What is the Sunni-Shia schism and why does it matter?

Despite their differences, Sunni and Shia have lived alongside each other in relative peace for most of history. But starting in the late 20th century, the schism deepened, exploding into violence in many parts of the Middle East as extreme brands of Sunni and Shia Islam battle for both religous and political supremacy.

What’s the difference between Sunnis and Shiites?

The divide between the Sunni and Shiite branches of Islam is both ancient and still highly consequential today. In Syria, a Sunni-majority country dominated by members of a Shiite sect, fighting that began as anti-government has taken on sectarian overtones.

Will there ever be a war between Shia and Sunnis?

Shia and Sunnis have not been fighting each other for 1000s of years. There have been occasional clashes. However a full fledged war (or a civil war) between Shia and Sunnis; never! Never until Saddam Hussain’s attack on Iran (with backing of USA) and what happened in Iraq after US annexation.

Is Iraq a Shia or Sunni country?

That has spilled over to Iraq, which is Shiite-majority and has a predominantly Shiite government but is increasingly troubled by Sunni rebels. And the region’s major powers have long pushed sectarian interests, with Shiite-majority Iran on one side and Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia on the other.

Are there any Shias in Turkey?

Azerbaijanis, are a Turkic people and they are Shia. They are mainly in Azerbaijan Republic and Iranian Azerbaijan region. If you are talking about Shias in Turkey then I would say yes. There are Shias in Eastern Turkey.

What would a Sunni-Shia war mean for the Middle East?

Sunni-Shia divisions would fuel a long-running civil war in Syria, fighting in Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Yemen and elsewhere, and terrorist violence on both sides. A common thread in most of these conflicts is the ongoing battle between Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shia Iran for influence in the oil-rich Middle East and surrounding regions.

How did Iran become a Shia Muslim country?

First came the rise of the Safavid dynasty in the 16th century, which transformed Iran (through force) from a Sunni center into the Shia stronghold of the Middle East.