1) The terrorists aren't like one organization that is supported by one faction or another. They are a bunch of militant groups scattered across mostly middle Iraq (not North or South).Originally Posted by Behold the Void
2) The names "Sunni" and "Shi'ite" are not exactly political or militant factions. They're more like denominations of Islam. Saddam Hussein was of the Sunni sect and thus prosecuted the Shi'ites.
The blood feud between the two sects of Islam stems from a disagreement over who should become the next Caliph (leader of Islam). Since Muhammed had left no one to take his place, it was uncertain who should become the leader. The procession of power flowed without war or bloodshed until it got to Ali. When Ali assumed the Caliphate, the general cousin of the previous caliph refused to recognize him as the caliph and tried to claim it himself. He and his followers became the Sunni, and Ali and his followers became the Shi'ite. The constant bloodshed came about because Ali and his son were murdered by the Sunni.
So, Sunni/Shi'ite = religious sect (not political party).
Terrorist = bad guys usually in small groups that aren't exactly working together or sponsored by a certain "faction."
It's like a bunch of warring clans with different leaders that are trying to take over the country.
