Sects and Violence

Looks at the different sects which exist among the Middle East's three major religions - Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Illustrates several examples of religious fragmentation, including: the Muslim split between Shi'ites and Sunnis; the sectarian violence in Lebanon among Muslims, Maronite Christians, and the Druze; and the increasing friction in Israel between Jews of Ashkinazic and Sephardic origin.These are the main ingredients of Middle East tensions, the struggle for power and territory is also rife among divergent sects within each faith who are trying to legitimize their religious beliefs and compete for political influence.