Divisions between Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds within Iraq are mirrored throughout the region, with the risk of tensions fuelling each other. Despite overwhelming political obstacles, progress towards decentralisation in Iraq remains the best option to prevent further destabilisation and preserve its
Western states' involvement with Israel has resulted in outcomes which go against the principles for which they supposedly stand, and against the wishes of voters. Israel's perpetual instability means this is unlikely to change any time soon.
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.
A new social trend in the Islamic Republic of Iran seems to target not only state-sponsored religious norms of rectitude and morality, but also the very defining principles of the Iranian social order.
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 Democratic Islam Congresses called for by PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan are promoting an interpretation of Islam that bolsters Kurdish nationalist aspirations, but it remains to be seen exactly how they will deploy this turn to religion.
It is essential not only to expose the ideological weaknesses of the current order, but to link the current political order with international neo-colonial ideology, replacing it with one based on the welfare of the average Arab citizen.
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.
“Gezi is like falling in love. When you aren’t there, all you can think about is being there. When you are there, you don’t want to be anywhere else in the world.” A memoir of the Gezi Park protest, which had its first anniversary on May 31, 2014.
Jordan is unlikely to follow Saudi Arabia and ban its Muslim Brotherhood. Fraught with internal divisions, the Kingdom’s largest opposition party poses a weak threat.
It is in everyone’s long-term interest to stop purposefully undermining developing democratic processes.
