Sunni, Shiite scholars attempt to ease Iraqi political conflicts
As Iraq's sectarian conflicts have always exacerbated political strife, communication networks between Shiite and Sunni clerics are sorely needed.
Iraq has a long history of conflict and rapprochement between Sunni and Shiite clerics, which has played a major role in the sectarian conflict or cohesion among the country’s sects. This factor, among with other political and social factors, has defined the historical conflict in Iraq. The main problem is that Sunni and Shiite clerics are unable to achieve a real rapprochement and establish a network of communication that can be used to reach a solution or alleviate tensions. Instead, they have fueled the conflict in many instances due to the lack of formal communication.
Researchers can find many types of communication in the history of Shiite and Sunni clerics in Iraq. For instance, Shiite clerics have been taught by Sunni teachers and vice versa, and peaceful and calm discussion and dialogue councils have been established. However, friendly relations turned into conflict and enmity as soon as political complications set in between the two sects. What is joined by cultural relations can be separated by political disputes overnight. When political disputes come into play, they spark religious conflicts and make each party evil in the eyes of the other. Mutual accusations fly and all communication is cut off.
The policies of the regime of deposed President Saddam Hussein, especially following his religious campaign in the 1990s, widened the rift between Sunni and Shiite clerics. Salafist currents began to exploit the religious openness of the country to enhance their activities and reach, which only added insult to injury. On the other hand, the rise of political Islam among Shiite clerics bred Shiite Salafism that competed, rather conflicted, with its Sunni counterpart.
There were several attempts after 2003 to patch things up between both parties, including holding common prayers for Sunni and Shiite scholars and reconciliatory conferences that joined religious and social figures from both sides. However, all these attempts just made things appear better on the surface and did not really mend the broken ties.
