Islamic Unity, Oil Clout: A One-Two Punch

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The air of reconciliation at last week's world Islamic conference in Tehran should serve as a wake-up call for the West. The show of Islamic unity - led by Saudi Arabia, leader of the world's Sunni Muslims, and Iran, leader of the world's Shiite Muslims - may have direct implications for American economic and national security interests that are not being adequately considered.

The various kings, prime ministers, and presidents in attendance were ostensibly mulling over how to transform Islam from a fractured theological system into a unified force able to counter increasingly demonic portrayals of the faith and the perceived "Israelization" of US foreign policy. They …