Middle East — Posts — The Rest of the Iceberg

Apr 30

Apr 30 What's the Difference Between Sunni and Shia Muslims?

Curiosity is a good quality, but what about when it is prompted by violence? Such is often the case with ethnic and religious divisions. It would be nice if people were intrinsically interested in the difference between Catholics and Protestants or Hutus and Tutsis, but most aren’t. It sometimes take a tragedy to make people curious. Sadly, that’s the case for the divide between Sunni Muslims and Shia Muslims. The cycle of violence between them has been going on for more than a thousand years. What caused the bitter divide?

Jul 23

Jul 23 Why is there a Civil War in Syria?

Alister Chapman

Middle East, Geopolitics, Refugees, Religion, War

The Syrian civil war began in 2011. Since then, more Syrians have died than Americans in World War Two. Half the population have fled their homes, and more than five million have left the country and become refugees. It is impossible to understand suffering on this scale.

Why is this war still going on? What is it even about? Here’s a ten-point answer.

May 7

May 7 Why Don't America and Iran Get Along?

Alister Chapman

Middle East, United States, Geopolitics

America and Iran don't like each other. The two countries have growled at each other for decades. Iranian leaders have called the US the “Great Satan.” In return, American presidents have said Iran is part of a global “axis of evil” and called it a “rogue state.” What explains all this hatred?

Mar 13

Mar 13 Why is Iraq So Unstable?

Alister Chapman

Middle East, Geopolitics, United States

If you’re in search of bad news, you can rely on Iraq. Terrorists, internal conflict, poor government, lethal explosions—these are the all too familiar headlines. Iraq’s recent past is sad. Much of its distant past is sad, too. Why? What did Iraq do to deserve all this pain? Very little. Most of Iraq’s troubles have been caused by outsiders. But our story starts in the days when Iraq was powerful and majestic.

Nov 2

Nov 2 Why is Iran So Religious?

Alister Chapman

Religion, Middle East

A few years ago, Gallup asked people in more than a hundred countries whether religion was an important part of their daily lives. 83% of Iranians said, “Yes.” That may sound high but it actually put Iran right in the middle of the pack. But it’s understandable if you think of Iran as a land of religious zealots because that is how it’s portrayed in the media, especially in the US.

Oct 24

Oct 24 Why Couldn’t Women in Saudi Arabia Drive?

Alister Chapman

Middle East, Religion

The battle against sexism isn’t over anywhere. Still, it’s shocking to know that until recently women in Saudi Arabia weren’t allowed to drive a car. What good explanation could there be?

Apr 30 What's the Difference Between Sunni and Shia Muslims?

Jul 23 Why is there a Civil War in Syria?

May 7 Why Don't America and Iran Get Along?

Mar 13 Why is Iraq So Unstable?

Nov 2 Why is Iran So Religious?

Oct 24 Why Couldn’t Women in Saudi Arabia Drive?

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