Shiism as an Intelligence Element: The Case of Shias of Pakistan and India

Authors : Orhan Karaoğlu

Pages : 1-10

View : 125 | Download : 83

Publication Date : 2024-07-02

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The concept of intelligence refers to information and news found in a raw state, which, after being classified, processed, and interpreted, results in the production of information or a product. States or organizations gather the needed information through various activities and methods throughout the process, named the intelligence cycle, from obtaining raw data to processing it into information or a product. States/Organizations use the information they obtain as a strategic element in both their internal and external threats, security strategies, foreign policies, decision-making processes, as well as in any activities related to the target country/organization. In the intelligence collection process, various methods and elements are used, and one of the most important elements of this process is the Religious and Sectarian factor. States evaluate religious and sectarian factors in areas such as internal security, ethnic-sectarian issues, counterterrorism, international relations, education, culture, etc., contributing to the strategic decision-making process. Iran is also one of the states that stands out with the religious and sectarian factor. Iran benefits from its official Shiite denomination in its legal and state structure, internal and foreign policies, as well as security strategies, and conducts activities for this purpose on Shiite groups living in other countries. This article provides a detailed analysis of the use of religion and sect as an significant intelligence element, focusing on Iran\'s activities through the Shiite population in Pakistan and India, using open intelligence sources and the case analysis method.
Keywords : İran, Şiilik, İstihbarat, Pakistan, Hindistan