Posted on 08/15/2007 7:29:30 PM PDT by Lorianne
The conflict in Lebanon, escalation of sectarian violence in Iraq, and growing tensions between Iran and the United States have all drawn attention to the growing importance of the divide between Shias and Sunnis in shaping Middle East politics. In The Shia Revival: How Conflicts within Islam will Shape the Future, Council Adjunct Senior Fellow Vali Nasr offers an in-depth analysis of the various causes and forces that have contributed to this long-born political struggle for the soul of Islam and sheds light on historic moments of Shia-Sunni competition.
With the war in Iraq and a Shia majority rule there, Nasr argues that the subsequent demand for fair representation in an often Sunni-dominated Muslim world is not a localized phenomenon. However, Nasr cautions that the Shia, as a result of their recent ascendancy, are in grave danger of inciting Sunni extremism.
The Shia Revival effectively demonstrates the political and historical counterpoints to modern Iraq, asking Westerners to reconsider their assumptions about the Shia and recognize the delicate balance that must be maintained with the Sunnis. Throughout the Middle East, the presence of Sunni extremists retaliating against the Shia revival will pose the gravest danger to the United States.
Nasr voices an uncomfortable point: Westerners have too often conceived of the Middle East through a rarefied Sunni perspective. In these changing times, the Western world must learn to understand the history, motivations, and philosophy of the Shia, and how the differences between Shias and Sunnis will help shape the future of the region.
I read this book. It changed my perspective and gave me an understanding of the reality. I have had 3 friends read my book. The bottom line is that we have no idea what is going on. 90% of the violence is Sunni Wahhabi. The Shia did not attack us at the WTC. The Shia cooperate with us daily. The Shia are in the government that struggle to survive. The Shia and Sunni consider each other infidel equal with the Jew and the United States. We are woefully ignorant and the highest level of government and on the street. If you want to win in the middle east then read this book.Ever wonder who is killing who and why?
“The Shia are in the government that struggle to survive”
How do feel about the Iranian regime?
“Ever wonder who is killing who and why?”
Believe it may have been Orwell who explained wolves, sheep, and sheepdogs - that wolves will kill sheep, sheep will meekly die, and the sheepdogs will do what they can to contain and deflect the slaughter.
In other words, the vicious Arabs will kill the weak Arabs, in order to dominate and control the survivors. Noble, brave Arabs, often assisted by outside intervention, will try to protect the weak, but will never be able to do much good.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.