Spiritual Leader

Are divisions deepening between Shia leadership in Iraq and Iran?

For outsiders, all Shia groups know just one master, Iran, a Shia-majority country. But recent escalations between the two Shia groups disprove that understanding.

Exiled Dalai Lama marks 80 years as Tibet's spiritual leader

Hundreds of miles from Lhasa's imposing 1,000-room Potala Palace, the sandal-wearing monk now ministers to his fellow Tibetan exiles from Dharamsala in the foothills of the Indian Himalaya.

Was the Soleimani assassination a victory for Trump?

While Democrats criticise the US president for his impulsive actions, for Trump, the Soleimani killing is a victory with no cost to American lives.

Negotiating with Somalia’s Al Shabab: It’s the traditional elders, stupid

Tribal elders are capable of bridging the trust deficit between the Somali government and Al Shabab - and they might be the only chance left for peace.

Putin, visiting Italy, says hopes Rome can help mend Moscow-EU ties

Russian President Vladimir Putin paid a lightning visit to Rome, including talks with the pope, hailing efforts by the Italian government to ease sanctions despite Moscow's ongoing crisis with the West.

The US finds sanctions are no substitute for diplomacy with Iran

Experts believe Trump’s latest sanctions on Iran will have little impact because Washington has not articulated a clear exit policy for Tehran following the US violation of the nuclear deal.

Reported ruling to execute Saudi scholars marks new realms of oppression

Three renowned scholars will reportedly face execution after Ramadan. Even beyond the Khashoggi murder, such a ruling means the crown prince will stop at nothing to retain absolute power.

Will tensions between Bahrain and Iraq trigger a wider political crisis?

Opposition to Bahrain's monarchy has set up shop in Iraq and criticism within Iraq of Bahrain's crackdown on dissidents hasn't gone down well in Manama. The perceived interference in Bahraini affairs could set Iraq on a collision course with the GCC.

Five killed as Bahraini police open fire on protesters

The protesters were outside Shia cleric Isa Qassim's house as part of a long-running show of support when authorities raided it. Qassim faces expulsion from the Sunni-ruled kingdom over alleged links to Iran and fomenting violence.

China vows to act against separatism on Tibet uprising anniversary

Protests were held in several cities around the world to mark the anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan uprising.

Yazidis make pilgrimage to Lalesh Temple after surviving Daesh threat

Adherents of one of the world's oldest religions have been subject to mass killings and kidnappings under Daesh rule in Iraq.

Obama meets Dalai Lama despite China protest

Ignoring China's concern, a meeting between President Obama and the separatist Tibetan Buddhist leader Dalai Lama takes place at the White House.