Shiites
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The Shiites are the second largest denomination in Islam, comprising about ten percent of all Muslims. Their difference with the majority Sunni Muslims arose soon after Muhammad's death, when a conflict arose about who his successor should be. Shiites believe that only the heirs of the fourth caliph, Ali, are the legitimate successors of Muhammad.
Shiites are a minority in most countries, though they make up a majority of the populations of Iraq and Iran. The government of Iran is controlled by a Shiite theocracy.
Until the recent war in Iraq, the Sunni minority government in Iraq oppressed the Shiite majority.