Islam

By Sarah Hackett | (The Conversation) | – – The unfolding refugee crisis has been marked by stories of displacement, violence and despair. There have been frenzied debates about the appropriate responses, compassion and humanitarianism. Those following what is being referred to as the worst refugee crisis in decades will undoubtedly be familiar with the […]

Islam

Ashrawi: “Israel is provoking a global holy war” over Aqsa

contributors

By IMEMC News | – – PLO Executive Committee Member Dr. Hanan Ashrawi met with [British Consul General to Jerusalem] Dr. Alastair McPhail at the PLO Headquarters in Ramallah, September 14, 2015. Both parties discussed the latest political developments, including Israel’s persistent assaults and escalating incursions and violence on the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound (Al-Haram Al-Sharif) […]

Iran

Contrary to Propaganda, Iran has always denounced Nukes

contributors

By Farhang Jahanpour | (Inter Press Service) | – – OXFORD (IPS) – Despite all the propaganda about the Iranian leaders’ rush to acquire nuclear weapons, ever since the start of the country’s nuclear programme, Iranian leaders have been adamant that they only wish to make peaceful use of the nuclear energy to which they […]

Islam

Clashes rock Al-Aqsa Compound, 3rd Holiest Muslim Shrine, for 2nd day

contributors

Ma’an News Agency | – – JERUSALEM (Ma’an) — Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed for the second consecutive day at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Monday, with several journalists injured as Israeli forces fired stun grenades and tear gas canisters in the holy site. Ayman Abu Rumouz, a cameraman for Lebanon-based satellite channel al-Mayadeen, was […]

Iraq

A House Divided: Iranian, Iraqi Ayatollahs square off in Baghdad Streets

contributors

Mustafa Habib | Baghdad | (Niqash.org) | – – Recent crises have seen historical tensions between Iraq and Iran’s highest religious leaders, who command the loyalty of millions and a deep philosophical difference, playing out on Iraq’s streets and among politicians. Iraqis living in Iran hold up posters of spiritual leader, Ali al-Sistani, during a […]

Alawites

Can a Loose Federal system save Syria and Iraq?

contributors

By Jerome Joffe | (Informed Comment) | – – In recent months, prospects for applying the principles of federation and constitutional protection for minorities as a basic political solution for the conflicts in Syria and Iraq have dramatically improved. On the foundation of state restructuring, coordination of military force to degrade ISIS and the Nusra […]

Iraq

Can Iraq’s Shiite Militias save the Country from Sectarian Division? Qais al-Khazali thinks So

contributors

By Mohammed al-Zaidi | Najaf | (Niqash.org) | – – NIQASH meets Qais al-Khazali, head of one of Iraq’s most feared militias. The cleric and soldier answered critics, talking about what to do when his fighters commit crimes and whether militias are replacing the army. Most often seen in uniform these days: Qais al-Khazali, leader […]

Acidification of Oceans

Defying Saudis, Iran: Muslim thinkers call for Action on Climate Change at Istanbul Conference

Juan Cole

By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | – – Attendees at the International Islamic Climate Change Symposium in Istanbul from 20 countries produced, and 60 of them signed, a declaration this week warning of the dangers of climate change and urging urgent action to curb carbon dioxide emissions. But, I fear the press reporting on […]

Alawites

Iran’s Support for Syria Pragmatic, not Religious (or, Who are the Alawites?)

contributors

By Ari Heistein | (Informed Comment) | – – The Shia government in Teheran and the Alawi regime in Damascus have had warm relations since Iran’s Islamic Revolution, and many attribute that to a common affinity for Shia Islam. While Alawis have embraced their relatively recent inclusion in the Muslim world, for the vast majority of their history […]