Islamic History Series We can actually close off our first mini-period in Islamic history at this point. Isn't that exciting? See, the first four Caliphs--Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali--are collectively known in later Islamic historiography as the Rashidun Caliphs, from the Arabic word rashid, which means "rightly-guided" or "righteous." This is an incredibly loaded … Continue reading Islamic History, Part 14: Muʿawiyah’s Caliphate (661-680) and the Onset of Dynastic Rule
Month: November 2013
Another violent Ashura
Today is the Islamic holiday called Ashura, named after the Arabic number ten, ashr, because it is the tenth day of the new year. If you'd like some background on the holiday, please see my writeups here and here. Ashura is a predominantly Shiʿi holiday; the day is observed by Sunnis for other reasons, but … Continue reading Another violent Ashura
If you’re asking whether “Iran” is serious about a deal, you may be asking the wrong question
I read a piece at a website called "War on the Rocks" by an Iran analyst named Afshon Ostovar, asking whether Iran is "serious about a deal." It's a pretty good piece, you should check it out, but I think it misses on a few points. The upshot is that Iran is probably serious about … Continue reading If you’re asking whether “Iran” is serious about a deal, you may be asking the wrong question
On Richard Cohen’s Gag Reflex
What the--?Mr. Cohen's column today centers on the prospects that various Republican contenders for the 2016 presidential nomination may have in the Iowa caucus. Iowa, Cohen notes, is a conservative state, which may pose a challenge for Republicans perceived as moderate.Then, out of nowhere, comes this paragraph, which we have bolded for ease of reading:Today's … Continue reading On Richard Cohen’s Gag Reflex
Being the Supreme Leader of Iran ain’t a volunteer job, am I right?
Reuters published part 1 of a major investigative piece on Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's financial dealings today, and the scale at which he's effectively robbing his people blind is rather staggering: Setad has become one of the most powerful organizations in Iran, though many Iranians, and the wider world, know very little about it. … Continue reading Being the Supreme Leader of Iran ain’t a volunteer job, am I right?
Tragedy in the Philippines
I'm very late on this, but the devastation caused in the Philippines by Typhoon Haiyan is enormous, with at least 10,000 killed and hundreds of thousands displaced, most undoubtedly into refugee camps or worse. Please give what you can, if you are able. I gave to UNICEF this evening and also sent an SMS donation … Continue reading Tragedy in the Philippines
Islamic History, Part 13: Ali’s Caliphate (656-661) and the First Fitna
Islamic History Series Before you read this one, please read part 12 of the series, on Ali and his accession to the Caliphate. Ali's record as Caliph is incomplete, to say the least. He reigned for a mere 5 years, and most of that time was occupied by answering the many direct challenges that were … Continue reading Islamic History, Part 13: Ali’s Caliphate (656-661) and the First Fitna
Islamic History, Part 12: Ali’s Accession to the Caliphate (656)
Islamic History Series Well it's been quite a while since I did one of these, and I apologize for that. I enjoy writing these long historical pieces but they are not fast and real life often intervenes. Also, this particular bit of our tale is really important, and I wanted to be very careful as … Continue reading Islamic History, Part 12: Ali’s Accession to the Caliphate (656)
The usual suspects
I am just shocked--shocked, I tell you!--to find that the potential nuclear deal with Iran isn't being welcomed by the folks at Commentary: What the West is getting in return for beginning the process of dismantling economic sanctions on the Islamist regime is unclear. The New York Times describes it as "a first step that … Continue reading The usual suspects
Maybe somebody gets why negotiations with Iran are important
First Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Zarif suggested that a nuclear deal could be reached this week, and today came a report that the US might be prepared to offer some relief from sanctions in exchange for a temporary nuclear freeze and some targeted rollbacks: The official said that the suspension of Iran’s nuclear efforts, perhaps … Continue reading Maybe somebody gets why negotiations with Iran are important
The Foreign Exchanges Companion 