In Iraq, Sunni-Shia Conflict Poses a Challenge for Iran

A Sunni-Shia standoff has taken shape in Iraq following the U.S. military withdrawal. While the Sunnis are looking to such outside actors as the United States and Turkey to intervene on their behalf, Iran continues to hold more influence in Iraq than any other country. Ideally, Tehran would like to keep Iraq in a manageable state of instability. Indeed, Tehran will have to perform a delicate balancing act in resolving the Shia-Sunni standoff, helping its Shia proxies enough to retain its influence but preventing them from becoming too powerful.