Understanding ‘Sectarianism’ Sunni-Shia Relations in the Modern Arab World

This is a timely and erudite book which will enlighten any readers interested in the Sunni-Shi[i relations in the contemporary Arab world. Fanar Haddad’s well researched book leaves no doubt that the so-called “sectarianism” narrative was framed to “validate an ahistorical view of the Middle East or Iraq forever torn and animated by ‘sectarianism’” (p. 237).

The logical question then is: in whose interests are these “forever wars” between the Sunnis and Shi[is in the greater Middle East region? The sooner the local political players start answering this fundamental question the better it will be for the people of the entire region. Posing the right question will inevitably lead to the right answer, which will then hopefully lead to the formulation of correct policies to serve the interests of the local people and not those of external and exploitative powers. The journey for national liberation and economic emancipation can only begin by identifying the real enemy and distinguishing between those who are antagonistic and those who are not, to borrow a philosophical classification from Mao Tse Tung.