Shia

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.

Escalating violence in Iraq leaves no winners

Besides the question of Iran’s culpability in the assassination attempt on the Iraqi Prime Minister, Iraq still faces grave problems that violence and instability can exacerbate.

Drone attack on Iraqi PM reveals menacing reach of Shia militias

The militant groups want a seat at the table, and are willing to apply whatever pressure it takes to ensure that they do.

Silence in the face of Shia militia atrocities will ensure Daesh returns

The impunity enjoyed by the militias and continued collective punishment against Sunnis can only lead to civil war.

How Daesh is leveraging geopolitics to paint the Taliban into a corner

While organised, armed opposition to Taliban rule in Afghanistan has largely ceased, the one exception is the local affiliate of the so-called Islamic State.

Hazaras and the gaping hole of human security in Afghanistan

Only now have Western nations woken up to the continued threat to Afghan minorities and women.

The US’ return of looted Iraqi antiquities is just an empty gesture

The US-led invasion created the destruction that paved the way for Iraq’s looting. Without political stability, the future of Iraq — and the artefacts — remain endangered.

Twin bombings cause several fatalities in Afghan capital

At least seven people killed and six others wounded when separate bombs hit two minivans in a mostly Shia neighbourhood in Kabul, Afghanistan's interior ministry says.

Who is behind the mysterious killings of 30 Iraqi activists?

Experts and protestors point at Iran-affiliated militias, accusing them of being responsible for a string of assassinations that mainly targeted activists.

Blast near girls school in Afghan capital Kabul kills scores

Eyewitnesses said all but seven or eight of the victims were schoolgirls going home after finishing studies.

Saudi Arabia says Yemen rebel drone intercepted after Abha airport attack

The attack comes a day after several drones attacked the Abha international airport in Saudi Arabia's southwest, prompting Washington to call for an end to Houthi aggression.