ABSTRACT
The importance of this book stems from the need for moving beyond generalisation and breaking down the terminologies in Arab–Iranian relations. It aims to establish a solid foundation for future studies on Arab–Iran relations. This chapter will appraise and analyse the existing issues, the emergence of sectarianism, time periods, Arab–Persia relations during early Islamic history, and Arab–Iranian relations during early modern history, all within the context of Arab–Iranian relations in general. Post-1979, debate and discussions on Arab–Iranian relations have increased. It has become vital due to three reasons: firstly, sectarianism and its influence in the Middle East; secondly, the religious-state debate (e.g., the theocracy of Iran); and thirdly, the role of the Middle East in political Islam. Iran’s link with political Islam has been at the centre of debates in many governments. Iran’s support for the Palestinian cause in the Arab–Israeli conflict, American foreign policy in the region, and the conflict between the United States and Iran all become factors here.
The chapter will be organised in three stages: the first stage will be from 1980 to 1990: the Iran–Iraq War’s implications (the main terminology of “exporting revolution”); the second stage will be from 1991 to 2002: the betterment of Arab–Iran ties due to Iran’s support for Kuwait; and the third stage will be from 2000 to 2010: sectarianism, the American invasion, Iran’s support for the Iraqi Shia government, and Iran’s improved regional position. They are essentially setting up the fourth stage, 2011–2021 – the book’s focus.
