The Rise of Politicized Shi'ite Religiosity and the Territorial State in Iraq and Lebanon

Abstract

The historical development, which might be called crystallization of politicized Shi'ite religiosity, constitutes one of major reasons behind current crisis of territorial state in and Lebanon. Having dominated Shi'ite political life since 1970s, this phenomenon derived from a combination of various processes, primarily related to territorial state and its political and ideological mechanisms. These processes established primordial local attachments as principal tool for political change and empowerment. Contrary to conventional thinking, crisis of territorial state in and Lebanon did not begin with American invasion of in 2003.1 Rather, crisis dates back to early decades of post-independence period and is rooted in subsequent internal political and social developments in these countries. Nonetheless, crisis came to a head following collapse of Ba'th regime in (2003) and July War in Lebanon (2006), primary outcome of which was emergence of Shi'ite community as strongest political force in both countries. Up until early 2006, process of rebuilding the new Iraq was interrupted by Sunni insurgency. Subsequently, however, blowing up of Shi'ite shrines in Samarra in February 20062 led internal conflict to erupt into a full-blown sectarian civil war, in which Shi'ite militias held upper hand. Their dominance was expressed in their revengeful implementation of Ba'th eradication law, activity of death squads against Iraqi Sunnis in Baghdad, Saddam Husayn's execution, and demolition of statue of Abu Ja'far al-Mansur, historic founder of 'Abbasid dynasty, and historical Sunni character of Baghdad. These activities demonstrate a clear proclivity towards a vindictive streak. The parliamentary elections of 2005 and 2010 failed to save from political turmoil in which it was embroiled. Although confused situation in Lebanon had not yet deteriorated into a third civil war, Rafiq Hariri's assassination in February 2005, followed by withdrawal of Syrian army, July 2006 war, and collective resignation of Shi'ite ministers from government in late 2006, plunged Lebanon into its worst political turmoil since end of civil war in 1989, threatening to engulf country in widespread violence.3 The crisis was temporarily ended by 2008 Doha Agreement, which gave Hizbullah power to veto major government decisions. The Shi'ite community remains at center of events that two countries have faced during last few years. The sweeping changes that have taken place in Iraq, along with Hizbullah's impressive military achievements in July War against Israel, have created a common feeling throughout region that sectarian identity is most relevant agent of change in Middle Eastern political life.4 Yet, political behavior of Shi'ite community is substantially less monolithic than some might believe. On contrary, careful analysis demonstrates that respective Shi'ite communities in and Lebanon are decidedly influenced by local interests and by particular social, political, and economic circumstances of their countries. Nonetheless, since early 1970s, politics of Shi'ite communities in both countries have been dominated mainly by religious and sectarian forces. This historical development, which might be called crystallization of politicized religiosity, constitutes a principal reason for current crisis of territorial state in and Lebanon. Some might claim that in each case crisis is related to central government's inability to perform its traditional functions, or that it should be understood in terms of a struggle over political power and crumbs of economic pie. But in reality, main explanation for current crisis plaguing both countries lies in fact that neither country can claim a unitary polity or a cohesive national community. …