Changes

===Iran===

===Iran===

Because of its Shi'ite character, the [[Islamic Republic of Iran]] is referred to as ''Rafida'', or ''rejectionist'' of the [[orthodox]] Salafi traditions handed down thru Ibn Taymiyyah, Abd al-Wahhab, and others.  <ref>Sunnis speak of the "Prophet and his companions" as the source of divine inspiration, whereas the Shi'a reject the companions (the first 3 "Rightly-Guided Caliphs") and follow the Prophet's bloodline (the "First Imam"). </ref>

Because of its Shi'ite character, the [[Islamic Republic of Iran]] is referred to as ''Rafida'', or ''rejectionist'' of the [[orthodox]] Salafi traditions handed down thru Ibn Taymiyyah, Abd al-Wahhab, and others.  <ref>Sunnis speak of the "Prophet and his companions" as the source of divine inspiration, whereas the Shi'a reject the companions (the first 3 "Rightly-Guided Caliphs") and follow the Prophet's bloodline (the "First Imam"). </ref>

====Proxies====

====Proxies====

Unlike the Islamic State, the Islamic Republic of Iran has shown a willingness to organize, train, and fund political movements and armed groups outside of their sectarian beliefs so long as the group has some form of Islamic heritage. <ref>[http://www.irannewsupdate.com/news/terrorism/2172-al-qaeda-documents-taliban-visit-indicate-iranian-support-for-sunni-terrorists.html AL Qaeda Documents, Taliban Visit Indicate Iranian Support For Sunni Terrorists], INU Staff, 22 May 2015. irannewsupdate.com </ref> <ref>[http://www.thetower.org/0250oc-state-dept-iran-funding-both-sides-in-sunni-shiite-terror-wars/ State Dept: Iran Funding Both Sides in Sunni-Shiite Terror Wars], Omri Ceren, 05.02.14.  thetower.org .  A prime example of the misunderstanding and misreporting of the Obama State Department; nowhere is Iran supporting Sunni groups murdering Shi'a as this headline implies. Iran backs Sunni groups who serve Iran's foreign policy interests. Sunni groups who attack Isreali, U.S. or other Sunni groups who are enemies of Iran and Shi'ism have received assistance. </ref> <ref>[http://m.voanews.com/a/iran_is_leading_state_sponsor_of_terrorism_again/1452064.html US: Iran Remains Leading State Sponsor of Terrorism], 31 July 2012. voanews.com </ref> The Iranian [[Quds Force]] (Jerusalem Force)<ref>As the name implies, the Jerusalem Force was organized to retake Jerusalem from the Zionists.</ref> led by General [[Qassem Sulemeini]] is the organization tasked with Iran's external covert, paramilitary, terrorist and intelligence functions. Quds Force also carries out some [[diplomacy|diplomatic]] functions.<ref>http://citizenship.typepad.com/isebrandcom/2013/10/perhaps-the-most-important-military-leader-opposing-the-us-who-youve-never-heard-of.html </ref>

Unlike the Islamic State, the Islamic Republic of Iran has shown a willingness to organize, train, and fund political movements and armed groups outside of their sectarian beliefs so long as the group has some form of Islamic heritage. <ref>[http://www.irannewsupdate.com/news/terrorism/2172-al-qaeda-documents-taliban-visit-indicate-iranian-support-for-sunni-terrorists.html AL Qaeda Documents, Taliban Visit Indicate Iranian Support For Sunni Terrorists], INU Staff, 22 May 2015. irannewsupdate.com </ref> <ref>[http://www.thetower.org/0250oc-state-dept-iran-funding-both-sides-in-sunni-shiite-terror-wars/ State Dept: Iran Funding Both Sides in Sunni-Shiite Terror Wars], Omri Ceren, 05.02.14.  thetower.org .  A prime example of the misunderstanding and misreporting of the Obama State Department; nowhere is Iran supporting Sunni groups murdering Shi'a as this headline implies. Iran backs Sunni groups who serve Iran's foreign policy interests. Sunni groups who attack Isreali, U.S. or other Sunni groups who are enemies of Iran and Shi'ism have received assistance. </ref> <ref>[http://m.voanews.com/a/iran_is_leading_state_sponsor_of_terrorism_again/1452064.html US: Iran Remains Leading State Sponsor of Terrorism], 31 July 2012. voanews.com </ref> The Iranian [[Quds Force]] (Jerusalem Force)<ref>As the name implies, the Jerusalem Force was organized to retake Jerusalem from the Zionists.</ref> led by General [[Qassem Sulemeini]] is the organization tasked with Iran's external covert, paramilitary, terrorist and intelligence functions. Quds Force also carries out some [[diplomacy|diplomatic]] functions.<ref>http://citizenship.typepad.com/isebrandcom/2013/10/perhaps-the-most-important-military-leader-opposing-the-us-who-youve-never-heard-of.html </ref>

====Shi'a dominated groups====

====Shi'a dominated groups====