Since the outset of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran and going back to the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2026, long-standing tensions surrounding sectarian identity have intensified across the Gulf.

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The search for peace in the Middle East is putting a strain on relations between the two leaders.

Right-wing politicians and pundits in Britain have spent the last few months talking about the alleged danger of sectarian politics. It’s a cynical attempt to present British Muslims as a fifth column and to delegitimize opposition to genocide in Gaza.

This extract from Simon Mabon's book, Schism: The Story of Sectarianism in the Modern Middle East, looks at how political crises transform religious

The shift from secular to religious Zionism inspired a movement that plans to restore the dream of a ‘Greater Israel’.

Lebanon is known as a deeply divided society. The country's political system divides power between Muslims and Christians, and sect-based identities shape social and political life. Yet, throughout it...

National broadcaster RTÉ accused of antisemitism for decision to screen satirical 1996 Eurovision episode in boycott of contest It is considered one of the funniest episodes of a beloved sitcom, but the Father Ted storyline about Eurovision has been dragged into the row over Israel’s participation in this week’s song contest. Ireland’s national broadcaster, RTÉ, which is boycotting the competition in protest against Israel’s inclusion, will instead broadcast the 1996 episode A Song for Europe, in which the characters Father Ted and Father Dougal perform their song My Lovely Horse and earn nul points. Continue reading...

Photo credit: “2015 Dron DJI Phantom 3 Advanced,” from Wikimedia Commons. I have become an expert in distinguishing the sounds of Israeli death blasts.  The roar of warplanes.  The relentless thump of...

Leaked remarks by Maj Gen Avi Bluth describe fatal shootings of stone-throwers and different treatment for Jewish settlers

With the Strait of Hormuz choked off, Riyadh focuses on Red Sea infrastructure

While the Israeli army continues its demolition operations in numerous localities situated in the

Tensions between Abu Dhabi and Islamabad have burst into the open

Residents waking to find line has moved overnight and they are now in free-fire zone as army takes more territory

A group of new accounts on the prediction market Polymarket made highly specific, well-timed bets on whether the U.S. and Iran would reach a ceasefire on April 7, resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in profits for those users.

A beautiful letter from Zahra in Tehran as she waits for Tuesday

For the first time in centuries, Catholic leaders have been barred from Jerusalem’s Church of Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday, according to church authorities in the holy city.

Exclusive: Analysis of more than 4,000 of Reform UK leader’s paid-for Cameo videos also shows they contain misogynistic remarks and antisemitic conspiracies

In Lebanon, Israel seems to be following the same logic it deployed in Gaza: emptying out entire areas through what amounts to ethnic cleansing.

Simon Mabon talks to The Conversation Weekly podcast about how the evolution of the relationship between Iran and its Gulf neighbours.

Iran’s attacks on its neighbors are a reminder that the United States cannot protect them.

Simon Mabon talks to The Conversation Weekly podcast about how the evolution of the relationship between Iran and its Gulf neighbours.

Fossil fuels are structurally embedded in modern warfare.

The war launched against Iran by the United States and Israel is a war of choice and of hubris. There is scarcely even...

Live debate examining the moral issues behind one of the week's news stories.

Talks to implement Donald Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza are under way.

Buy Schism by Simon Mabon from Waterstones today! Click and Collect from your local Waterstones or get FREE UK delivery on orders over £25.

The impact of the October 7 attacks and Israel’s response will reverberate for decades to come.

The impact of the October 7 attacks and Israel’s response will reverberate for decades to come.

Violence in the West Bank has intensified since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and the ensuing war in Gaza.

Israel controls the flow of food into Gaza. It has calculated how many calories Palestinians need to stay alive. Its data shows only a fraction has been allowed in