The fighting further traumatized the small Mediterranean country, a patchwork of sects that has tumbled into an abyss of devastating political and economic crises.
Tag: Shiite Muslims
Iran-Backed Militias Battle Activists in a Holy Iraqi City
Militia violence has driven antigovernment protesters underground and shaken Karbala, a city of gold-domed Shiite shrines.
Foes in Afghan War See a Common Threat of Islamic State’s Return
An unusual truce between the government and the Taliban has kept the Islamic State out of one former stronghold. But there is a peace paradox: Unemployed fighters looking for work.
Pope Francis Meets Iraq’s Top Ayatollah as Both Urge Peace
The meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani came as Francis sought to protect his persecuted flock in Iraq by forging closer bonds between the Roman Catholic Church and the Muslim world.
In Iraq’s Christian Heartland, a Feud Over a Town’s Identity
Pope Francis will arrive in a country whose ancient Christian towns are in danger of disappearing. In one, a Christian community’s survival may come at the expense of another minority group.
Prominent Lebanese Critic of Hezbollah Is Killed
Lokman Slim was a rare Shiite Muslim who openly criticized the extremist group for its militancy in Lebanon and the Middle East. He was found dead in a car with multiple bullet wounds.
Armed Attackers Kidnap and Kill 11 Miners in Pakistan
Officials said all the victims were ethnic Hazaras, a Shiite minority group that Sunni extremists have often targeted.
From Iraq, an Intimate Glimpse of the Religious Holiday of Arbaeen
Every year, millions of pilgrims descend on the central Iraqi city of Karbala to commemorate the Shiite holiday of Arbaeen, one of the largest organized gatherings in the world.
Beirut’s Shiites Like the Idea of Change, but Like Hezbollah More
In a Shiite stronghold, people agree that the political system is dysfunctional and needs replacing, but not if that means Hezbollah ceding its power.
Bahrain to Execute 2 Shiite Protesters After Years of Desperate Appeals
The men were convicted of a bombing that killed a police officer in 2014. They say they were tortured into making a false confession during Bahrain’s escalating crackdown on critics.