The divide between Iran and Saudi Arabia, the Middle East’s most prominent Shia and Sunni powers, respectively, has deep roots. If we are to understand what is really happening in the Middle East today – not just in Syria – one must consider the origins of the Sunni-Shia schism, the Arab-Persian divide, and past struggles over the governance of Islam.
伊朗和沙特阿拉伯分别是中东地区最主要的什叶派和逊尼派力量，它们之间的分歧有着深刻的根源。如果我们想要理解当今中东——而不仅仅是叙利亚——真正在发生什么，就必须考虑逊尼派-什叶派对立、阿拉伯半岛分裂以及过去围绕伊斯兰教统治权的斗争的源头。