Political Islam

From political Islam to illiberal nationalism: the MENA states' war for hearts and minds 

Islamist parties are falling out of favor across the region, as leaders hope to offer economic benefits combined with authoritarianism.

'Iraq is not an Islamic country': Minorities protest Baghdad's alcohol ban as unconstitutional

The Iraqi government's renewed effort to prohibit alcohol is not only worrisome for Christian and Yazidi minorities, but also raises constitutionality questions.

Turkey's earthquake spikes Europe's fears of Middle East flare-ups

The Turkish-Syrian border area at large remains one of the world’s geopolitical quagmires, a major epicenter of tensions and fault lines that run throughout the Middle East toward Europe.

Sweden blocks Quran-burning protest

Turkey came out against Sweden’s NATO bid after a far-right activist burned a Quran outside the Turkish embassy last month. Sweden is now seeking to resume dialogue over the issue.

After Sweden, tension on Islam between Europe and Middle East hits dangerous crossroad

More Egyptian women reject hijab

The hijab in Egypt has always been a matter of controversy.

Turkish imam loses his job over lyrics criticizing government

Demotion of an imam over a protest song comes as another sign of the expanding intolerant climate in Turkey ahead of June elections. 

Headscarf debate returns to Turkish politics at initiative of secularist opposition 

The CHP becomes proactive against Erdogan's "religious populist games."

Iran says average age of arrested protesters is 15

According to Iranian authorities, those protesting Mahsa Amini's death are some of the youngest ever seen in the country.

Iranian government intensifies crackdown

Iran has arrested three of its most prominent filmmakers.