Ranj Alaaldin

Ranj Alaaldin is a Visiting Scholar at Columbia University and a Doctoral Candidate at the London School of Economics and Political Science, where he specialises in Iraqi history and politics. His research currently looks at Shia mobilisation in Iraq and the history of Iraq's Shia movements. More details about his work can be found at the following: www.ranjalaaldin.com

Shia crescent: self-fulfilling prophecy

Iran does not have influence over the region’s various Shia actors by default, but is helped by the way the Arab world regimes have historically treated Shia actors in the region.

By Ranj Alaaldin

/ 3 Apr 2015

Libya: politics before security?

Last week's attack against the US ambassador is a warning sign that large security gaps are threatening Libya's stability. Democratically electing a new government is no guarantee of better times to come.

By Ranj Alaaldin

/ 21 Sep 2012

Libya: time to decide

Providing air support and arms for the Libyan opposition is necessary if stalemate and partition are to be avoided, argues Ranj Alaaldin

By Ranj Alaaldin

/ 31 Mar 2011

Kurdistan comes alive

Despite its unique circumstances, Kurdistan has not been immune to the chain of protests across the middle east. Ranj Alaaldin expresses hope that the movement will help build upon, rather than set back, the region's nascent democratic institutions.

By Ranj Alaaldin

/ 16 Mar 2011

Weighing intervention in Libya

International organisations will never regain popular legitimacy if they continue their inaction over Libya. Intervention must be measured so as not to exacerbate the situation, but inaction is the worst course of all.

By Daniel Korski and Ranj Alaaldin

/ 25 Feb 2011

How to stop a Libyan massacre: the power is in our hands

Ranj Alaaldin issues a timely call for a considered form of intervention in Libya's uprising. With the Libyan air force already firing on its own people, and escalation likely, a no-fly zone must be implemented over Libyan airspace to prevent mass casualties.

By Ranj Alaaldin

/ 22 Feb 2011

Al-Sadr returns to an uncertain and unstable Iraq

Ranj Alaaldin explores the significance of Muqtada al-Sadr's return to Iraq for the nation's politics, and the US and Iranian stakes in the country.

By Ranj Alaaldin

/ 8 Jan 2011

Afghanistan: time to face reality

Ranj Alaaldin argues that only the drastic curtailment of Nato ambitions in Afghanistan, and some unpalatable choices, will secure any semblance of stability in the country.

By Ranj Alaaldin

/ 22 Dec 2010