West Seeking to 'Cause Clash between Muslims'
Tofiq Abbasov, Azerbaijani political scientist in an interview with News.Az
Wed 14 December 2011
Q: What can you say about the statement by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov that the Muslim world is on the verge of a clash between Sunni and Shia which threatens to blow up the whole Islamic world?
A: Sergey Lavrov is not a political scientist, a political analyst or even a psychic who can speculate or build virtual configurations. He is a strong career diplomat, who holds a high position in the world diplomatic hierarchy. He does not usually use unnecessary words. Whenever he comments on any issue, his thoughts are based on true data, facts and innovations.
In this very specific case he speaks of what is going on within the Islamic world. Causing a clash between Sunnis and Shia means to weaken the two strongest communities in order to prevent their efforts to take a lead in global geopolitics.
The first stage of this fight took place after the victory of the Islamic revolution in Iran, when the Sunni leadership of Iraq attacked their eastern neighbour. Beginning in 1980, this war between neighbouring countries claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and slowed down the development of the two states that were seeking to take leading positions in the Muslim world.
In over 20 years stronger players have appeared in the Muslim world. In order to prevent them from cooperating with their brethren, external forces will do everything to prevent the upsurge of Islamic states.
Q: Who is provoking this clash and why?
A: This is done by the West, of course, in order to prevent the emergence of a second Japan or South Korea in Asia and Africa. On the other hand, Israel which remains a reliable partner of the West benefits from the squandered potential of Muslim states in its plans to keep the Islamic world dependent.
Meanwhile, the main motive for enslaving Muslim states and blocs is to prevent Islamic states developing technologically. The West is satisfied with the role the Middle Eastern countries have acquired. These are raw commodity exporters. But the fact that Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt may eye the benefits of technological progress does not meet the interests of those who are now concerned with instability on world markets. The controllers don't need any more trouble.
Realizing the impossibility of slowing down development in some Islamic countries, the West is doing everything to cause a clash between Muslims. Religious differences can be exploited to cause a quarrel among brethren.
Q: Is there an opportunity to stop this clash?
A: There is always a chance to stop, to give up radical ideas and sentiments. A cool head is needed to take wise decisions. However, external factors are constantly working to prevent relaxation and up the temperature lead to collision. Do you remember the surprise that the US special circles presented to the two neighbours - Saudi Arabia and Iran? This is about the plot of Iranian special services concerning a Saudi envoy in the States. The incident has apparently been exhausted but it leaves a bad taste in the mouth. A head of explosive steam is built and things may blow up at any moment.
Q: How will the Shia-Sunni confrontation influence Turkish-Iranian, Azerbaijani-Turkish and Azerbaijani-Iranian ties?
A: History shows that wars and conflicts based on differences in views and approaches of sects can neither be understood nor predicted. A Muslim has no right to kill a fellow Muslim even if they refuse to practice Islam. Think of the sin a Muslim assumes when he kills or attacks a fellow believer. Unfortunately, history tells of rulers who managed to justify campaigns against Sunnis or Shias. What is certain is that all wars in which Sunni and Shia fight each other cause much bloodshed. This was the case in the times of Timur, Salahhaddin, Sultan Selim and Ismayil Khatai.
The sad result of innumerable losses is the lesson that neighbouring countries drew from history. On the other hand, I suppose that the three neighbouring states with their ethnic and confessional diversity will be wise enough not to yield to the temptation of unnecessary confrontation. In addition, they have important articles of interaction, the benefit of which makes it easier to resist unnecessary temptation on the ground of religious views.
Q: How can Azerbaijan build trust with Iran, if the country is developing comprehensive ties with Armenia which has occupied 20% of our land?
A: The leadership of Iran, both in bilateral political dialogue and at the level of the UN and Organization of Islamic Cooperation, has always recognized Azerbaijan with its territory of 86,000 square kilometres. On the other hand, Tehran has warm relations with Armenia and helps it overcome the hardships of its isolation. I think that despite this the two neighbouring countries are destined to have relations of trust so that they can derive benefit from cooperation, from integration programs in the region. Yes, it is true that Iran today is a more influential state formation with strong potential.
But Azerbaijan’s influence is not diminished by the fact of its smaller territory and younger age. Moreover, Iran is now very interested in its northern neighbour, given the fact that its surrounding area is too problematic for geopolitical reasons. Neighbours have to be friends and cooperate for the welfare of their peoples and future. Problems appear but diplomacy exists to smooth over troublesome points and establish direct corridors for cloudless interaction.
Source: News.Az
URL: https://newageislam.com/interview/west-seeking-cause-clash-between/d/6136