Love of money is the root of all evil. If muslims were TRULY united, it would be scary for the Western world. You saw what they did when they were just partially united.
Very few groups have had the USA more shook than radical Islamists.
This map puts things into perspective. Before the US decided to invade Iraq, that country was mostly Shia. Sadaam didn't fukk with Iran.
You can also understand why there has been a proxy war in Yemen for so long and why the US has been giving a massive amount of aid to Saudi Arabia to assist. You can also see why they don't want Iran to ever get nuclear weapons.
Interesting enough, Palestine is mostly Shia Muslims, which would make them a natural enemy to Iran. So basically if Israel wasn't there, they wouldn't give two shyts about that country. You can also see why Syria is so important. If Yemen and Syria became allies with Iran and they all formed attained some form of economic development that rivaled Saudi Arabia, the region would be much different. Saudi Arabia would need to depend on the US even more... BUT if Saudi Arabia every shifted and became allies with Iran, they would form an alliance with Russia and it would be a wrap for Israel. Western influence in the middle east would be non existent.
China is the only world power playing it smart. They're sitting back in the cut, waiting for shyt to play out and pick up the pieces when it's over.
They whole "spread democracy" mantra is played out. Countries should be allowed to evolve at their own pace. Trying to control shyt is the reason why so much conflict exists in the region now.