict between Iran and KSA, the greater middle east and its Muslim population continue to suffer and burn. Like in any conflict at the end of the day those are the civilians taking the major brunt of this bloody, mindless war of influence. This process of violence thus created many Frankenstein's too who are bringing in ultra extremist ideologies like those spread by the ISIS which are neither endorsed by the Iranian or the Saudi school of thought. However, the grooming of these fanatic outfits were made conducive and possible under the modern day Arab-Iran rivalry based on age old Muslim Sectarian conflict to gain influence in the greater middle east.
The broad spectrum of this conflict between rival sects led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Iran is massive and institutionally spread around the globe. The following of this nexus of hatred at both ends is extremely dedicated and highly organized. However, wittingly or unwittingly it has created a culture of extremism and hate which feeds and flourishes the global Islamist terror organizations like ISIS and Taliban, etc. It is clearly a never ending cycle of hatred, intolerance and extremism which will engulf the whole world if not institutionally analyzed and checked by both the original belligerents.
This core realization alone and measures to address the grave issues which emerged as a result of the age old sectarian conflict in the Muslim world may bring the kind of peace and prosperity in the greater middle east which may affect billions of lives in a positive manner. A reappraisal of the Arab-Iran relations is the first step towards any such development. The Iranian President Mr Hassan Rouhani taking the first step in this regard talking to group of editors at New York this very week called for "warmer" ties with Saudi Arabia. He said that "Saudi Arabia positions are getting closer and closer to us". He added that "if the differences between Iran and KSA are truly narrowing, the relationship with Saudi Arabia will grow closer".
This is a highly instrumental development which may lead to breaking the ice between the traditional rivals. The onus however lies on KSA to respond positively. There are diplomatic initiatives under the curtains to realize the grave issues at hand which results from this mutual rivalries and efforts seems to be in hand to address them. It may be the tip of the ice burg but as emphasized by the scribe, these States and their bilateral ties holds the keys to the prosperous and peaceful greater middle east.
Modern day Iran, is the flag bearer of the "Shia" sect spread around the globe, while the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia proclaims the reins of "Sunni" majority sect of Muslims all over. The strategic geographical location of both these states and the centuries old feud for influence and power is what results in the quagmire known as the Islamic sectarian conflict with the greater middle east as its forward staging posts. The conflict till date have affected unaccountable Muslims globally while the flag bearers of both the sects fight on for their respective turfs of influence and vested interests led by respective religious leaders.
This conflict has given rise of various proxy/non state actors across the globe in general and in the middle east in particular. Depending upon the sectarian makeup of these proxies/non-state actors either Iran or KSA sponsors them in order to exert influence in the Muslim world. This covert war between Iran and KSA creates a security nightmare for smaller Muslim states and even bigger ones likes Pakistan as a point in case. Pakistan have lost hundreds of thousands of nationals in these bloody conflict between these two rival factions which continues to spread extremism and non tolerant behaviors.
The likes of Taliban and the most recent ISIS terror network thriving on sectarian based hatred while pursuing their own vested interests are the perfect example as to how, these terrorist organizations are using and abusing this century old sectarian rivalries. While these non-state but sometimes states sponsored organizations thrives on the the greater conflict between Iran and KSA, the greater middle east and its Muslim population continue to suffer and burn. Like in any conflict at the end of the day those are the civilians taking the major brunt of this bloody, mindless war of influence. This process of violence thus created many Frankenstein's too who are bringing in ultra extremist ideologies like those spread by the ISIS which are neither endorsed by the Iranian or the Saudi school of thought. However, the grooming of these fanatic outfits were made conducive and possible under the modern day Arab-Iran rivalry based on age old Muslim Sectarian conflict to gain influence in the greater middle east.
The broad spectrum of this conflict between rival sects led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Iran is massive and institutionally spread around the globe. The following of this nexus of hatred at both ends is extremely dedicated and highly organized. However, wittingly or unwittingly it has created a culture of extremism and hate which feeds and flourishes the global Islamist terror organizations like ISIS and Taliban, etc. It is clearly a never ending cycle of hatred, intolerance and extremism which will engulf the whole world if not institutionally analyzed and checked by both the original belligerents.
This core realization alone and measures to address the grave issues which emerged as a result of the age old sectarian conflict in the Muslim world may bring the kind of peace and prosperity in the greater middle east which may affect billions of lives in a positive manner. A reappraisal of the Arab-Iran relations is the first step towards any such development. The Iranian President Mr Hassan Rouhani taking the first step in this regard talking to group of editors at New York this very week called for "warmer" ties with Saudi Arabia. He said that "Saudi Arabia positions are getting closer and closer to us". He added that "if the differences between Iran and KSA are truly narrowing, the relationship with Saudi Arabia will grow closer".
This is a highly instrumental development which may lead to breaking the ice between the traditional rivals. The onus however lies on KSA to respond positively. There are diplomatic initiatives under the curtains to realize the grave issues at hand which results from this mutual rivalries and efforts seems to be in hand to address them. It may be the tip of the ice burg but as emphasized by the scribe, these States and their bilateral ties holds the keys to the prosperous and peaceful greater middle east.
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