Shia
Cause for Celebration in Syria
The fall of Assad’s pro-Iranian regime is a net gain for the U.S., even if what replaces it isn’t a reliable ally
The Road From Damascus
Hamas finally comes out against the Assad regime, its longtime patron, striking a major blow against Iran’s bid for Shia regional dominance
Renderings
Unable to restore a shrine with a prominent Star of David in Iran, a U.S. organization and an Iranian-American architect are reviving the site online
Minority Interest
Lebanon’s Maronites, threatened by Sunni power, will be the bellwether of the Mideast’s Christians. Could they face the same fate as the region’s Jews?
Useful Fiction
Newt Gingrich says the Palestinians are an “invented people.” They are, like many others in the Middle East. It’s a useful myth the U.S. must support.
Dearborn in the USA
The new TLC reality show All-American Muslim doesn’t do enough to display the theological and intellectual diversity of Islam in the U.S.
Eclipsed
U.S. policymakers fear a “Shia crescent,” a regional alliance led by Iran. A dawning “Muslim Brotherhood crescent” is far more threatening.
Minority Report
By establishing a Jewish majority in Palestine, Israel distinguished itself from other Middle East minority groups, which suffer physical fear and intellectual confusion, even if they hold power
Assisted Suicide
When the Western press gives credence to anti-Israel propaganda, as it did in recent reports about a Palestinian woman killed by Israeli tear gas, it’s Arabs who are hurt most
Southern Exposure
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s recent visit to Hezbollah reveals the deepening isolation of the Shia in Lebanon
Under Oath
Israel’s controversial new oath of allegiance reflects the reality of sectarian politics in the Middle East
My Grandmother Loves Hezbollah
She loves peace, but she also loves the pride and dignity the Iran-backed group and its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, claim to provide


