Published Paper Details:

The Sunni-Shia schism has its origins in early Islamic history and has been affecting the socio-political orientation of most nations in the Middle East. The paper will explore how the Sunni and Shia minorities are treated and their political position in the states that are controlled by the other sect, especially Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Bahrain. Based on historical background, laws, and the present political rhetoric, the study critically approaches understanding how the sectarian identity affects policies, resource access, representation, and civil liberties. The study provides an analysis of systemic marginalization, institutional discrimination, and social exclusion of these sectarian minorities through a comparative prism. In Iran, where Shiism is the basis of the ideological foundations of the state, Sunni populations often face religious limitations and political underrepresentation. On the other hand, Shia minority in the Sunni-dominated Saudi Arabia and Bahrain can be routinely disadvantaged in gaining employment, restricted in spiritual practices, and subjected to extensive surveillance in the name of national security. Iraq is a notable example because the government led by the Shia after 2003 has been alleged to marginalize Sunni communities in both political and military administration, creating a circle of insurgency and instability. The research incorporates qualitative analysis of policy documents, human rights reports, and interviews, alongside secondary data from academic literature and international organizations. It further explores how regional rivalries, particularly between Iran and Saudi Arabia, exacerbate sectarian tensions and shape domestic minority policies through proxy dynamics. In the end, the research is expected to show the extent to which the sectarian identity is more than a religious indicator; it is a highly politicized entity that influences how the state is governed, people are united, and the region's geopolitics is shaped. These dynamics must be addressed to comprehend how the intra-Islamic conflict persists and whether inclusive governance is possible in the Middle East.