Were Sunni and Shia killing each over differences in Islam BEFORE Reagan, Bush, etc?

Question

I was reading over the answers from this question
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ag5KFSemo3Sfel.WH3GxgFsezKIX?qid=20061106031028AAhGOY9

And some guy skewed off on some huge blame-game song and dance about how the it's all USA's fault that Sunni and Shia fight each other. The questions wasn't even about WHY Sunni and Shia fight each other.

How many of you Muslims think that USA is responsible for all the fighting between different sects of Islam?

Im reading answer number 3 and shaking my head. It's like that person wants to change the subject and NOT ANSWER THE DAMN QUESTION.

Answer #3 STILL doesn't answer the QUESTION. This reminds me of an old saying: "You can't get blood out of a turnip"

Jimmy Carter was president on. September 22, 1980. Bush (the 1st one didn't become president until 1989. "Sheesh"

Answer 1

They've been killing each other way longer than we've been involved. It's like two denominations of islam, much like the horrible things done between the protestants and the catholics in the dark ages.

Answer 2

Im afraid I cant answer your question unless I see physical evidence relating the US government of the time to provide weapons to the Iraqis or Shiites.

The arabs however, and a lot of people think that seems to be the case because the US government DID support Saddam Husein.

'....Arab minority, on September 22, 1980 and declared it a new province of Iraq. The United Nations and the United States supported him with artillery and medical supplies during this time'

It seems like the US isnt directly responsible for the fighting...they just supported Saddam Husain too much.

Lets ponder on that for a bit...wasnt it the Bush administration that did it?

Edit: Its a Yes you fool! am not changing no subject. I thought it was pretty obvious with all the wars going on in the area. Sheesh

Answer 3

There is a small difference between Sunni and Shia. It is not the USA's fault they fight. Not all do, there are a lot of arrogant people in the world and they just can't get along. Don't think that all Sunnis and Shias are like that and don't think they are fighting because of the USA.

Answer 4

the difference is not spiritual but political The division between Shia and Sunni dates back to the death of the Prophet Muhammad, and the question of who was to take over the leadership of the Muslim nation. Sunni Muslims agree with the position taken by many of the Prophet's companions, that the new leader should be elected from among those capable of the job. This is what was done, and the Prophet Muhammad's close friend and advisor, Abu Bakr, became the first Caliph of the Islamic nation. The word "Sunni" in Arabic comes from a word meaning "one who follows the traditions of the Prophet." On the other hand, some Muslims share the belief that leadership should have stayed within the Prophet's own family, among those specifically appointed by him, or among Imams appointed by God Himself. The Shia Muslims believe that following the Prophet Muhammad's death, leadership should have passed directly to his cousin/son-in-law, Ali. Throughout history, Shia Muslims have not recognized the authority of elected Muslim leaders, choosing instead to follow a line of Imams which they believe have been appointed by the Prophet Muhammad or God Himself. The word "Shia" in Arabic means a group or supportive party of people. The commonly-known term is shortened from the historical "Shia-t-Ali," or "the Party of Ali." They are also known as followers of "Ahl-al-Bayt" or "People of the Household" (of the Prophet).

Answer 5

Yes the different sects of Islam were fighting for years before the United States entered Iraq,Afghanistan,Kuwait,etc.Just as Christians have been killing each other over differences of faith for years.Take for instance,the Crusades or, how about the Inquisition?

Answer 6

yeah.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_Shi%27a-Sunni_relations