The “Shiite Crescent”: Fact or Fiction? : The Reality of a Potential Power Shift in the Middle East

Abstract

The purpose of the present thesis is to examine the future of the Shiite-Sunni sectarian antagonism and struggle for the political power in the Middle East. The phenomenon of the Shiite revival, or as it is mostly referred to, the “emerging Shiite crescent” is expected to generate clashes and tensions in the region. As being the most prominent regional Shiite power, the study is especially concerned with the role of Iran in the Middle East, but also puts emphasis on the internal political systems of the region’s Arab states, focusing on Shiite political ambitions. As being a significant factor, the study cannot disregard the effects of the Iraqi War either. The outcome of the research shows that it is not a real assumption to expect a monolithic “Shiite crescent” evolving in the Middle East, particularly not with the leadership of Iran. We can rather speak about several Shiite crescents, i.e. in more and more countries of the region the Shiite population begins to strive for equal rights and equal representation. Further investigation concerning the question is still to be carried out. A wider range of actors is needed to be involved in the research, together with other decisive factors, such as the religious and historical aspects.