Shia

Iraq's top court says it cannot dissolve parliament, deadlock continues

Iraq's political deadlock continues as cleric Muqtada al Sadr's key demand to dissolve parliament is rejected by the country's Federal Supreme Court.

This is not the end for Iraq’s Sadr

Muqtada al Sadr will always have a place and a role to play in the dysfunctional Iraqi status-quo, which helps Iran weild its influence in Iraq.

Situation tense in Iraq as death toll from violent clashes mounts

Shia leader Muqtada al Sadr's sudden resignation has plunged the Middle Eastern country into violence and chaos with no clear path out.

Deadly bomb attack hits Afghan capital

The blast occurred in a west Kabul neighbourhood that is mainly inhabited by members of the ethnic Hazara community, who are mostly Shia Muslims.

Sadr’s parliament ‘protest’ serves the pro-Iran groups he claims to oppose

Sadr is paving the way for pro-Iranian parties to increase their seats in the Council of Representatives.

Iraqi lawmakers from Sadr's bloc resign amid political stalemate

73 lawmakers from Shia cleric Muqtada al Sadr’s bloc have submitted their resignation upon the leader's request as Iraq's new parliament continues in its struggle to form a government.

Saudi Arabia, Iran tension-easing talks resume in Iraq after suspension

Iran and Saudi Arabia support rival sides in several conflict zones across the Middle East region, including Yemen where the Houthi rebels are backed by Tehran, and Riyadh leads a military coalition supporting the government.

'Oh God, what is our crime?': Afghan Hazaras recount the bloody Tuesday

The victims of a long-persecuted minority continue to find themselves trapped in a cycle of violence, with Daesh-K turning their guns on them to rattle the Taliban government.

Deadly blasts rock school in Kabul's Shia Hazara neighbourhood

A Kabul police spokesperson said the blasts at the Abdul Rahim Shahid school were caused by improvised explosive devices and left at least six people killed and 11 wounded.

Iraq's Sadr steps back for 40 days, asks rivals try to form government

Shia cleric Muqtada al Sadr asks his followers not to interfere as his rivals form a coalition of Iran-backed Shia parties, trying to cobble together a cabinet.

Making sense of Iran’s ambitions in post-Soviet states

Although Iran's expansionist aspirations are primarily aimed at the Middle East, the states of the South Caucasus and Central Asia remain in Tehran’s sights.

A window of opportunity to limit Iran’s dominance in Iraq?

Iran-backed militias are in a relatively weakened state, but will try anything to avoid being left out of the government.