Does God never guide disbelievers?

[Mystic]

Exactly, but Quran shows disbelievers can become believers and not only can, but that most in Arabia did.

It's amazing what people will agree to if you swing a sword at their head.

Yeah I know, this is why the "it's the best generation of people and they are all trustworthy" doctrine of Sunnis never flew with me. Most "Sahabas" converted to Islam due to force, or felt like once Quraysh believed, they should follow Quraysh;s lead and not fight...basically due to the fact Quran stated because they kept up on breaking treaties, to fight them until they accept Islam or die.

If Imam Ali was appointed by the Prophet, it's no surprise if most people reject him, as they were very much opposed to Islam from the beginning till the victory.