An Interview with Abdullah Abdullah, the Leader of the National Coalition of Afghanistan (April 4, 2014)

Former Iran FM warns of continued Iran-Saudi tensions

Ebrahim Yazdi, Iran's first foreign minister after the 1979 Revolution and secretary-general of the Freedom Movement of Iran, expressed concerns about ongoing hostility between Iran and Saudi Arabia, warning that it could lead to chaos, insecurity, and potential military confrontations and secession in the region. Yazdi, who has faced arrests for his criticism of the Iranian government, also advised Tunisian leader Rached Ghannouchi to respect diversity and plurality, drawing on Iran's experiences.

Iranian doc follows Afghan fighters in Syria

An Iranian government-owned TV station aired a documentary about the role of Shiite fighters from Afghanistan in the Syrian civil war. The 23-minute video, 'Moalem' (Teacher), tells the story of an Afghan Shiite fighter in Syria, highlighting the IRGC's role in establishing the Fatemion Brigade to support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. This is a significant revelation of Iran's involvement in the Syrian conflict through foreign paramilitary forces.

Soleimani emerges as unifying figure for Iranians

Tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia have escalated following Saudi Arabia's Operation Decisive Storm against Houthi rebels in Yemen, leading to a verbal battle between Iranian and Saudi officials. The assault of two Iranian teenagers by Saudi security guards during a pilgrimage has broadened anti-Saudi sentiment in Iran beyond the highly religious to include more secular and nationalist Iranians.

Kirkuk, a ticking bomb under Iraq

The article discusses the complex situation in Kirkuk, Iraq, where ethnic tensions among Kurds, Turkmen, and Arabs are exacerbated by the city's oil wealth. Following the withdrawal of foreign troops, Iraq faces challenges including Al-Qaeda activities, Iranian influence, and sectarian strife. The Kurds consider Kirkuk the heart of Kurdistan and seek its annexation to the autonomous Kurdistan region, while Turkmen and Arabs also lay claim to the city. The Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki refuses to cede Kirkuk to the Kurds, even at the cost of his position. Historical policies of Arabization under Saddam Hussein and subsequent Kurdish efforts to reverse these have led to demographic shifts and increased tensions. The article also touches on the broader regional implications, with Turkey, Iran, and Arab countries wary of Kurdish independence.