The Sunni-Shi’a Muslim Divide: Why It Matters In The Iran War

(ANALYSIS) Understanding this distinction can help get past oversimplified narratives. The Middle East’s conflicts are not simply ancient religious feuds. They are modern political struggles shaped by history, identity and political interests. Here’s what you need to know about Sunni and Shia Islam — and how it impacts Iran and the current situation there.

Analysis, Conflict, Culture, History, Human Rights, Islam, Israel, Middle East, News, Politics, Religion, Religious Freedom, Saudi Arabia, SocietyClemente LisiMarch 3, 2026Clemente Lisi, Sunni–Shi’a divide, Sunni Islam, Shi’a Islam, Islamic history, Middle East politics, sectarianism, religious authority, Imamate, Caliphate, Prophet Muhammad, Abu Bakr, Ali ibn Abi Talib, Qur’an, Five Pillars of Islam, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Lebanon, Bahrain, Afghanistan, Israel, United States, Iran–Saudi rivalry, 1979 Islamic Revolution, geopolitics, regional power struggle, U.S. foreign policy, Iran nuclear program, Middle East conflict, political Islam, religious leadership, global security, Trump, war, Middle East, religion, Islam, Muslims, politics and religion, news, Primary feature, recharge, Secondary featureComment

Sufi Singer Yahaya Sharif-Aminu Faces Death For Blasphemy In Nigeria

(OPINION) Members of religious minorities — especially Ahmadi Muslims, Sufis, Baha’is and converts to Christianity — may be accused of fomenting “sectarian strife,” spreading “misinformation,” “insulting a heavenly religion” or threatening “national security.” In regions controlled by Sunni Islam, rival Shia Muslims may face similar accusations, with that equation being reversed in lands controlled by Shia clerics, such as Iran.

‘Muhammad Ali’ On PBS Shows Impacts Of Boxer’s Muslim Faith

(REVIEW) A new Ken Burns documentary on PBS tells the story of the world’s greatest heavyweight boxing champion, Muhammad Ali, including his friendship with Malcolm X and faith journey to Nation of Islam and then Sunni Islam.

North America, Opinion, Film & TVJillian CheneySeptember 20, 2021Muhammad Ali, PBS documentary on Muhammad Ali, Ken Burns, boxing, Civil rights, Malcolm X, Nation of Islam, Sunni Muslims, Sunni Islam, Mecca, Black Muslims, Cassius ClayComment

Afghan Christians Are Facing a Taliban Reign of Terror

(OPINION) As this story unfolds, many of us are experiencing something like déjà vu. In the summer of 2014 we watched as Islamic State/ISIS rampaged across Iraq and committed genocide against Christian and Yazidi communities. Although ISIS and the Taliban have fought each other, they practice the same deadly tactics.

Asia, OpinionLela GilbertAugust 20, 2021Lela Gilbert, Afghanistan, Kabul, Christians in Afghanistan, underground church, Christian persecution, terrorism, Taliban, Sunni Islam, Quran, Islamic State, human rights in Afghanistan, infidels, Afghan Christians Comment

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