| − | The '''Shiites''' (or Shi'ites or Shia) is the more radical branch of [[Islam]]. A schism in Islam occurred in A.D. 660 after [[Muhammad]] had died. The [[Sunnis]], the largest group, disagreed with the Shiites over who should be the successor to Muhammad. | + | The '''Shiites''' (or Shi'ites or Shia) is the more radical branch of [[Islam]].{{fact}} A schism in Islam occurred in A.D. 660 after [[Muhammad]] had died. The [[Sunnis]], the largest group, disagreed with the Shiites over who should be the successor to Muhammad. |
| − | To this day, the Sunnis and Shiites clash with each other, with the Sunnis considered to be more moderate and friendlier to western countries like the [[United States]] and the Shiites viewed as more extreme and hostile to western countries. The Sunnis are Arab and have ruled countries such as [[Saudi Arabia]] and [[Iraq]], while the Shiites have majorities in Iraq and [[Iran]]. | + | To this day, the Sunnis and Shiites clash with each other, with the Sunnis considered to be more moderate and friendlier to western countries like the [[United States]] and the Shiites viewed as more extreme and hostile to western countries.{{fact}}The Sunnis tend to be [[Arab]] and have ruled countries such as [[Saudi Arabia]] and [[Iraq]], while the Shiites have majorities in Iraq and [[Iran]]. |