Context
In yet another indication of how much unrest in the Middle East has worsened ties between the Gulf nations and Iraq, the Arab League is calling off its summit in Baghdad scheduled for 10th May. Iraq, together with Iran, opposed UAE and Saudi Arabia’s decision to send their forces in Bahrain, indicating growing rift between Shi’te-dominated Iraqi government and Sunni Arab nations. The turmoil in Bahrain has sparked sectarian tensions in the region, since it is a Shi’te majority governed by a Sunni dynasty. Shi’tes in Iran, Lebanon and Iraq have expressed their support for Shi’te led Bahraini opposition, which wants changes to be made to the system of government.
