The Sunni and Shiite Conflict

Paper Summary:

The paper explores the beginnings of the conflict between the Sunni and Shiite factions of Islam and explains their ideological differences. The paper focuses on the twentieth century and why the Islamic conflict continues. The paper discusses how concessions to the Islamists will not work because wiping out the West is part of their agenda. The paper points out, however, that a better understanding of this conflict among Westerners can only yield positive results by clarifying how our interests lay with the Muslims who do not answer the Islamist call to battle.

Table of Contents:
Outline
Beginnings
The Schism
The Contemporary Sunni-Shiite Divide
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"This essay will examine the ongoing conflict between the two principle branches of Islam: Sunni and Shiite. This is a relevant, even critical topic for anyone interested in today's world events. The current War on Terror and the struggles between Palestinians and the Israelis make understanding the acrimony between Sunni and Shiite Muslims necessary. The secular, Christian West remained generally ignorant of Islam until September 11, 2001, when members of Islam's radical fringe besmirched their faith in the eyes of the world through an amazing act of terrorism."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Sivan, Emmanuel. Religious Radicalism and Politics in the Middle East. New York: State University of New York Press, 1990.
• Esposito John L. What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002.
• Dekmejian, Hrair. Islam in Revolution: Fundamentalism in the Arab World. New York: Syracuse University Press, 1985.
• Firestone, Reuven. Journeys in Holy Lands: The Evolution of the Abraham-Ishmael Legends in Islamic Exegesis. New York: State University of New York Press, 1990.
• Cook, Michael. Commanding Right and Forbidding Wrong in Islamic Thought. London: Cambridge University Press, 2001.

More papers on The Sunni and Shiite Conflict:

• Analytical Essay # 132643 : "The Sunni and Shiite Conflict"
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• Comparison Essay # 117788 : "Shiites and Sunnis"

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