Sunni shiite

Syria, Iraq stir hope despite memories of war with resumption of Shiite pilgrimages- analysis

The prospect of renewed activity has also revived concerns among Syrians who remember the involvement of Iran-backed armed groups in the country's civil war.

NOVEMBER 2, 2026|ByRIZIK ALABI/THE MEDIA LINE

Shiite muslim pilgrims hold portraits of slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah (R), Imam Ali (C) and depiction of Sayyida Zaynab bint Ali ibn Abi Talib (L) as they march to the shrine city of Karbala ahead of commemorations for Arbaeen on July 19, 2026.

View of the runway at Beirut-Rafic Al Hariri International Airport. August 08, 2024

Hezbollah, Amal base barred from Beirut airport security zones amid anti-Shi'ite bias claims

New restrictions on access to Beirut airport’s radar systems have prompted Hezbollah and Amal figures to accuse security chief Fadi Kfoury of anti-Shi'ite prejudice.

JULY 22, 2026|ByDANIELLE GREYMAN-KENNARD

Security is stationed outside the US Embassy is seen in Baghdad's fortified "Green Zone" on March 17, 2026.

Iraqi security forces target political ‘corruption’ in Baghdad Green Zone raids

The Green Zone includes Baghdad's parliament building, various government institutions, and embassies, with many politicians also having residences in the area.

JUNE 28, 2026|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN

Qais al-Khazali, head of the Iranian-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia in Iraq, speaks during a rally last year in Baghdad to present the Sadiqoon Movement ahead of parliamentary elections.

The illusion of change in Iraq: Baghdad's militia shake-up masks a deeper Iranian strategy

BEHIND THE LINES: The decision by Zaidan’s allies to integrate their armed elements into state security forces represents an effort by a pro-Iranian element to consolidate its power.

JUNE 6, 2026|ByJONATHAN SPYER