The Sunni-Shia Divide. Violence between Islam’s sects has been rare historically, with most of the deadly sectarian attacks directed by clerics or political leaders rather than erupting spontaneously. Extremist groups, many of which are fostered by states, are the chief actors in sectarian killings today. Two of the most prominent terrorist groups, Sunni al-Qaeda and Shia Hezbollah, have not defined their movements in sectarian terms, and have favored using anti-imperialist, anti-Zionist, and anti-American frameworks to define their jihad, or struggle. They share few similarities beyond the use of violence. Hezbollah has developed a political wing that competes in elections and is part of the Lebanese government, a path not chosen by al-Qaeda, which operates a diffuse network largely in the shadows. Conflict and chaos have played a role in the reversion to basic sectarian identity.
Al-Qaeda in Iraq had been decimated by Sunni Iraqis who joined the fight against extremists, the U.S. What's the Difference Between Sunni and Shia Muslims? The Martyr Of Imam Hussain ('Alayhi Salam) - (The Last Moments) Ashura 2015 - Ashura Around The World. Legendary story of Imam Hussain. Spread of Islam.