Mehmet ALKIŞ
Dicle University, Department of Political Science|

Introduction

This study aims to analyze the impact of sectarianism on regional order with regards to state identities and geo-political considerations in the Middle East. Primarily, roots of sectarianism will be contextualized in historical process. The Sunni/Shia divide shaped political and cultural life of societies. So, it requires to understand sectarian divide for analyzing current issues in the region. In the following part, rise of religious-ethnic identities will take place under post-Cold war era and globalization age. As globalization processes transformed and transcends the capacity of nation-states, religious and ethnic identities got opportunities to claim rights. In regional level, status quo of Middle East was shaken by coalition-led intervention to Iraq.

Therefore, Arab Spring can be seen as part of these process. Uprisings of that time indicate discontent of people and will for welfare. In study, Arab Spring related outcomes will be discussed in terms of theo-political context which led to violence and radicalization in the region. Iraq, Syria and Yemen are fragile states that led to instability, turmoil and conflicts. In the last stage, consequences of sectarianism will be evaluated with fragile states and increasing concerns about security.

Historical Roots of Sectarianism in Islamic History

The historical background of Sunni/Shia divide originates from the tension between Caliphate Ali and Muaviye, Damascus governor. After the third caliph, Othman, there were debates about who would be next caliph and Ali became the caliph. So, Muawiya and his supporters built their authority in Damascus. Consequently, Khwarijis, who opposed both Ali and Muawiya, killed Ali and made Muawiya to be injured in the conflicts. After death of Ali, the era of Umayyad dynasty started by caliphacy of Muawiya. As well, sons of Ali, Hussein and Hassan, were killed by Yazid. After that time, the supporters of Ali and his family became followers of Shia sect. This sect, which spread around Iraq and Iran, has been a political and religious identity of minority in Islamic world. According to Sunni belief, mainstream faith in Islam, Shiism is deviated from middle way by exaggerating the love for Ali.

The main and widespread branch in Shiism is Twelver Imam Shiism. This branch asserts that Prophet Muhammad appointed Ali as next ruler and spiritual authority after himself. Also, Hussein and Hassan were appointed respectively after Ali. It is believed that the next twelve imam after Hussein are political and spiritual leaders of Islam and the last imam was lost and hidden. The hidden imam will emerge and salve humanity from disasters. According to Twelvers, the main condition for being imam is being innocent and sinless. Currently, the belief of Twelver Imam is official sect of Iran. Shia scholars adopted the approach of Velayet-i Faqih, which seeks to theocratic government, until emergence of hidden imam. In addition to Iran, this belief has many followers in Iraq, Lebanon and Pakistan.[1]

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