religion

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 […]

Climate Change

Islamic Declaration on Climate Change Turns Up Heat Ahead of Paris Talks

contributors

By Kitty Stapp | (Inter Press Service) | – – NEW YORK (IPS) – Following in the footsteps of Pope Francis, who has taken a vocal stance on climate change, Muslim leaders and scholars from 20 countries issued a joint declaration Tuesday underlining the severity of the problem and urging governments to commit to 100 […]

Antisemitism

Louisiana Muslim-Haters call 911 in Panic over Hebrew Sign

contributors

Cenk Uygur | (The Young Turks Video Report) | – – “Some Louisiana residents panicked when they found a sign written in what they thought was Arabic. It turned out to be Hebrew. Cenk Uygur, host of the The Young Turks, breaks it down. Tell us what you think in the comment section below. “Residents […]

Featured

Defending Natalie Portman on Holocaust: Sometimes it can be subverted to fear-mongering

Juan Cole

By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | – – Actress Natalie Portman has kicked off a controversy with remarks about how to remember the Nazi Holocaust against the Jews, in which the National Socialists murdered 6 million. Her critics have run off on tangents and presented a lot of red herrings. Portman did not question […]

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 […]

Christianity

ISIS Desecrates, Razes Ancient Christian Monastery in Syria

contributors

Iraq-Syria News | (Video News Report) | – – “Yet again, ISIS violated the sanctity of Christianity in the Middle East and in Syria in particular. This time, the target was the Monastery of Mar Elian [St. Julian of the East] in the town of Qaryatain, 68 miles northeast of Damascus. ISIS posted photos on […]

Christians

Huckabee’s virtual Genocide: erases Palestinians from West Bank, declares it “Israel”

contributors

IMEMC | – – US presidential contender Mike Huckabee said during a visit to Jerusalem, on Wednesday, that he did not consider the West Bank occupied by Israel. The Republican and Baptist minister, a regular visitor to Israel, attended a fundraiser for his campaign on Tuesday at an illegal Jewish settlement in the occupied Palestinian […]

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 […]