In partnership with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung

Executive Summary

The Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung held a workshop November 22-23, 2021 on Shia communities in Iraq, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. The workshop explored the shifting dynamics within these communities, their relationships to their respective states, and their attempts to oppose government policies, some of which marginalize Shia communities. The growing independence of Shia communities from the state was the central focus of the workshop. The first and third sessions focused primarily on the opposition movements in Iraq and Lebanon. The second session focused on Shia communities in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait and their cross-border relations. The final session detailed the evolution of Arab Shia communities since the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran. At that time, Iran intended to export its ideology to the Arab Shia population. However, more than 40 years later, Arab Shias are increasingly distancing themselves from Iranian influence and charting their own course.

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About This Report

This report was compiled by Geneive Abdo, visiting fellow at AGSIW. It represents the ideas and opinions of the author and does not necessarily reflect those of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung or the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington.