Most recent articles by Rudolph Chimelli
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Iraqi crisisThe expected death of a nation
Iraq has always been an artificial country, an entity created and beset by outside influences. However, Iraq is not currently being threatened by outside influences alone; discord is now flourishing within the country itself – with devastating consequences. A commentary by Rudolph Chimelli
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Domestic Political Reforms in IranThe Door to Freedom Remains Shut
Iran's conservatives – whose representatives were defeated by Hassan Rouhani in the presidential election earlier this year – have maintained their grip on power in important areas of state such as the judiciary, the armed forces, the Revolutionary Guard and the security forces. Because the liberal Rouhani does not want to wage war on two fronts, it is inevitable that he will disappoint his supporters. A commentary by Rudolph Chimelli
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US-Iranian Relations at the CrossroadsDon't Miss the Chance
There is no traditional enmity between the US and Iran – at least not among ordinary people. Entrenched hostility at government level is largely due to historical errors. Iran's new President Hassan Rohani appears to be intent on learning from these mistakes. Commentary by Rudolph Chimelli
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Hassan Rouhani is Iran's New PresidentHope for Reform
Iran's future president was the only candidate to promise change for the better. Although he is not an opponent of the system, his election nevertheless heralds a new chapter in the history of the Islamic Republic. Commentary by Rudolph Chimelli
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Salafi MuslimsDoctrinaire Severity
Despite their doctrinaire severity, Salafi Muslims have never developed a coherent system of beliefs nor sustainable organizational structures. They have always been a divided community. Rudolph Chimelli provides background information
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Power Struggle in IranThe Might of Oil
The conflict between Iran's spiritual leader Ali Khamenei and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is all about control of oil revenues. By Rudolph Chimelli
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Protests in SyriaIn the Clutches of the Assad Clan
The Assad clan rules Syria with no restrictions. And now the anti-reformist hardliners have apparently gained the upper hand in the family assembly. They include Maher al-Assad, the brother of the President, feared for his acts of brutality against members of the opposition. By Rudolph Chimelli