Pompeo: Springtime for Irano/Islamophobes

by Jim Lobe and Eli Clifton “Great news for the Republic!” tweeted Sebastian Gorka, on hearing the news that CIA Director Mike Pompeo is replacing Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Gorka, who was forced to resign from his position as… Continue Reading

Iran’s Cultural Cleavages And The Need for National Compromise

by Shireen Hunter Popular demonstrations in Iran at the end of 2017 reflected economic and other grievances along with a growing frustration and impatience with the Islamic system’s shortcomings. However, the demonstrations also revealed deep cultural cleavages in Iranian society.… Continue Reading

Kidnapping Stirs Malaysian Debate about Saudi-Inspired Ultra-Conservatism

by James M. Dorsey Allegedly kidnapped, forty-three-year old Malaysian activist Amri Che Mat, a foreign exchange trader and mountain climber, has not been heard of since he went missing in November 2016. An inquiry into his disappearance coupled with an assertion… Continue Reading

Salafi mission calls into question Saudi concept of moderation

by James M. Dorsey Plans to open a Salafi missionary centre in the Yemeni province of Al Mahrah on the border with Oman and Saudi Arabia raise questions about Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s concept of a moderate form of Islam.… Continue Reading

Iran–On the Brink?

by Graham Fuller With the emergence of demonstrations and rioting in various Iranian cities earlier this month, Washington’s neoconservatives and interventionist/ imperial-minded “liberals” have been given a new lease on life in promoting their aspirations for “regime change” in Tehran.… Continue Reading