The division of Islam into Sunni and Shiite branches goes far back in Muslim history to the aftermath of the death of the Prophet Muhammad. Its repercussions have rippled through history, with ...

RFE/RL looks at the similarities and differences between the Shi'a and Sunni branches of Islam. Last week's deadly bombings in Karbala and Baghdad on the Shi'a holy day of Ashura sparked fears of ...

Reporting from Washington — The battle for dominance in the Middle East draws on ancient enmity between the Shiite and Sunni branches of Islam, but what drives it is a thoroughly modern struggle ...

Sunni and Shia muslims: Islam's 1,400-year-old divide explained. The divisions date back to the years immediately after the Prophet Mohammed’s death ...

The war draws together Iran-backed Shia and Sunni militants in what appears to be closer cooperation between groups that differ in ideology but are united by opposition to Israel and the U.S.

Saudi Arabia has historically followed the Sunni branch of Islam, while Iran has followed the Shia branch. The split between the two branches dates back to the seventh-century, when it arose amid ...

The war draws together Iran-backed Shia and Sunni militants in what appears to be closer cooperation between groups that differ in ideology but are united by opposition to Israel and the U.S.

Shia and Sunni branches of Islam split over disagreements over who should rightfully succeed the Prophet Muhammad after his death 13 centuries ago.