Ethnic groups in the Middle East
As minorities flee, the Middle East loses its once rich religious diversity
The Middle East, once a region of great religious diversity, has seen a mass emigration of minorities in recent decades. It’s now one of the most religiously monolithic regions in the world. One Middle East scholar says the trend is likely to continue as tensions there continue to grow.
Iranian Jew touts deep ties between Jews and Iran
An Iranian Jewish author said if their two peoples just better appreciated the ties that they share in history, the ways Iran has helped and welcomed Jews for centuries, the two countries wouldn’t be so close to a violent confrontation. Thousand of Jews still call Iran home today.
Coptic Christians fearful for what an Islamist Egypt will mean for them
As the democratic process in Egypt winds up, Coptic Christians find themselves facing a number of restrictions and proclamations that would leave them with fewer rights than they already have. They’re worried that the newly empowered Islamists will force them to pay special taxes or wear veils not called for by their religion.
