Is the conflict in Iraq really sectarian in nature?

My latest article in the Guardian on the recent political crisis in Iraq.

Iraq is not ready for division

My latest article in the Guardian.

Deadly shootings in Saudi Arabia, but Arab media look the other way

My latest article in the Guardian on the events in Qatif.

The Real Iraq

My thoughts on a recent trip to Iraq.

Arab Revolutions: double standards all round

My latest article on openDemocracy.

The clerics of Najaf and politicians of Baghdad

An article I wrote published last week in openDemocracy.

Iraq should back Syria's uprising

My latest article in the Guardian.

Leaving Basra to the bandits

I was once "randomly" stopped at Heathrow airport after coming back from the Middle East and my passport had visas from several countries "where bad things happen" and was asked what I thought of British troops in Iraq. Maybe the officer thought my answer to that question would somehow determine how likely it was that I would be involved in terrorist activities. I can now simply refer them to this article if I randomly get asked that random question after a random trip to the Middle East.

Obama's Speech: The Elephant in the room

My thoughts on a shameless attempt to mask an ugly reality. Posted on the British Iraqi Forum:

President Obama’s speech on Thursday at the State Department is neither groundbreaking nor surprising. Despite the rhetoric from both Secretary of State Clinton who spoke briefly before the President about a “bold new approach” in US foreign policy, and Obama himself who bespeaks a “new chapter in American diplomacy”, the realities on the ground tell a different story. The speech was an eloquent, but not substantive, 45-minute charade about an America that is trying to portray itself as a friend of the people of the Middle East. The truth of the matter is no one can cover up the history of America’s alliances with the dictators who are enemies of their own people and this relationship still defines much of US foreign policy in the region albeit with Mubarak and Ben Ali out of commission. The US needn’t worry on this front; they have plenty of other Arab dictators who are still keeping them company. [More...]

The Shia should condemn oppression everywhere

My latest article published yesterday in the Guardian.

"Shia Muslims across the world constantly invoke the memory of the battle of Kerbala, because in our belief this epitomises standing up to oppression and injustice. It is crucial to note that they may not necessarily have a sectarian agenda in doing so – the horrific slaughter of the prophet's grandson, along with his children, is etched into our memory at a very young age and symbolises an eternal fight against tyranny – but what good is this conscience if we deliberately ignore the fundamental significance of that battle? Specifically that we must stand up to oppression wherever and whenever it takes place, and at all costs" [More...]