Israel-Iran War / There are 16 Muslim countries in the Middle East, why is Iran getting beaten by Israel?

Israel-Iran War: The Middle East is once again on the brink of simmering tensions. The war between Iran and Israel has brought the entire region to the brink of uncertainty and destruction. The Jewish nation Israel is repeatedly targeting Iran and surprisingly, more than 16 Muslim countries of the Islamic world, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan and Bahrain, are not openly standing with Iran. Why is this so? Is this just a geopolitical strategy or is there a centuries-old Shia-Sunni dispute behind it?

Middle East's Muslim identity: Cracks in unity

The notion of the Islamic world being united weakens when we look at the internal situation of the Middle East.

Countries like Saudi Arabia and Turkey represent Sunni Islam

While Iran considers itself the protector of the Shia community.

In other countries like Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen and Bahrain, there are both Shia and Sunni communities, who are fighting with each other.

Main streams of Shia-Sunni tension:

1. Saudi Arabia vs Iran: Clash of two poles

The biggest competition in the Middle East is between these two countries.

Ever since Iran's Islamic Revolution (1979), its aim has been to spread Shia influence.

In response, Saudi Arabia started supporting Sunni governments and groups.

This proxy war is still going on in countries like Yemen, Syria and Lebanon.

2. Yemen and Syria: Furnace of War

In Yemen, there is a fierce conflict going on between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and the Saudi-backed government.

At the same time, in Syria, Saudi and Turkey instigated rebels against the Assad regime, which got the support of Iran.

3. Iraq, Lebanon and Bahrain: Domestic Rifts

Iraq has a long story of conflict between the Shia government and Sunni terrorists (like ISIS).

In Lebanon, the power struggle continues between the Shia organization Hezbollah and Sunni-backed groups.

Tensions between Bahrain's Shia population and Sunni monarchy have led to Saudi intervention.

Major Muslim countries that maintain distance from Iran:

1. Saudi Arabia:

Considers Iran as its main rival in the race for Shia opposition and religious leadership.

2. Bahrain:

Has completely broken off relations by calling the 2011 Shia uprising an Iranian conspiracy.

3. UAE:

Has taken action in Yemen against Iran supporters in collaboration with Saudi.

4. Kuwait:

Has expressed displeasure with Iran several times over political interference.

5. Jordan:

Although the confrontation is not direct, it sees Iran as a "Shia expansionist" force.