Time to Stop Talking of the Shiite-Sunni Divide

Summer 2022 / Essays

When Western media frames the Middle East in terms of sectarianism, not only does it do a grave disservice to its audience, but also to the people of this region, with far-reaching consequences

From Political Islam to the Politics of Islam

Winter 2022 / Essays

With electoral paths blocked or unpromising, the Islamist project is now being transformed from what it was at the beginning of the last decade

Civil Marriage in Limbo

June 23, 2019 / Tahrir Forum

In Lebanon, the recurring debate around civil marriage highlights the sectarian-patriarchal grip on personal status affairs and the state itself.

Lebanon’s Black Sheep

Fall 2018 / Q & A

Independent parliamentarian Paula Yacoubian discusses the battles worth fighting in Lebanese politics

Understanding Sectarianism in the Middle East

July 12, 2017 / Tahrir Forum

Sectarian violence in the Arab and Muslim worlds is exacerbated by the role foreign powers play in the region, as well as local power rivalries.

Lebanon’s Maronites and Le Pen

February 26, 2017 / Tahrir Forum

Lending support, however symbolic, to France’s far right leader could tarnish the position of Lebanon’s Christians, and by extension the country’s image in the Arab World.

Sectarianism and the New Shiism

May 8, 2016 / Tahrir Forum

The roots of religious hatred between Sunni and Shia are political and, surprisingly, recent.

Sending a Message to Saudi Shia

November 6, 2015 / Tahrir Forum

Amid domestic terror attacks, Saudi Arabia’s differentiated approach to Shia protesters and Sunni jihadis will likely lead to more home-grown violence.