Topic: Iran

Muslim reformer's 'heresy': The Islamic state is a dead end

From Nigeria to Indonesia, Sudanese law professor spreads ideas of a secular state and human rights.

The Monitor's View: The Battle of Basra

Lessons from this six-day conflict may decide if Iraq is to have a strong government.

Sadr reins in Shiite militiamen, sends mixed signals

Battles continued to rage Sunday between the radical cleric's Mahdi Army and Iraqi and US forces.

Portrait of a veteran Iranian revolutionary

For the past half century, Zabihollah Bakhshi – a religious militant – has been center stage in nearly every Iranian fight or street protest.

Reporters on the Job

FARC acquired uranium, says Colombia

Sixty six pounds of uranium was for a 'dirty bomb,' Colombian officials say. Venezuela and Ecuador wonder: What else will seized rebel laptops reveal?

Mideast rift upstages Arab League summit

This weekend's Arab League gathering of Middle East and North African countries in Syria is expected to be a display in regional divisions.

Iraq's Maliki backs off ultimatum to militants

Top politicians race to avoid all-out war between feuding Shiite factions as US forces launch airstrikes against Mahdi Army targets.

'Fitna': Dutch leader's anti-Islam film brings strife

Far-right politician Geert Wilders's latest attempt to air the controversial video has been delayed by US-based website host Network Solutions.

Across Iraq, battles erupt with Mahdi Army

Moqtada al-Sadr's Mahdi Army fought US, Iraqi forces in Baghdad and Basra on Tuesday.

Should the world talk to Hamas?

A consensus to isolate the group is fraying due to the lack of political results.

Readers' picks

Readers write and tell us what they are reading.

Secular vision of a prominent Iraqi family

The Chadirji family – several of whose members helped shape modern Iraq – renew an uphill bid to promote their ideals.

Can Egypt broker Hamas-Israel truce?

Cairo is working hard for a cease-fire, partly to curb Iran's growing clout.

In divided Cyprus, new leader Christofias energizes unity bid

The Greek Cypriot president meets Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Talat Friday to discuss the renewal of reunification talks.

Despite Iraq discord, world eager for U.S. diplomacy

But America may need to understand how the world has changed during the war and what different kind of leadership is now required.

In Moscow, Rice signals warmer US-Russia ties

High-level talks on contentious issues such as missile defense had a markedly different tone from past rhetoric.

Is life for Iraqis improving?

Five years after the US invasion, some see flickers of hope.

For Iran, Iraq is a two-edged sword

Many call the Islamic Republic the 'winner' in Iraq, but it faces the prospect of a long-term US presence next door.

How will the Iraq war end?

On the fifth anniversary of the Iraq war, progress is slow but violence is down. A three-part series on the war's effects starts today with a look at what the endgame might look like.

The Monitor's View: Turkey wrestles with Islam's place

Turkey's prime minister must build trust in issues of mosque and state.

High-level talks keep North Korea nuclear deal alive

Last week's meeting generated talk of a secret side deal to end an 11-week impasse.

Iran election: hard-liners hold on, despite high inflation

Conservatives win 70 percent of parliament. But reformers gain, too.

Is the Mahdi Army's 'cease-fire' over?

Recent clashes between the militia and Iraqi forces threaten to undo a lull in the group's activities.

Opinion: What the Middle East needs most

American schools have worked wonders for the region's elites. Now we must raise the standard of education for all.