Shias and Sunnis in Iraq

Some good information from last week's Economist. Recent events in Iraq, leading to what perhaps may be a full fledged civil war, have been largely stoked by sectarian violence between Sunnis and Shias (also between Sunnis and Kurds). Violence began from toppling of Hussein's government when Sunnis, 20% of the Iraqi population, were removed from power. The Shias, 60% of the population, having been relieved of oppression and having gained control of the newly formed government, need to find a way to include the Sunnis in the political process. Equally Sunnis need to realize their dominance in government cannot exist as it did under Hussein's rule.

The division between Shia and Sunni Muslims arose with early disputes of leadership following the Prophet Muhammad. Shias believe that leadership in the Muslim community should follow descendents of Muhammad, whereas Sunnis believe otherwise. Sunni Muslims have come to recognize four schools of sharia, however Shia Muslims have followed the blood links of Muhammad as infallible interpreters of God's will.

Some information was obtained from this other Iraq article.