Why do most Arab countries assume that Iran is their enemy?

Answer 1

There are several reasons for this sentiment.

1) Historical Opposition and Control: The Persian Empires have almost always had designs on the Middle East from as early as Cyrus the Great to as late as the Qajjar Dynasty. As a result, many Arabs are wary of increasing Iranian influence in the region as it may lead to destabilization of their countries or future annexation to a Persian State.

2) Support of Paramilitary Groups: Iran currently finances the corrupt and violent regime of Bashar Al-Assad in Syria, the Terrorist/Paramilitary Organization of Hezbollah which bullies both Israelis and Lebanese, the Organization of Hamas in Palestine and its continued resistance to Palestinian Unification with Fatah, the Covert Al-Kutz Forces in Southern Iraq, and numerous other similar militant organizations. These groups are responsible for the deaths of many Arabs and much instability in Arab countries. If Iran was not interested in opposing the Arab States, they would not be supporting these militant organizations.

3) Theocratic Policies: Iran's governmental style is very scary to most Arabs who do not want an autocracy ruled by zealous religious leaders. As much as they want religion to be a bigger part of the government, they are not interested in conceding all of their freedoms to a council of Imams. These Imams, as evidenced by the Protests of the Green Revolution are grossly out-of-touch with the Iranian people. Iran seems to be endorsing this style of government in Arab States, all whose citizenry want more of a say in the government, not less.

4) Endorsement of Shiite Islam: As most Arabs are Sunni, the conflict also takes on a religious dimension. During the Safavid Period, there was a mass forcible conversion of Sunnis in Iran to Shiite Islam. Many Arab Sunnis fear something similar may occur in their neighborhoods if Iran is more powerful. They point to Iranian support of the Shiite minority in Syria as the archetype of Sunni repression under Shiite governance.

5) Desire for Nuclear Weaponry: Considering how hostile Iran's intentions seem to the Arabs, their pursuit of a nuclear weapon only heightens concerns that Iran may be making a stronger power-play in the Middle East. This increases Arab fears that the previous issues will only increase as well. Saudi Arabia has already announced that if Iran goes nuclear, so will they, to counter the Shiite threat.