Time Magazine just published an extensive article explain the history of the problems between Sunni and Shi’ite Muslim placed in the context of Iraq. Students have asked me if I think we will “win” the war in Iraq. While trying not to show any bias, I express my opinion (and I do mention that it is my opinion) that winning is much more complicated in Iraq because of the historic problems between these two groups of people. It seems like Bush’s plan never really accounted for this long history of conflict and oppression. Let alone the lack of a democratic tradition.
Next year this article will be required reading for my students when we study the origins of Islam.
danmcdowell.net 