The roots of sectarianism. Governance, society, and identity in the gulf -- The long shadow of the iranian revolution -- Bahrain. Debating participation: the Bahraini Shi'a and regional influences -- Sectarian balancing: the Bahraini Sunnis and a polarized parliament -- Into the abyss: the pearl roundabout uprising and its aftermath -- Saudi Arabia. Between loyalty and rejection: the Saudi Shi'a -- Under siege: the salafi and regime counter-mobilization -- Waving 'Uthman's shirt: Saudi Arabia's sectarian spring -- Kuwait. Renegotiating a ruling bargain: the Kuwaiti Shi'a -- Tilting toward repression: the Sunni opposition and the Kuwaiti regime -- A balancing act goes awry: sectarianism and Kuwait's mass protests.