Sectarian War: Pakistan's Sunni-Shia Violence and Its Links to the Middle East

Product Information

• Title: Sectarian War: Pakistan's Sunni-Shia Violence and Its Links to the Middle East
• Author: Khaled Ahmed
• Language: English
• Format: Paperback
• ISBN-13: 9780199065936 / 978-0199065936
• ISBN-10: 0199065934 / 0195479564
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication Date: November 18, 2012
• Number of Pages: 300

Overview

In Sectarian War: Pakistan's Sunni-Shia Violence and Its Links to the Middle East, renowned journalist and analyst Khaled Ahmed examines the roots, history, and dynamics of sectarian conflict in Pakistan. This book provides an in-depth analysis of how sectarianism emerged, evolved, and intensified, drawing connections between Pakistan's internal conflicts and the broader geopolitical struggles of the Middle East.

Ahmed explores the historical context of Sunni-Shia relations, detailing how political, ideological, and external influences have shaped sectarian violence in Pakistan. He traces the impact of the Iranian Revolution (1979), Saudi-Iranian rivalry, and the rise of extremist ideologies, shedding light on the role of religious organizations, state policies, and foreign interventions.

Through meticulous research and compelling arguments, the book examines key events, extremist networks, and the impact of state complicity or inaction. Ahmed highlights how global and regional politics have fueled sectarianism, making it one of the most pressing security challenges in Pakistan today.

This book is an essential read for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in the intersection of religion, politics, and conflict in South Asia and the Middle East.

Key Features

✅ Comprehensive analysis of Sunni-Shia sectarian conflict in Pakistan
✅ Explores historical, political, and religious factors behind sectarianism
✅ Links Pakistan's sectarian violence to broader Middle Eastern geopolitics
✅ Covers key events and figures influencing religious extremism
✅ Written by an expert journalist and analyst with deep regional insights

About the Author

Khaled Ahmed is a leading Pakistani journalist, political analyst, and writer known for his expertise on Pakistan’s religious and political dynamics. He has written extensively on sectarianism, terrorism, and regional geopolitics, contributing to major publications and policy discussions.

Interesting Facts

• Pakistan has one of the world's largest Shia populations, yet sectarian violence has been a persistent issue for decades.
• The Iranian Revolution (1979) and Saudi-Iranian rivalry significantly impacted sectarian dynamics in Pakistan.
• Pakistan’s sectarian groups have been influenced by and connected to larger Middle Eastern conflicts, including those in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.
• Madrasas (religious schools) played a crucial role in the spread of sectarian ideologies in the late 20th century.
• The state’s response to sectarianism has been inconsistent, with periods of crackdown followed by tacit tolerance.

Publisher

Published by Oxford University Press, this book offers a deeply researched and balanced perspective on one of the most complex and sensitive issues in Pakistan and the broader Muslim world.

What are your thoughts on sectarian conflict? Share your insights in the reviews!

Hashtags

#SectarianViolence #PakistanPolitics #MiddleEastConflict #SunniShia #KhaledAhmed #IslamicHistory #Geopolitics #Extremism #IranSaudiRivalry #OxfordUniversityPress