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We seek fresh insight into the history and the human and religious dynamics of Islam's Sunni-Shia divide. Our guest says that it is not so different from dynamics in periods of Western Christian history. But he says that by bringing the majority Shia to power in Iraq, the U.S. has changed the religions dynamics of the Middle East.
» "The Shia Crescent"
This map shows the density of Shia populations by country in the Middle East and surrounding region. And, we also wanted to help you visualize what the Shia crescent, as mentioned by Nasr, might look like.
(source: "When the Shiites Rise" by Vali Nasr)
» An Ashura Ritual
The rhythmic chest-slapping and chanting heard in the program is part of a religious ritual commemorating Ashura. Watch the video of the popular Iranian singer Mahmood Karimi leading the audience in Tehran.
Vali Nasr
Nasr is professor of international politics in the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and an adjunct senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. His latest book is The Shia Revival: How Conflicts within Islam will Shape the Future.
