Shi'ite

Lebanese officials say economic strain could weaken Hezbollah control

by
Lebanese officials say economic strain could weaken Hezbollah control

Senior officials within the Lebanese Kataeb Party (the Phalanges) and Lebanese Forces believe that weakening Hezbollah’s economic capabilities may destabilize its hold over its base of supporters. This view follows revelations that recent assassinations of Hezbollah leaders haven’t significantly impacted the group’s operational strength. “The assessment within the Phalange and Lebanese Forces circles is … Read more

What is the significance of Israel’s strike on the Zaynab shrine, Syria?

by
What is the significance of Israel’s strike on the Zaynab shrine, Syria?

Reports emerged of explosions near an important shrine south of Damascus on Wednesday evening. Set Zaynab is around 10 kilometers southwest of the Damascus city center, about a 30-minute drive away. Syrian state media said that air defense systems were activated in an attempt to confront airstrikes, as photos posted online showed smoke rising from … Read more

Iran and Bahrain to start talks on resuming diplomatic ties

by
Iran and Bahrain to start talks on resuming diplomatic ties

Iran and Bahrain have agreed to start talks about the release of Iranian funds frozen in Bahrain and resuming diplomatic ties, Iran’s state media reported on Monday. On Sunday, Bahrain’s state news agency said the two countries have agreed to start discussing re-establishing political relations. “The two parts have agreed to hold technical negotiations … Read more

Iraqi Shi’ite Moqtada al-Sadr expected to return in political comeback

by
Iraqi Shi’ite Moqtada al-Sadr expected to return in political comeback

Powerful Iraqi Shi’ite Muslim cleric Moqtada al-Sadr is laying the groundwork for a political comeback two years after a failed and ultimately deadly high-stakes move to form a government without his Shi’ite rivals, multiple sources said. His return, likely planned for the 2025 parliamentary election, could threaten the growing clout of rivals including Iraqi … Read more