This helps to explain the recent outburst in Iraqi violence in which Shiites and Sunnis admit to the hatred and would refuse to even help the
other if they are drowning in a river. Many view the Shiite government of
Iraq as one of Iranian influence. This means that the recent explosion
between of sect related conflict in Iraq can be attributed largely to
political reasons. As the political institution of democracy in Iraq has
only served to highlight differences between the two groups and encourage
violence, violence has ensued. This has carried over to other countries as
well who also face a growing threat of violence. As in most cases one
group is the minority and another the majority, and maybe each is in power
disproportional to its percentage of the population, Sunni and Shiite
differences which maybe minor are translated into political problems. And
without a doubt, political problems in countries with a recent history of
colonization, poor economies, and violence will lead to more violence as a
result of politics. This is shown in Iraq as given the opportunity to
exercise a political voice has lead to increased violence in an area which
had seen conflict, but not the threat of an all out Civil War that it now
faces. This equating religious difference to political differences is a
troubling proposition given that it does not fit in with the Islamic set of
beliefs and because of the tumulus situation already existing in the Middle
East.
Thus, as with the case in many areas of the world many times
throughout history,...

This is what is happening in Iraq and with the growing opposition to Shiite Iran.
Even as these countries are much more unanimous in religions than other
countries that do not face religious problems even with more religious
divisions, these Arab nations are facing increased risk of religious
conflict. This is because political divisions often coincide with
religious cleavages, meaning that differences in religion are similar to
differences in politics. Politics in these countries with a poor
democratic record are either dominated by one or the other, and therefore
one group is always being the oppressed. This phenomenon is not unique to
the Middle East and the Islamic faith, but does take on greater
significance in the area given other considerations taking place. For
instance, Iraq faced a major change in government, ideology, and even the
invasion of an outside force. The political vacuum opened up was seen as
an opportunity by both Sunnis and Shiites and thus the religious
differences turn into political ones in Iraq. Furthermore, these countries
have troubling political regimes and limited sources of income based upon
their natural resources, so any political problems are heightened and there
is much more at stake with have a vested interest in politics. There are
also historical conflicts and a general sentiment of dislike, but because
there is a more recent revival in violence that coincides with politics,
political differences can be attributed as the reason for the conflict.