Are the Shia Rising?

The article presents an essay on the rise of Shia Islam in the Persian Gulf Region. It explores on the three interwoven developments that made the Shia prominent including the strengthening of Iran's geopolitical position, the countries where major parts of the population are followers of Shiat Ali, the decline of the U.S. power in Iraq and the success of Iran to halt its nuclear program. It discusses the four political factors that constrain the Shia crescent including domestic and international politics, nationalism and economics. It elaborates the rejection by the Iraqis of the rule of jurisprudence and the differences emanating from the complicated structure of the marjaiyyat that undermines the spread of Shia culture supporting the Iranian dominance.