Worrisome split

There is increased anxiety about the so-called Shiite arch, extending from Tehran to Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and Bahrain, among the Sunni arch extending from Riyadh to Cairo and beyond.

It is getting to be really worrying that there are now two Islamic sects competing for power and domination, not only for the sake of spreading religious thought but also for influence and power.

It is damaging to all Muslims to have this split on a sectarian basis, especially when it takes a militant tone, as is the case in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen.

The talks between the six Western powers and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear programme are now said to have also acquired regional arrangements of geopolitical dimensions.

There is a new Sykes-Picot agreement in the making that worries several key Sunni countries, foremost among them Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

There is fear that the “deal” behind closed doors over Iran’s nuclear programme is being extended to cover agreements or arrangements on the future of several regional countries.

If that is indeed the case, it will not bode well for Muslims of whatever sect. 

If Tehran emerges as the regional power from the deal, major Arab countries have a cause for concern

The massive Arab investment in rebuilding Egypt is a clear sign of Sunni reaction to the efforts to downsize Sunni nations.

Strengthening Egypt is one sure way of stemming the Shiite tide.

Luckily Jordan is immune from this extended sphere of Shiite influence, not only because there is no Shiite presence in the country but also due to the enlightened and stable political order it enjoys.

Still, the Kingdom must continue to be vigilant.