"One of the most significant reasons is that the ostensible ‘sectarian’ nature of the conflict has not clouded the political judgment of most Pakistanis, whether Sunni or Shia. Despite the desperate attempts of the Saudis to characterize any development in the Middle East and beyond as a ‘Shia/Iranian conspiracy’ against Sunnidom, most folks are not buying it this time. The gratuitous and malignant interventions the Saudis carry out throughout the region and wherever they can get their hands on a Muslim community have become too obvious to overlook. The Kingdom’s recent machinations in Iraq, Egypt, Bahrain, and Syria have produced enormous bloodshed, mayhem, and new generations of puritanical and violent jihadis. This is of course consistent with the politically reactionary role the Saudis have always played – and our part of the world should know that best.
The fact that there is indeed commentary that is emphasizing how sectarianism is a camouflage for profoundly political causes is noteworthy and important. However, what is actually required now is deeper analysis to understand what is driving this ‘geo-sectarian’ card that the Saudis have been playing since 1979."
The fact that there is indeed commentary that is emphasizing how sectarianism is a camouflage for profoundly political causes is noteworthy and important. However, what is actually required now is deeper analysis to understand what is driving this ‘geo-sectarian’ card that the Saudis have been playing since 1979."
