Trying to understand

Submitted by Donald Segar (United States), Jul 14, 2006 at 07:07

I understand the historical difference between the Sunni and Shii in their dispute as to the continuing of and the origin of their teachings ie,. one through the four caliphs and the other through family. But that alone does not seem to explain their disputes (sectarian violence). That their common hatred of everyone who disagrees that they should rule the world is the foremost common danger to the world, who would desire freedom seems obvious and scary. But their sectarian violence is also a danger to everyone else as well because of it disruption and constant feeding of the hatred element even while it is directed at their "brothers" is also evident.

I have been unable to this point to discover why the differences between the Sunni and Shii stir such violence between themselves. Where can I go to study that part of their culture?

Don Segar

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Daniel Pipes replies:

try this: "Shia Islam: From Religion to Revolution."