Ideologies, Identities and Wars in the Middle East Flashcards
(38 cards)
What is ‘sectarianization’ according to Hashemi & Postel?
Sectarianization is the political process by which political actors manipulate sectarian identities (e.g. Sunni, Shia) to maintain power, deflect dissent, or rally support. Think of it as stoking a fire with dry kindling—these identities may exist quietly, but political actors pour fuel on them to serve their agendas.
How is sectarianism portrayed in Western media versus academic understanding?
Western media often frames sectarianism as an ancient, irrational blood feud, while scholars argue it’s largely modern and politically driven—like blaming a house fire on old wiring when it was actually arson.
Why is the Iran–Saudi Arabia rivalry more geopolitical than theological?
Despite religious differences, their rivalry is a regional power contest—akin to the Cold War where ideology masked deeper strategic competition for influence and resources.
How does Iran project its influence in the Middle East?
Iran funds, trains, and equips proxy groups (e.g., Hezbollah, Iraqi militias) to expand its ideological and strategic reach—like a puppeteer managing various strings to control the stage without being seen.
Why does Saudi Arabia oppose Iran’s regional influence?
Saudi Arabia views Iran as a threat to its Sunni leadership and territorial integrity. It uses religious legitimacy (custodians of holy sites) and petrodollars to counter Iran—similar to two feudal lords vying for control of a kingdom.
How did the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq exacerbate sectarian tensions?
By toppling Saddam (a Sunni) and installing Shia-majority governments, it triggered Sunni alienation and insurgency, creating fertile ground for groups like ISIS—like upsetting a delicate balance in a shared household, sparking rebellion.
What role did the Syrian Civil War play in sectarianization?
Assad framed protests as Sunni extremism to gain support from Shia allies, turning a political revolt into a sectarian war—a classic ‘divide and rule’ tactic to remain in power.
How is Lebanon an example of institutionalized sectarianism?
Lebanon’s government is built on religious quotas (Christian President, Sunni PM, Shia Speaker), leading to gridlock and dependence on foreign patrons—imagine a car with three drivers fighting over the wheel.
What is the significance of Hezbollah in Lebanon?
Hezbollah acts as a state within a state, armed and funded by Iran, undermining Lebanese sovereignty—like a franchise store ignoring corporate rules and serving its own agenda.
How is Yemen a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran?
The Saudi-led coalition fights Iranian-aligned Houthis, turning local grievances into regional warfare—comparable to two giants arm-wrestling on the back of a fragile village.
How does the United States influence sectarian divides in the region?
Through military interventions and selective alliances (e.g., Iraq, Israel, Gulf states), the US often unintentionally fuels sectarian narratives—like patching a wound with sandpaper.
What motivates Russia’s involvement in Syria?
Russia backs Assad to protect its regional influence and naval base; it frames its role as stabilizing against jihadism—more chess move than ideological alignment.
How does Turkey’s role complicate Middle Eastern rivalries?
Turkey backs Sunni groups and presents itself as a neo-Ottoman leader, clashing with both Iran and Gulf states—like a wildcard in a regional poker game.
What is the relationship between sectarianism and authoritarian regimes?
Authoritarian regimes use sectarian fear to justify crackdowns and build loyalty—think of a magician using distraction to keep eyes off the trick.
How do proxy groups fuel long-term instability?
They allow external powers to wage war without direct cost, keeping conflicts smoldering—like setting fires but blaming the smoke.
Why do weak or failing states suffer more from sectarian conflict?
Without strong institutions, identity becomes the only form of loyalty, allowing sectarian politics to flourish—like weeds in a neglected garden.
What is the strategic value of sectarian rhetoric for elites?
It distracts from failures in governance and unites a base through fear—like a coach blaming the referee to hide poor team performance.
What impact does sectarian conflict have on national identity?
It fractures collective identity and weakens the state, making unity difficult—like trying to build a house on quicksand.
How does Hezbollah blur the line between state and militia?
It participates in politics but maintains a private army, creating dual power structures—akin to a mayor who runs their own police force.
What role does ideology play in Iran’s foreign policy?
Iran uses Shia identity and anti-imperialism to legitimize its foreign interventions—like selling a security system that also spies on the buyer.
Why is sectarianism described as reversible?
Because it’s politically constructed, changing policies and narratives can dismantle it—like reversing a marketing campaign.
How does the Gulf’s oil wealth influence sectarian alliances?
It funds regional allies and buys loyalty, making sectarian politics a high-stakes investment—like buying stock in identity.
How has media contributed to sectarian polarization?
State and partisan outlets spread fear-mongering, reinforcing sectarian narratives—akin to echo chambers turning whispers into sirens.
What is the danger of conflating Islam with sectarian violence?
It essentializes complex conflicts and feeds Islamophobic narratives—like blaming storms on umbrellas.
