Political Islam

Actress' decision to quit stage draws fierce backlash from liberals

An Egyptian actress' decision to quit acting and don the hijab has stirred controversy in Egypt, highlighting the widening rift between ultraconservatives and liberals in society.

Shahira Amin | Egypt | Jul 24, 2021

Egyptian actresses Hala Shiha (L) and Mana Shalabi pose during the premiere screening of their new film "Uridu Kholaa" at a film theater, Cairo, Egypt, Nov. 2, 2005.

Egyptian actresses Hala Shiha (L) and Mana Shalabi pose during the premiere screening of their new film "Uridu Kholaa" at a movie theater in Cairo, Nov. 2, 2005.

Grand ayatollah warns against Iran's Taliban approach

The rare criticism came as the Iranian establishment is accused of attempting to canonize the Taliban amid shifting regional dynamics.

Al-Monitor Staff | Iran | Jul 15, 2021

Cairo cracks down on Salafist preachers

The Egyptian state and its institutions have been waging a fierce campaign against the preachers of Egypt’s Salafi movement over ties to the Muslim Brotherhood.

George Mikhail | Egypt | Jul 8, 2021

Meet Iran's US-sanctioned new judiciary chief

Fears are growing among rights activists that the appointment of Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei may usher in a new reign of terror for Iran's already stifled civil society.

Al-Monitor Staff | Iran | Jul 2, 2021

Khamenei defends Iran’s 'epic' elections

Iran's supreme leader in a speech Monday defended the latest presidential elections, which saw the lowest voter turnout in the Islamic Republic's history.

Al-Monitor Staff | Iran | Jun 28, 2021

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei meets with the head of the judiciary, president-elect Ebrahim Raisi, and other Judiciary officials in Tehran, June 28, 2021.

Raisi's election brings rise of Iran's Hezbollahis

The election of Ebrahim Raisi as president of Iran reflects a more revolutionary turn under the direction of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Ali Hashem (Iran Pulse) | Iran | Jun 28, 2021

Iran's President-elect Ebrahim Raisi attends his first press conference after winning the election in Tehran, Iran, on June 21, 2021.

Critics say Erdogan used pandemic to kill Turkey’s nightlife

Many out-of-work veterans of Turkey's once thriving entertainment world suspect the ruling party of using COVID-19 restrictions to enforce a more conservative lifestyle.

Sibel Hurtas | Turkey | Jun 16, 2021

Faruk Ugur waits for customers while selling hot wine at the entrance to his closed restaurant in the Kadikoy district on February 23, 2021 in Istanbul, Turkey.

Egypt's top court upholds death sentences of 12 Brotherhood figures

The defendants were part of a mass trial of supporters of former President Mohammed Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood.

Al-Monitor Staff | Egypt | Jun 14, 2021

Members of Egypt's banned Muslim Brotherhood are seen inside a glass dock during their trial in the capital Cairo on July 28, 2018.

Who is Ebrahim Raisi, the front-runner in Iran's presidential race?

Here’s what you need to know about Ebrahim Raisi, the conservative cleric seen as the heavy favorite to replace outgoing President Hassan Rouhani.

Al-Monitor Staff | Iran | Jun 11, 2021

Iran reconsidering list of disqualified presidential candidates

Iran's powerful Guardian Council said it would review the decision to bar certain candidates from running in this month's presidential election.

Al-Monitor Staff | Iran | Jun 4, 2021

Raisi, Larijani likely top candidates for Iran's presidential election

Iran's Guardian Council, an unelected body that gets to decide a final list of candidates, is winnowing down the number of candidates allowed to run in the June 18 election.

Al-Monitor Staff | Iran | May 19, 2021

Erdogan’s midnight decrees give Turkey nightmares

The overnight decrees increasingly governing Turkey have become a source of livid satire and agony for millions of Turks.

Pinar Tremblay | Turkey | May 13, 2021

Iranian presidential election market opens on PredictIt

Users of the popular prediction exchange website can now place bets on Iran’s upcoming elections in addition to bets on Israeli politics.

Adam Lucente | Iran | May 11, 2021

Egypt, Turkey conclude 'frank and in-depth' talks in Cairo

The Egyptian and Turkish deputy foreign ministers chaired two days of talks focused on bilateral and regional issues, including the war in Libya.

Al-Monitor Staff | Turkey | May 6, 2021

Uncertain future for Egypt's Salafists following Senate election defeat

The failure of Egypt’s largest Salafi party to win any seats in recent Senate elections is an additional indication of the collapse of the Salafists' popularity.

Amr Emam | Egypt | Sep 25, 2020

Political Islam

Actress' decision to quit stage draws fierce backlash from liberals

An Egyptian actress' decision to quit acting and don the hijab has stirred controversy in Egypt, highlighting the widening rift between ultraconservatives and liberals in society.

Grand ayatollah warns against Iran's Taliban approach

Cairo cracks down on Salafist preachers

Meet Iran's US-sanctioned new judiciary chief

Khamenei defends Iran’s 'epic' elections

Raisi's election brings rise of Iran's Hezbollahis

Critics say Erdogan used pandemic to kill Turkey’s nightlife

Egypt's top court upholds death sentences of 12 Brotherhood figures

Who is Ebrahim Raisi, the front-runner in Iran's presidential race?

Iran reconsidering list of disqualified presidential candidates

Raisi, Larijani likely top candidates for Iran's presidential election

Erdogan’s midnight decrees give Turkey nightmares

Iranian presidential election market opens on PredictIt

Egypt, Turkey conclude 'frank and in-depth' talks in Cairo

Uncertain future for Egypt's Salafists following Senate election defeat

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