Middle East Iran: the revolution that shook the world Forty years ago, Ayatollah Khomeini returned from exile to overthrow Iran’s corrupt monarchy. The revolt radicalised the region and inspired Muslims across the globe. By Michael Axworthy
World Donald Trump ending the Iran nuclear deal is an outbreak of organised stupidity By Michael Axworthy
Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was funny and brave – and it made her enemies Remembering the Maltese journalist killed by a car bomb, minutes after she warned about "crooks". By Michael Axworthy
Sunni vs Shia: the roots of Islam’s civil war How this conflict – played out in the rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia – is destabilising the world. By Michael Axworthy
Why Tehran hates Isis: how religious rifts are fueling conflict Above all, the Islamic republic wants stability – and to fight back against a group that despises Shia Muslims. By Michael Axworthy