The Role of Ayatollāh Sistāni in Handling Conflicts between the Shi’ites and Sunnis in Iraq After 2003

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to how Ayatollāh Seyed Ali Sistāni as the supreme Shi’ite leader in Iraq handled conflicts between the Iraqi Shi’ites and Sunnis after 2003. The method of study is descriptive analysis and the results indicated that Ayatollāh Sistāni having understood the significance and sensitivity of the subject of Shi’ism and Sunnism and their conflicts from the beginning until today as well as the consequences of the disputes between these two great sects in Iraq and the region, called for the national and religious unity of the Iraqis. With regard to the accepted position of Ayatollāh Sistāni in Iraq, his penetration in his society, emphasis on national-religious integrity, and peaceful settlement of the disputes, we are witnessing a decrease in the bloodshed between the Shi’ites and Sunnis in Iraq. His unitarian dialogue has controlled ethnic-sectarian controversial grounds in Iraq.

Keywords

• iraq
• shi’ite
• sunni
• ayatollāh sistāni
• religious reference
• shi’ite leader
• ethnic conflicts
• sectarian conflicts.