Iran conspires to undermine governments in all other Islamic countries who oppose it (Piscatori, 1991, p. 67). A favored way of attacking opposing governments is by operating through Shi'a population minorities in other Islamic countries (p. 67). Through the guidance and support of these minority population groups, the Islamic government in Iran is able to precipitate activities which may lead to increased levels of political instability in other Islamic countries. In the 1990s, many Islamic countries are attempting to develop democratic political structures concurrently with the development of their economies. The circumstances, resources, and societal values among many of these countries tend to vary widely. One common bond among most of these countries is a claim to an Islamic heritage. Different branches of Islam, however, often view society through different glasses.
In Islamic countries, where the Qur`an prohibits political factionalism, it is not uncommon to find what are essentially one party states (Ahady, 1992, pp. 229-243). Where the interpretation of Islamic values differs widely, however, factions may develop because the different Islamic groups view the other as illegitimate. Thus, each opposing faction tends to consider itself as the true defender of the Islamic faith, as opposed to being just another faction.
Identity in fully Islamic political systems is derived on the basis of a universal faith. The Islamic political system derives its legitimacy from the mandate of Allah, as opposed to deriving it from those governed (Sayeed, 1990, p. 76). Thus, in accordance with the tenets of Islam, unity of political action is required, as opposed to the fostering of individual political expression which is implicit in many western models of political development. Islam does permit and encourage individual differences in most aspects of life. Political factionalism, however, is not permitted. In Islam, all mem...