Arab leaders are increasingly fearful of the expanding influence of Shia power in the region, which they largely attribute to Iran. King Abdullah of Jordan famously warned of a “Shia Crescent” stretching from Iran through Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. The rise of Iraq’s Shia leadership, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and the recent Hezbollah attacks have only heightened these concerns.
Why Are Arab Leaders Concerned?
The fear of Shia power is not rooted in sectarianism alone. Arab states have longstanding grievances with Iran, particularly stemming from the Iran-Iraq War, during which most Arab countries supported Iraq. They know Iran has not forgotten this.
Additionally, there are significant Shia minorities in the Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE. Bahrain, in particular, has experienced Shia-led demonstrations, highlighting the potential for unrest within these nations.
Iraq: The Major Concern
The primary focus of Arab leaders’ unease is Iraq. As one of the largest and potentially wealthiest Arab countries, a stable Iraq would wield immense influence in the region. Iraq’s Shia majority, closely tied to Iran, adds to this concern. During Saddam Hussein’s rule, many Iraqi dissidents—primarily Shia—found refuge in Iran, and several prominent clerics, including the influential Ayatollah Sistani, are originally from Iran. Since the fall of Saddam, Iran has deeply penetrated Iraqi politics and society.
The Lebanon-Israel Conflict
The ongoing Lebanon-Israel conflict has further exposed divisions between Arab governments and public opinion. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt have condemned Hezbollah’s actions, even though the majority of the Arab populace supports the group. Hezbollah’s ties to Iran and its role in the conflict have only fueled Arab leaders’ fears of Tehran’s growing regional influence.
Filed Under: Arab, Islam, Shia, Persian Gulf, Middle East
No comments:
Post a Comment