Summary: in the past, international criminals in the Arab world have rarely faced justice but a landmark trial in Germany signals the legal landscape is changing.
Summary: IS fighting in the last ditch, outside powers manoeuvring for advantage.
Summary: with IS almost defeated Iraq blitzes the Kurds. Danger of civil war as the anti-IS coalition dissolves.
Summary: Syria and several other Arab countries have seen their populations displaced on a huge scale in response to conflict. Many of those displaced have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, which have had to bear the burden – with international support – as best they can. Some of these seismic shifts in the demography of the Arab world are unlikely ever to be reversed.
Summary: Iraqi Christians have long experienced persecution and, since 2003, have been subject to repeated and severe attacks. Many have sought refuge abroad or in the Kurdistan Region. However, despite their greatly-depleted numbers, Iraq is not likely to lose its Christian presence entirely.
Summary: Obama signs last minute amendments to the US International Religious Freedom Act. Good intentions but little likely effect in the Middle East.
Summary: Taking Mosul the next step against IS. Bloodletting continues. What kind of Iraq comes after that?
Summary: Sunni /Saudi vs. Shi’ite/Iranian polarisation a poisonous background for talks on Syria as well as for Yemen, Iraq, Bahrain
Summary: Sunni/Shia hostility best seen as a twenty first century phenomenon. Fertile ground for IS.
Summary: attack on Shi’ites almost simultaneous with attacks in Libya and France, claimed by IS. No clear evidence of central command and control. Solidarity of Kuwaiti Sunnis and Shia.
