Sunni- Shia Conflict Continues Deepening

• 05.19.2016, 17:42
•  Near East,  World

The government of Maldives decided to break all diplomatic ties with Iran. According to the International Business Times Maldives accused Iran of undermining peace and stability in the Middle East. Country’s Foreign Minister said "the Maldives believes that the policies that Iranian Government pursues in the Middle East, and in particular, in the Gulf region, is detrimental to peace and security in the region, which, in many ways, is also linked to stability, peace and security of the Maldives." At the same time the Maldivian Foreign Ministry called on Iran "to show more commitment to the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation)".

It should be noted that Iran and Maldives established diplomatic ties with Iran in 1975, but neither has an embassy or consulate in the other's country, DAWN  reports. However last month Maldives President received Iran's new ambassador to the Indian Ocean region and said that the Maldives could start importing oil from Iran.

In reality Maldives’ unexpected decision is due to the close relationship with Saudi Arabia.

Last year Saudi Arabia established an embassy there and has offered cash grants to the government. According to some news, Saudi Arabia has recently stepped up financial support for the Maldives by pledging $50 million in funding for a military housing project. The Maldives is also seeking $100m from Riyadh for an expansion of its main airport, the local news website said.

These means Maldives’ decision to cut diplomatic ties with Iran is aimed at emphasizing the importance of relations with Saudi Arabia. In January new tensions broke out in Iran-Saudi Arabia relations. Some of Saudi Arabia allies, including Sudan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Senegal and others have also cut diplomatic ties with Iran.

It should be noted that tensions between the Sunni and Shia Muslim countries have deepened over the recent period. It is evident especially in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen and many other countries.