Strategic interests in times of sectarianism

The most evident divide in the political milieu of Muslims arguably is the sectarian fissure between the Sunni and the Shia political ideologies. The struggle for power between these groups has shaped many themes in the Muslim history. The issue of control and expansion of a single strand of Islam had always dominated the political and diplomatic interests of Muslim rulers. The clashes between people, however, remained as theological disputes without disrupting the social fabric. The current contours of this clash are defining the strategic interests of countries in the Middle East and affecting other Muslim countries socially.

In the modern-state system, this sectarian outlook has become entrenched in the foreign policies of post-revolutionary Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It has also turned into a significant internal issue for instability in countries like Syria and Bahrain and determines the relationship between the military outfits of Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen. The conflicts in Syria and Yemen have seen the involvement of third party states that view the contest as a source of larger regional hegemonic designs. The overall impact has been negative impacts for all bordering countries and social structures.

The results of these circumstances can also have consequential effects on society and security of Pakistan.



The recent proximity of Pakistan with the Arab world in economic matters can become a source of concern for Pakistan’s strategic interests. The recent exegesis of foreign affairs highlight that Pakistan is closing in the orbit of Saudi political capital. The cost of this friendship is rather vague. The recent setbacks for Saudi Arabia in securing its interests in Yemen and Syria have highlighted the weakness of Saudi foreign policy and its strength. The Khashoggi case has also tarnished its diplomatic capital in friendly countries like Turkey and the US. These coupled with the tacit assistance of Iran to Houthi rebels and Syrian regime is concerning for the strategic interests of Pakistan on the western border.

Our military interests focus on the eastern and northern borders, but the western border has always been a source of amity rather than enmity. The concern arises as there exist unresolved cross-border issues, specifically the Baloch insurgency and the sectarian clashes. These underlying fractures, when viewed in the context of the larger sectarian issue raging on in the Middle East, can complicate affairs on this border. In these circumstances, it is pertinent to examine and restructure the policy of gaining assistance from and closeness with the Saudis as the new sectarian structure of the Middle East takes shape.

The sectarian issue in Pakistan is deeply ingrained in the political and religious subcultures of society. The proscribed outfits that follow an egocentric approach towards other sectarian minorities have created a sense of enmity and crude radicalisation in society. Although subtle and insular, this undercurrent of hate holds a predominant position in the structure of Pakistan’s society. In recent times, harmonious relationship and mutual tolerance have been urged but the historical implications of the sectarian issue have always impacted the Pakistani society ruinously. The current facets of this clash are larger in their effect and deadlier than ever. It is important to preempt this threat and design substantial bulwarks for its control.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 19^th, 2019.

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