Janubaba,
You have said that the issue of the Caliphate was not the main reason for the split of Islam.
I read it was. And so I appended an Islamic link that seems to suggest it was. You opined it was not. Therefore to me, the issue had become confused as there are two views - the Islamic link's and yours. You also said the difference in interpretation between the Shias and the Sunnis were 'minor'.
Therefore, it will be appreciated if you could comment so that those, like me, we are educated on the issue and not roam around in bewilderment as to what is the real truth.
If the Caliphate issue indeed is what split Islam as per the Islamic link appended, then how do you visualise that a split that could not be reconciled through the long march through history can be reconciled today when there is fierce competition in every field, including religion!