Peter Bergen : Complicating the Syria conflict is regionwide sectarian strife . He believes the historic Sunni - Shia split is a key dynamic and U.S. intervention will worsen conflict . Syria 's death toll from sectarian struggles has been increasing . Bergen : Al-Qaeda-affiliated groups will seek to exploit these sectarian divisions to garner support for their own violent agenda , and may well find greater room to operate because of it . Al Qaeda - affiliated groups will seek to take advantage .
Peter Bergen : Complicating the Syria conflict is regionwide sectarian strife . He believes the historic Sunni - Shia split is a key dynamic and U.S. intervention will worsen conflict . Syria 's death toll from sectarian struggles has been increasing . Bergen : Al Qaeda - affiliated groups will seek to take advantage .