Political Islam

A Tunisian woman wearing a "burkini", a full-body swimsuit designed for Muslim women, walks in the water with a child on August 16, 2016 at Ghar El Melh beach near Bizerte, north-east of the capital Tunis. (Photo by FETHI BELAID / AFP) (Photo by FETHI BELAID/AFP via Getty Images)

Syria mandates burkinis for women at public beaches: What to know

The decree has sparked concern that Syria’s new government could be veering toward a more strict Islamist governance system.

A large Syrian flag flutters above Tishreen Park in Damascus, on June 4, 2025.

Syria’s top Islamic body issues decree against honor killings: What to know

US special envoy to Syria Tom Barrack referred to the decision as “great first steps,” though concerns persist about the new Islamist-led government.

Raqqa

Feature

Nightlife rocks Raqqa as Syria’s Islamist leaders navigate power

A reopened nightclub in Raqqa spotlights the uneasy balance Syria’s new Islamist-led government is striking between ideology and public life.

Amberin Zaman

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud meets with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in AlUla, Saudi Arabia January 26, 2025. Saudi Press Agency

Analysis

Italy revamps ties with Saudi Arabia, eyeing investments and defense trade

On her first visit to Saudi Arabia, Meloni is seeking to rebrand Italy's political engagement in the Middle East and bring about a new era for Italian industry in the region.

Jennifer Gnana

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

Latest News

Analysis

Wary of its own Islamists, Egypt adopts cautious approach to Syria

People walk past a campaign poster of Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in a market in Cairo on December 7, 2023, ahead of the presidential election. Egyptian citizens living abroad will cast early ballots on December 8 in a presidential election, in a vote all but certain to give incumbent Sisi a third term in office. (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI / AFP) (Photo by KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images)

Shahira Amin

By Shahira Amin

Analysis

Eyeing reconstruction, port investment, UAE resets Lebanon ties

The destroyed grain silos and a sculpture made from salvaged steel following the explosion stand in the port of Beirut as the sun sets on Lebanon, Jan. 11, 2024.

Jennifer Gnana

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

Analysis

Despite aversion to Islamism, UAE slowly embraces change in Syria

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed reiterated the UAE's firm position in safeguarding Syria's unity and sovereignty during talks with Asaad Al Shibani, Syrian Foreign Minister, in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Wam

Jennifer Gnana

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

Syria's new foreign, defense ministers close to Turkey, influential in HTS

Syria's newly appointed foreign minister, Assad Hassan al-Shibani, meets with Polish officials in Damascus.

A protester holds a banner reading "we are alevi" as he and many others wait to hear the decision of the court in front of a courthouse in Ankara March 13, 2012. Turkish police fired tear-gas and water cannon to disperse hundreds protesting on Tuesday against the dropping of a case against five people charged with killing 37 writers and liberals in a 1993 hotel fire set off by Islamist rioters.The opposition accused Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan and his AK Party, which emerged from a series of banned Islami

Turkish court recognizes Alevi houses of worship

Turkey’s Alevi community awaits the government’s response to a landmark court ruling recognizing their houses of worship.

Head of Iran's Assembly of Experts, Mohammad Yazdi, attends a session of Iran's Assembly of Experts, on September 1, 2015 in Tehran. Iran's Assembly of Experts, its top clerical body in charge of appointing, supervising and dismissing the supreme leader, kicks off a two-day meeting. AFP PHOTO / ATTA KENARE (Photo credit should read ATTA KENARE/AFP/Getty Images)

Iranian grand ayatollah faces threats for meeting with Reformists

Iran’s seminary and social media have been stunned by a letter threatening a grand ayatollah over his personal meetings.

Erdogan in Germany: A controversial but successful visit

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Germany has been an achievement as he managed to return to Turkey without committing himself to improve the human rights and democracy record of his country while getting what he wanted.

Young cleric names and shames Iran's luxury-loving elite

With 233,000 followers, a young cleric from Qom has become the voice of Iranians who resent the ruling class' lavish lifestyles while the rest of the country is in dire need.

Turkish military’s tradition of secularism facing tough test

A recent controversy over who should lead prayers at mosques and prayer halls in military facilities shows the Turkish military is still a long way from striking a true balance between religious freedom and freedom from religion.

Saudi troops march as they take part in Pakistan Day military parade in Islamabad, Pakistan, March 23, 2017. REUTERS/Faisal Mahmood - RC1CF21EB9E0

Saudi Arabia, Iran battle for influence in Pakistan

As Iran and Saudi Arabia compete for influence in the Islamic world, Pakistan represents a crucial sphere of influence, but the country's new prime minister has been a critic of the Saudi-led war on Yemen.

Protesters shout slogans during a rally, demanding equal inheritance rights for women, in Tunis, Tunisia August 13, 2018. REUTERS/Zoubeir Souissi TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RC1BEC04FF70

Tunisia’s next political battle: equal inheritance rights

President Beiji Cai Essebsi’s call for a law establishing equal inheritance rights for men and women has sparked debate in Tunisia, a pioneer in women's rights in the Middle East but also a largely conservative society where most people reject contradicting Sharia.

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on leaving the office to report, film or take pictures in Tehran.

Iranian Sunni worshippers (centre) pray as they stand with Shi'ite Muslims during Tehran's Friday prayers October 14, 2011. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN - Tags: POLITICS RELIGION) - GM1E7AE1UKE01

Sunnis barred from holding Eid al-Adha prayers in Tehran

Iranian Sunni Muslim activists have reported that Sunni worshipers were blocked from entering their prayer hall in eastern Tehran on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.

Iraq's Salahuddin province launches war on alcohol

The ban on alcohol shops in Salahuddin, which was recently liberated from IS control, shows the growing influence of clerics and tribal leaders.

Meet Iran’s likely next hardliner-in-chief

Iranian hard-liners appear set to be led by a new yet seasoned face, Mohammad-Mahdi Mir-Baqeri.