Haytham Mouzahem (Syria Pulse)

Haytham Mouzahem is a Lebanese analyst specializing in Middle Eastern and Islamic affairs. On Twitter: @haytham66

Iraq | Aug 24, 2017

Iraq's Hakim moves out of Iran's shadow

Ammar al-Hakim has left Iraq's Supreme Islamic Council and formed a new political party against Iran's wishes, indicating he is adopting an independent stance.

Ammar al-Hakim, leader of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq (ISCI), speaks during news conference with Iraqi Kurdish regional President Massoud Barzani in Baghdad, Iraq, September 29, 2016. REUTERS/Khalid al Mousily - RTSQ39J

Syria | Sep 2, 2016

Syria's Tourism Ministry hopes to lure visitors, despite war

Domestic tourism failed to compensate for the major losses incurred by Syria’s tourism sector as a result of the war.

A journalist stands at the remains of the Temple of Bel in the historic city of Palmyra, in Homs Governorate, Syria April 1, 2016. REUTERS/Omar Sanadiki SEARCH "PALMYRA SANADIKI" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES - RTSD71B

Saudi Arabia | May 20, 2016

Yemen peace talks stuck in stalemate

The Yemen peace talks have been hindered by the parties' unwillingness to compromise on several major issues.

Iraq | May 11, 2016

Who are Syria's Alawites?

Alawite doctrine differs in many ways from Sunni and Shiite Islam, but Alawites believe they should be respected and accepted as an independent Muslim sect.

Iraq | Mar 7, 2014

Iraqi Shiite clerics maintain humility, influence

The Shiite clerics of Najaf have always provided a spiritual reference to their followers, while at the same time playing an important role on various levels.

An Iraqi man and wife with child walk past a sign professing support for "Hawza," or Shiite religious leadership, 08 September 2003 in the holy city of Najaf, some 180 kms south of Baghdad. US President George W. Bush, in his first major speech on Iraq since May, urged the United Nations 07 September 2003 to overcome "past differences" over the US-led invasion of Iraq, appealing even to opponents of the war for troops and money. AFP PHOTO/Karim SAHIB (Photo credit should read KARIM SAHIB/AFP/Getty Images

Jordan | Dec 10, 2013

Petra's former cave dwellers neglected by authorities

Although the Jordanian government implemented a plan in the 1980s to relocate the cave dwellers of Petra to modern villages, they are now facing governmental neglect, with some families threatening to return.

Salem Hammed, 23, a Bedouin guide, climbs to the top of ad Dayr (The Monastery) in the ancient city of Petra August 31, 2007. Ad Dayr has the largest facade (45 by 50 metres, or 130 by 164 ft) in Petra, Jordan. Petra was recently named among the modern-day seven wonders of the world chosen in a poll of 100 million online voters. Picture taken August 31, 2007. REUTERS/Steve Crisp (JORDAN) - RTR1TAY9

Syria | Nov 19, 2013

Syrian government and opposition jockey ahead of Geneva II

As preparations continue for the Geneva II conference, both the Syrian opposition and the regime seem increasingly divided over their respective positions on the talks.

Arab League Secretary General Nabil al-Arabi (R) speaks to President of the Syrian National Coalition Ahmad Jarba during the Arab foreign ministers' meeting in Cairo November 3, 2013. The Syrian opposition set terms on Sunday for attending peace talks to end the Syrian civil war, in a move that throws the proposed conference into further confusion after the international envoy said there should be no preconditions. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany (EGYPT - Tags: POLITICS) - RTX14Z0R

Iraq | Nov 11, 2013

Internal disagreements could lead to al-Qaeda split

Recent disagreements between al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri and ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi could lead to major splits within the organization.

EDITOR'S NOTE: REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY CONTENT THE VIDEO FROM WHICH THIS STILL IMAGE WAS TAKEN.
Al Qaeda's second-in-command Ayman al-Zawahri speaks from an unknown location, in this still image taken from video uploaded on a social media website June 8, 2011. Osama bin Laden's longtime lieutenant, Ayman al-Zawahri, said the United States faces rebellion throughout the Muslim world after killing the al Qaeda leader, according to a 28-minute YouTube recording posted on Wednesday. In what a

Lebanon | Nov 7, 2013

Lebanese Shiite leader launches interfaith dialogue

The prominent Lebanese Shiite scholar Ali Fadlallah has launched a new initiative aimed at promoting interfaith dialogue and cooling sectarian tensions in the region.

Shiite cleric Ali Fadlallah (R), son of Lebanese Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah, receives condolences from Lebanese President Michel Sleiman at a mosque in Beirut's southern suburb on July 4, 2010, following his father's death earlier in the day at the age of 75. AFP PHOTO/ANWAR AMRO (Photo credit should read ANWAR AMRO/AFP/Getty Images)

Pan Arab | Oct 11, 2013

Middle East Water Initiative Based on Rhine River Model

The "Blue Peace in the Middle East" initiative seeks to examine how the multinational cooperation around the Rhine River might inform similar water agreements in the Middle East.