The Middle East Conflict: A Battle of Religions? United Christians and Jews, Divided Muslims
The ongoing turmoil in the Middle East is often viewed through the lens of geopolitics, power struggles, and regional rivalries. However, beneath these complex layers lies a deeper, more fundamental aspect: religion. At the core of many of these conflicts is a fight over religious identities, with united fronts from Christian and Jewish communities contrasting starkly with the internal divisions within Islam, particularly between Sunni and Shia Muslims.
While this framing may seem oversimplified, the religious dimension of the Middle East’s conflicts cannot be ignored. What makes this especially tragic is that while other religious groups, notably Christians and Jews, have managed to maintain unity in their political and social actions, the Muslim world is divided, weakened by sectarian strife.
A United Front: Christianity and Judaism in the Middle East
Christianity and Judaism, both Abrahamic religions like Islam, have long histories in the Middle East. While Christianity has largely receded in influence in the region, particularly since the fall of the Byzantine Empire and the spread of Islam, it remains a significant force globally. Judaism, concentrated primarily in Israel, has also played an outsized role in the region, particularly in shaping the dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
What stands out in recent decades is the political and military cooperation between Western Christian-majority nations and Israel, the world’s only Jewish-majority state. This alliance, deeply rooted in historical ties, religious affinities, and shared strategic interests, has significantly shaped the geopolitics of the Middle East. The U.S., as a predominantly Christian nation, has been Israel’s most staunch ally, providing military, political, and economic support. This united front, bolstered by shared religious and cultural values, has allowed these two communities to stand strong amidst the chaos of the Middle East.
For many in the region, this partnership is perceived not just as a geopolitical alliance but as a religiously motivated one. The unwavering support for Israel by Christian-majority countries, despite the humanitarian and political crises surrounding the Palestinian question, is often framed in the context of biblical prophecy and religious obligation, further cementing the view that religion plays a significant role in shaping alliances in the Middle East.
A Divided House: Sunni and Shia Muslims
In stark contrast to the unity displayed by Christians and Jews, the Muslim world is deeply divided, particularly along sectarian lines. The Sunni-Shia schism, which dates back to the early years of Islam following the death of the Prophet Muhammad, has created a lasting fracture within the Muslim community (Ummah). Sunni Muslims, who make up the majority of the Muslim population worldwide, and Shia Muslims, a minority, have been in conflict over theological, political, and cultural differences for over a millennium.
This division has been exacerbated in modern times by geopolitical struggles for power and influence. Countries like Saudi Arabia, a Sunni-majority nation, and Iran, a Shia-majority nation, have engaged in proxy wars across the region, from Syria to Yemen, each backing different factions that align with their sectarian interests. These conflicts, while often framed as political, are fueled by religious identity and have deepened the divisions within the Muslim world.
In places like Iraq, Lebanon, and Bahrain, Sunni-Shia tensions have resulted in violence, political instability, and civil war. Even within countries, sectarian divisions are manipulated by political elites to maintain power, as seen in Syria’s civil war, where the Alawite (Shia-affiliated) Assad regime has clashed with Sunni-majority opposition groups. The sectarian violence not only weakens individual states but also erodes any sense of broader Muslim unity, making it difficult to confront external challenges collectively.
The Political Weaponization of Religion
Religion in the Middle East has not only been a source of personal faith but also a powerful tool of political manipulation. Both internal actors, like ruling elites, and external powers have used religion to further their own agendas. In many instances, the sectarian divide has been exploited by foreign powers seeking to maintain influence in the region. The West’s involvement in the Middle East, particularly through military interventions and alliances, is often framed in religious or civilizational terms, even if the stated motives are political or economic.
The result is a region where religious identity is not just a personal matter of faith but a deeply politicized tool for both domestic and international conflict. The unity of Christian and Jewish political and military fronts stands in stark contrast to the fragmentation of the Muslim world, where religious differences are exploited to weaken the community from within.
The Tragedy of Division in Islam
The Muslim world’s divisions are particularly tragic when viewed against the backdrop of Islamic teachings that emphasize unity and brotherhood. The Quran repeatedly calls on Muslims to stand together: “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided” (Quran 3:103). Yet, the Muslim world is deeply divided, torn apart by sectarian conflict, foreign intervention, and internal corruption.
This division has weakened the collective power of the Muslim world, making it difficult to challenge external threats or to advocate effectively for causes like Palestinian statehood. Where Christians and Jews have managed to unify their political and military efforts, the Muslim world’s internal strife has left it fractured and vulnerable.
Can Muslim Unity Be Achieved?
Achieving unity in the Muslim world, particularly between Sunni and Shia communities, is a daunting task but not an impossible one. The shared beliefs and values of Islam far outweigh the differences between these two sects. However, political and economic interests, both internal and external, continue to stoke the fires of division.
Reconciliation between Sunni and Shia Muslims is not just a religious obligation but a political necessity. Without unity, the Muslim world will remain divided and vulnerable to external manipulation. Efforts toward dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect are crucial if the Muslim world is to stand united in the face of the many challenges it faces.
Conclusion
The Middle East conflict, often framed as a political struggle, is at its heart a battle deeply intertwined with religious identity. While Christians and Jews have managed to forge powerful alliances and stand united in their political efforts, the Muslim world remains tragically divided, particularly along Sunni-Shia lines. This division not only weakens the region internally but also makes it vulnerable to external manipulation.
In a time of escalating conflict, the need for unity among Muslims has never been more urgent. The religious, political, and social divisions within the Muslim world must be addressed if peace and stability are to be achieved in the Middle East. By embracing the values of brotherhood and unity that Islam teaches, Muslims can work together to overcome the challenges they face and build a more peaceful and just future for the region.
