by Bernd Debusmann Jr | 8 Oct 2018 | Human Rights, Islam, Middle East
A diplomatic spat between Saudi Arabia and Canada may seem childish. But the dispute has important implications for the West — including the United States. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (L) and Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland (R) in...
by Rashad Mammadov | 28 May 2018 | Asia, Europe, Future of Democracy, Islam, Women's rights
A century ago, Azerbaijan declared independence, becoming the first democratic state in the Muslim world. First meeting of the parliament of the Azerbaijan Democractic Republic, 7 December 1918 (Wikimedia Commons) One century ago today, a small colony of the Russian...
by Jonathan Lyons | 22 May 2018 | Future of Democracy, Islam, Middle East
The victory of a nationalist in Iraq’s elections has hit Iran’s interests and begs the question of whether Tehran’s influence in the Middle East has peaked. Supporters of Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr celebrate his election win in Baghdad, Iraq, 14...
by News Decoder | 14 May 2018 | Decoders, Donald Trump, Islam, Middle East, United States
This article is part of a News-Decoder series of “decoders” that explain crucial background to big issues. For more decoders, click here. By Alistair Lyon Faith is often flaunted in the Middle East, but there are no angels here. One religiously-based state...
by News Decoder | 3 May 2018 | Asia, China, Middle East
China’s stance towards the Iran nuclear deal is rooted in three concepts: energy, its relationship with the U.S. and the North Korean nuclear issue. Foreign ministers of China, France, Germany, the European Union, Iran, Russia, Britain and the United States...