Internally, Sistani’s words directly addressed the fractured Iraqi political class. They are helping reunite Iraq’s dithering Shi’a factions under the strategic priority of fighting terrorism, and boosting moderate Sunnis.
ISIL is now intent on consolidating its military gains in Iraq. Any western intervention would play into the group's hands.
One thing this is definitely not about: the wishes of the Iraqi people. Local Sunni citizens who are the alleged beneficiaries of these rebels are not polled – they are merely brainwashed, bribed, expelled, beaten, or killed.
The remarkable resurgence of Sunni-fundamentalist violence in Iraq has taken the west by surprise, yet it is a symptom of the long-evident inability of the Shia-led government there to exercise authority impartially.
The depiction of Lebanon as the most brittle and even artificial nation in its region is based more on myth than reality, says Hazem Saghieh.
It is only by being utopian that we'll be able to overcome the low-cost, high-volume retail business model that currently reigns supreme.
As the latest talks on a two-state solution sputter, the concept of one state for Palestinians and Israelis is gaining traction among those looking for an alternative way forward. But a real alternative would take a new approach to each side's national narratives and needs.
Crimea and Nagorno-Karabakh, two regions with similar histories, took very different paths after the Soviet Union broke up; until now.
He makes films about his people, his history, his politics and so ultimately he is making a film about himself. Film review.
The lightning advance of Islamist fighters across northern Iraq has dangerous echoes of the founding event of the "war on terror" .
The breakaway republic – de facto state – of Transnistria has steadily been edging closer and closer to Russia, but the Kremlin does not seem all that enthusiastic.
Russian TV is waging a propaganda war against Ukraine. But is it working?
