The history & idea of colonization of Arab countries in the ME and North Africa, among muslims in those regions in particular, are indelibly imprinted in their minds. And, they are, historically, correct about countries like Iraq & Syria; they were artifically created.
Incidentally, if you look at Iran's Islamic Republic constitution, you'll note that it specifically outlines the objective of establishing a worldwide Islamic state. That constitution came about in 1980-81. So, it's not a new idea.
However, Iran's Islamic Republic constitution has many other Islamic elements that were invented by Khomeini himself & are not universal in the Muslim world.
Equally, of the total muslim population worldwide, approximately 10-13% are shia and 87-90% are sunni. Most Shia muslims live in Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, and India. Therefore, Khomeinist regime in Iran had difficulty exporting its global objective of an Islamic Caliphate.
This isn't good at all. It will have global implications & impact in coming years & decades. Unfortunately, I don't think the West has the will or the understanding to put an end to it. This is the price we pay for lack of long term vision, and assisting Islamic groups around the world to topple secular dictators, all in the name of democracy.
“This isn’t good at all. It will have global implications & impact in coming years & decades. Unfortunately, I don’t think the West has the will or the understanding to put an end to it. This is the price we pay for lack of long term vision, and assisting Islamic groups around the world to topple secular dictators, all in the name of democracy.”
Well said.