#caliph of khorasan

[mariacallous]

The mass shooting and fire at the Crocus City Hall concert venue outside Moscow on March 22 was the deadliest terrorist attack Russia has seen since the 2004 Beslan school siege. The gunmen’s actions claimed at least 137 lives and injured 180 others. The four suspects currently in custody are citizens of Tajikistan. But Russian authorities are doing their best to connect the attack to Ukraine. Sources in Western intelligence, meanwhile, say it was the work of the Islamic State-Khorasan, a branch of the Islamic State also known as ISIS-K. Experts note that ISIS-K has declared Russia among its main enemies (along with the U.S. and China). Meduza breaks down what you need to know about ISIS-K and why the group has Russia in its sights.

What is ISIS-K?

ISIS-K, or the Islamic State-Khorasan, is a branch of the Islamic State that operates primarily in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Formally, the organization governs an ISIS province (wilayah, in Arabic) and reports to the ISIS caliph. Currently, this position is held by Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurashi, whose four predecessors were killed in U.S. operations.

According to ISIS ideology, its caliphate, or state, aims to span the entire globe. The organization has divided the world into provinces, some of which are headed by local Islamist movements that operated before ISIS came into existence (for instance, ones connected to Al-Qaeda). In fact, ISIS itself emerged when the Al-Qaeda branch in Iraq severed ties with the global Al-Qaeda leadership.

Similarly, the Afghan-Pakistani branch of the Islamic State, ISIS-K, emerged in 2015 as a local movement. Initially, the group was composed of several thousand opponents of Afghanistan’s pro-American government, mostly Pashtuns, who were disillusioned with the Taliban. ISIS-K immediately started engaging in armed conflicts with the U.S. army, the Afghan government, and, even more brutally, with the Taliban.

The Taliban’s ideology fundamentally differs from that of ISIS. The Taliban aim to establish a national Islamic State in Afghanistan, while ISIS supporters advocate for world domination and the defeat of all “infidels.” Islamic nationalism won out in Afghanistan (and neighboring Pakistan), and by 2018, the Taliban (with the unofficial help of U.S. air support) had virtually destroyed ISIS-K’s organized resistance in the eastern provinces. U.S. forces killed several of the group’s leaders and, according to experts, the organization’s numbers were severely depleted, going from several thousand to a few hundred people.

Sanaullah Ghafari, who took over ISIS-K’s leadership, shifted the group’s strategy from direct armed confrontations to increasingly ruthless acts of terrorism against the Taliban, religious minorities, and Americans. During the U.S. troop withdrawal from Kabul in August 2021, he allegedly orchestrated a suicide bombing at the airport gate through which refugees fleeing Taliban rule were trying to enter. The attack killed 182 people, including 13 U.S. servicemen.

ISIS-K later expanded its list of enemies to include Russia, among others. On September 5, 2022, an explosion near the Russian embassy in Kabul killed five people, including two embassy staff. ISIS-K claimed responsibility for the attack. In January 2024, more than 90 people were killed in twin explosions in Kerman in Iran. U.S. intelligence confirmed ISIS-K orchestrated the attacks. However, Taliban agents allegedly killed Ghafari in 2023, and it’s unclear who’s currently at the helm of ISIS-K. That said, judging by the Iran attacks, its strategy remains unchanged.

Why Russia?

Radical Islamists have long accused Russia of being a state that “oppresses Muslims” both at home and abroad. ISIS propaganda regularly mentions Russia’s past military campaigns in Afghanistan and Chechnya, and Moscow’s intervention in support of Bashar al-Assad’s government in Syria put an even bigger target on its back.

ISIS-K leadership has seen the initial success of ISIS leadership, which capitalized politically on the global struggle against “infidel empires” such as the United States, China, Iran, and Russia. Prioritizing “external operations” could yield far greater political and financial benefits (in the form of donations) than working with local resources.

There are also deeper reasons for the particular hostility towards Russia. In recent years, ISIS-K has been trying to expand the movement’s ethnic base — both in Afghanistan and beyond. In the northern regions of Afghanistan, where many ethnic Uzbeks and Tajiks live, its numbers are growing. ISIS-K regularly threatens Central Asian authorities, calling them “puppets of the Russian empire.” In this sense, the struggle against Russia is a fight for resources: primarily for radically minded supporters in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and neighboring countries.

Was ISIS-K behind the attack?

There’s still no publicly available indisputable evidence that ISIS-K organized the attack. However, ISIS has claimed responsibility, and sources told CNN that the U.S. is in possession of intelligence confirming these claims. The New York Times also reported that Washington considers ISIS-K to be behind the attack.

Ruslan Suleymanov, a Middle East expert, expressed skepticism to Meduza about whether ISIS-K currently possesses the necessary resources to organize such a large-scale terrorist attack on the outskirts of Moscow. However, the attack doesn’t appear to have been “high-tech” in nature: the perpetrators clearly had problems with their escape plan, as well as with weapons. (In a video from the attack, sparks are seen flying from the barrel of one of the machine guns, which could indicate that either the ammunition or the weapons themselves were in poor condition.)

Suleymanov said it’s also difficult to confirm whether messages on ISIS Telegram channels are authentic as the group’s accounts are regularly blocked, forcing it to create new ones. The posts about the Moscow attack come from ISIS-linked Amaq News Agency, not from ISIS-K directly. In one picture, the four alleged “participants in the operation” are shown with blurred faces against the backdrop of the Islamic State flag. Amaq later released a first-person body-cam video that clearly shows the attack on Crocus City Hall, corroborating the Islamic State’s involvement.

[scentedsstuff]

The Wrath & The Dawn

By Renée Ahdieh

Rating: 2/5 ⭐️

Coming off from the excitement of having finished The Sands of Arawiya duology I wanted to keep within the Middle Eastern based fantasy books and that's how I ended up reading 'The Wrath & The Dawn.'

Quick Plot Summary:

It's a retelling of the One Thousand and One Nights tale, where Khalid, the young Caliph of Khorasan, claims a bride every night and by dawn she dies.

This is where our main character Shahrzad is introduced. Having lost her best friend to the Caliph, she devises a plan of revenge that would see the end of his murderous reign once and for all. But ofcourse, not everything goes to plan as Shahrzad comes to discover that there is more to the Caliph than what meets the eye.

Thoughts:

This book was an interesting read, that's for sure. It had its moments but ultimately lacked direction (this is mostly applicable to the 2nd book and the series as a whole but these problems do find their footing in the 1st book).

To start off on the positive, I liked the very beginning of the book. The mystery, the allure of the tales that Shahrzad would tell, these drew me in immediately as a lover of fantasy and folklore.

Unfortunately, as the book continued I found that there was less that I liked and there are a number of reasons why.

1. The main character

I'd say it's a no brainer that if the main character isn't that likeable, the book becomes less tolerable the more you read it.

Our main protagonist Shahrzad is presented to the reader as the epitome of a YA protagonist. She's said to be cunning, fearless, and a skilled archer, to name a few, but through out the book she comes across as this careless, and short tempered girl who couldn't keep anything to herself if she tried.

She talks about getting revenge on the Caliph, but does very little in actually carrying out these plans. Her so called 'revenge plan' only lasts a few days before she starts catching feelings for the Caliph. This leads into yet another rant of mine regarding this book;

2. The Romance.

In my opinion it is both fortunate and unfortunate that I consider the romance to be the most entertaining part of both this first book and the second.

On one hand the chemistry was there, despite complications and obstacles faced I eventually ended up liking the idea of these 2 main characters together.

Did it develop much quicker than I would have liked? YES, but eventually, due to the writing (which I did enjoy for the most part), I grew to like them as a couple.

On the other hand, I couldn't bring myself to care about much else, and that is most definitely a problem because I found myself skimming through parts of the book that weren't related to this.

3. The Magic System

Again, this is a fantasy book that has its own magic system and yet, we see so little of it. It is touched upon maybe once or twice with the main character but after that not much is mentioned until the second book, which in my opinion is a little too late to be introducing your readers to a whole new magic system, especially in a duology. If it is supposed to be a component that exists within a world you've already set up, it's not something you just throw in later but should be established more thoroughly as a foundation in the world building.

And these were just the points I wanted to expand upon the most. Pair this with characters that were mediocre at best, and a tendency to drag out descriptions and there's only so much I can like in the book.

All in all it was another 2 star read for me. Here's hoping the next book I post about reaches above 2 stars.

[jessread-s]

✩🧞✨Review:

Ahdieh’s retelling of “The Arabian Nights” is made magical by her prose. 

Unfortunately, I did not love this book as much as I would’ve had I read it in middle school. As someone early in their twenties, I found myself getting frequently frustrated by the rash decisions made by Shahrzad (Shazi)—the novel’s sixteen-year-old protagonist—and how quickly she abandoned her revenge plot even though I likely would have had the same impulsive behavior at that age.  

I also had trouble investing in the romantic relationship between Shazi and Khalid (her love interest and the Caliph of Khorasan) because it developed too quickly for my tastes and did not seem believable as a result. Shazi claimed to hate him so much because of the women he killed, his difficult personality, and the numerous secrets he kept from her, but then fell for him at a moment’s notice citing his dashing appearance. Both characters presented many red flags, Shazi especially for initiating strange sexual encounters that I could not wrap my brain around.

While their romantic connection forms almost instantly, the novel’s main conflict does not present itself until the very end, which is frustrating. I did, however, enjoy Ahdieh’s beautiful, immersive prose. She uses language that is reminiscent of her source material to build a world with magic and deadly curses that the reader explores through alternating points-of-view. 

➤ 4 stars

Cross-posted to: Instagram | Amazon | Goodreads | StoryGraph

[muslimjournalist]

The Return of ISIL: The Resurrection of a Quadranscentennial Dream

In 2014, the world was briefly captivated by a stunning display of ambition: ISIL, or the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, under the leadership of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, declared itself the caliphate, a political and religious state that sought to revive the long-dormant concept of a unified Muslim empire. For a brief moment, it seemed as though the dream of a global caliphate—a dream cherished by figures like Osama bin Laden and Abu Musab al-Zarqawi—was within reach. Despite their efforts, Bin Laden and Zarqawi had failed to bring their vision to fruition. Yet Baghdadi's rise offered a glimpse into what many had thought was impossible: a state that blended terror, governance, and ideology into a potent force.

But this dream, however fleeting, would prove short-lived. By 2019, ISIL’s so-called caliphate was largely destroyed. Cities like Mosul and Raqqa, once proudly declared capitals of the Islamic State, fell to the military forces of the United States and its allies, marking a supposed end to the terror that had spread across Iraq, Syria, and beyond. The coalition claimed victory, governments hailed the demise of the caliphate, and counterterrorism agencies across the world believed that they had successfully neutralized the threat.

Yet, as we look at the state of global terrorism today, it’s clear that this narrative of victory was not only premature but misleading.

ISIL: A Hydra That Refuses to Die

ISIL, far from being obliterated, has proven to be a hydra-like threat, emerging from the dead when it seemed vanquished. While the territories once controlled by Baghdadi’s group are no longer under their command, the network that ISIL created has proven far more resilient and adaptive than many had imagined. Rather than vanishing, the group has evolved, adapting its methods and expanding its influence to new regions, especially across Africa and Afghanistan.

In Africa, ISIL has found fertile ground in countries like Mozambique, the Sahel, and Somalia. The group's ideology has spread to local affiliates and aligned groups, giving rise to deadly operations that destabilize entire regions. In particular, the Sahel has become a hotbed of ISIL activity, where the group operates alongside other jihadist groups like al-Qaeda, pushing local governments to the brink and drawing in global powers once again. The rise of ISIL affiliates in these regions has been marked by brutal attacks on civilian populations, military forces, and international peacekeepers, destabilizing vast swathes of land across the continent.

In Afghanistan, after the withdrawal of American and NATO forces in 2021, the Taliban’s return to power did not spell the end of ISIL’s presence. Instead, ISIL-Khorasan, the Afghan affiliate of the broader ISIL network, has used the power vacuum left by the Western exit to regain a foothold. Bombings, attacks on civilians, and confrontations with the Taliban have made clear that ISIL’s ambition for a global caliphate is alive and well, and it is using Afghanistan as a launching pad to spread its ideology and operations further.

The Pursuit of the Caliphate: An Unfinished Dream

For all their claims of victory, governments and counterterrorism agencies have fundamentally misjudged the nature of ISIL. They saw the group’s territorial collapse as a definitive end, but ISIL’s leadership always knew that the dream of the caliphate wasn’t dependent on holding territory. Baghdadi’s declaration of the caliphate in 2014 was, in many ways, a symbol—a rallying cry for jihadists across the world. It was a statement of intent, not a claim of permanent territorial control. And even after the caliphate was destroyed, the pursuit of this dream has never ceased.

For Osama bin Laden, the idea of a global caliphate was always a distant and abstract goal, achievable only through long-term guerrilla warfare and radical ideological warfare. Similarly, Zarqawi’s vision of an Islamic state in Iraq remained limited to a more sectarian, regional ambition. Both men were skilled tacticians, but their dreams were constantly thwarted by political, military, and sectarian divisions. However, Baghdadi, in his brief rise to power, managed to capture something that they could not: the concept of a “state” in a world that was increasingly connected and globalized. The dream of the caliphate wasn’t just an ideological tool—it became a concrete, albeit fragile, political entity for a short time.

Now, as ISIL has spread its tentacles into regions like Africa and Afghanistan, that same dream is being carried on by a new generation of jihadists. The idea that the caliphate is not just possible but inevitable has found fertile ground in the chaos of failed states, fractured governments, and insurgent movements. This caliphate dream is not just about conquering territory—it’s about influencing and radicalizing populations across the globe, creating a network that operates both inside and outside of state borders, weaving together a vision of an unbroken, global caliphate through decentralized and deadly means.

The Lies of Counterterrorism: A False Victory

The governments that declared victory over ISIL, the military forces that celebrated the fall of Raqqa, and the intelligence agencies that promised an end to the terror have failed to see that the group’s defeat was never as clear-cut as they claimed. While the territories they held were destroyed, the ideology behind ISIL never went away. If anything, it has only grown more insidious in its spread. Governments and counterterrorism agencies, in their zeal to claim victory and avoid further military entanglements, have painted a picture of an enemy defeated, a narrative that has allowed ISIL to rebuild itself from the shadows.

The resurgence of ISIL in Africa and Afghanistan is a testament to the failure to fully understand the nature of the threat. It wasn’t about eradicating a territorial entity—it was about addressing the deeper, more complex roots of radicalization and the unyielding desire for a global caliphate that remains alive in pockets of the world. The actions of ISIL in the years following the fall of their caliphate illustrate the flaws in the narrative of victory. The terror group has mutated into something even harder to combat—a decentralized ideology that can appear anywhere, taking root in conditions where governments are weak, and conflict is rife.

The Road Ahead: A Renewed Call for Vigilance

As ISIL continues to grow and expand, it serves as a harsh reminder of the dangers of complacency. The dream of a global caliphate may never have been fully realized under Bin Laden or Zarqawi, but under Baghdadi’s leadership, it was given a form that inspired the world. Now, it is emerging again, in new forms and new places, with a renewed sense of purpose. Governments, intelligence agencies, and counterterrorism forces must adapt to this new reality.

The world must recognize that the battle against ISIL is not over. It is an ideological war as much as it is a military one, and the group will continue to exploit weaknesses in states, communities, and global systems.

The caliphate dream is not dead. It’s just been waiting for the right moment to rise again.

[pagebypagereviews]

# Historical Fiction Book Reviews for Teens Historical fiction offers a unique blend of education and entertainment, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the past in a way that textbooks cannot match. For teens, these novels can provide a window into the complexities of history, showcasing the human emotions, societal norms, and pivotal events that have shaped our world. This article delves into the realm of historical fiction for teens, highlighting standout novels that have captured the hearts and minds of young readers and critics alike. ## Why Historical Fiction Matters for Teens Historical fiction plays a crucial role in a teenager's development, offering more than just a story. It provides a deeper understanding of different cultures, the significance of historical events, and the development of empathy towards people from different eras. By engaging with characters who face challenges in diverse historical settings, teens can learn about resilience, courage, and the complexity of human nature. Moreover, these novels can spark a love for history, encouraging further exploration and study. ## Top Historical Fiction Books for Teens ### *The Book Thief* by Markus Zusak Set in Nazi Germany, *The Book Thief* tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl who finds solace in stealing books and sharing them with her neighbors and the Jewish man hiding in her basement. Zusak's novel is notable for its unique narrator—Death—which adds a profound depth to the storytelling. This book not only provides a glimpse into the horrors of World War II but also celebrates the power of words and resilience of the human spirit. ### *Code Name Verity* by Elizabeth Wein This gripping novel set during World War II follows the story of two young women—a British spy captured by the Nazis in occupied France and her friend, a pilot. Through its intricate plot and emotional depth, *Code Name Verity* explores themes of friendship, bravery, and the complexities of war. It's a testament to the strength found in loyalty and the sacrifices made in the face of unimaginable challenges. ### *Salt to the Sea* by Ruta Sepetys Ruta Sepetys is renowned for bringing forgotten chapters of history to life through her novels. *Salt to the Sea* focuses on the tragic sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff in 1945, one of the deadliest maritime disasters in history. Through the eyes of four young protagonists, each with their own secrets and dreams, Sepetys weaves a heart-wrenching tale of survival, fate, and redemption. ### *The Wrath & the Dawn* by Renée Ahdieh Loosely based on the Arabian Nights tales, *The Wrath & the Dawn* is a captivating story of love and revenge. It follows Shahrzad, a brave young woman who volunteers to marry the feared Caliph of Khorasan, a ruler known for taking a new bride each night only to have her executed at dawn. Determined to end this cycle of violence, Shahrzad plans to kill the Caliph, but she soon finds herself falling in love with him. Ahdieh's novel is a beautifully written exploration of the power of storytelling and the complexities of the human heart. ## The Impact of Historical Fiction on Teen Readers Historical fiction does more than entertain; it educates and provokes thought. For teens, these novels can be particularly impactful, offering insights into the realities of people their age in different historical periods. This genre encourages empathy by showing that, despite the differences in time and culture, the fundamental aspects of human nature remain the same. Teens learn that their struggles, fears, and hopes are not so different from those of people in the past. Moreover, historical fiction can inspire teens to learn more about history, leading to a deeper understanding of the present and how it has been shaped by past events. ## Choosing the Right Historical Fiction for Teens With the vast array of historical fiction available, selecting the right books for teen readers can be daunting. Here are some

tips for choosing novels that are not only historically accurate but also engaging and thought-provoking: Look for books that tackle themes relevant to teens, such as identity, friendship, love, and resilience. Consider novels that offer diverse perspectives, highlighting stories from different cultures, genders, and social backgrounds. Choose books that are well-researched and provide an accurate portrayal of the historical period they depict. Seek out novels that have received positive reviews from both critics and young readers, as these are likely to resonate with teens. ## Conclusion Historical fiction offers a unique and powerful way for teens to connect with the past. Through stories of love, loss, adventure, and resilience, these novels provide valuable lessons on empathy, courage, and the complexity of human nature. By exploring different periods and cultures, teens can gain a deeper understanding of history and its impact on the present. The books highlighted in this article are just a starting point, offering a glimpse into the rich and diverse world of historical fiction for young readers. Whether you're a teen looking to dive into the past or an adult seeking engaging and educational reads for the young people in your life, these novels promise to enlighten, entertain, and inspire.

[bookswagononlinestore]

Top 5 Greatest Young Adult Novels to Read in 2024

The clock is ticking as we enter into the modern era of 2024. The world of literature is evolving and so is the genre of young adult. The world of young adults is ever-evolving and doesn’t fail to cater to readers who continuously look out for fresh and new content. Below given is the list of the best-selling young adult novels.

Bookswagon’s digital library is here for you with its plethora of the Best Fiction Books for Young Adults. Check out the below-listed books and get your hands on the best one in the genre.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: The Book by Thief is a story that is set in Nazi Germany. The story revolves around an orphaned kid who is sent to live in a foster home with her foster parents. The story explores the bond she shares with her books and the relationship she builds with her foster parents and friends. the orphaned kid uses her books to escape the harsh reality of the surroundings. The power of books and words offers her solace and connection during her dark time. The books collectively talk about loss, love, and the power of words and that is what makes it stand out.

A Tempest Of Tea: the book is a description of the mist-covered mountains of China, the serene garden of Japan, and the bustling tea markets of India. It describes the nature and the storyline in a way that the plot comes to life when read by the readers. The book explores the origin and making of tea and how it plays a vital role in society.

Rowling's" Harry Potter" Series: The Harry Potter Series revolves around an orphaned boy named Harry who discovers that he belongs to the wizarding world. There he makes 2 friends with whom he discovers challenges and overcomes them and eventually fights the evil wizard who killed his parents. The story explores the themes of fellowship,  frippery, and the palm of good over bad. The book is a classic when it comes to fabrication novels for kiddies as it has successfully cast a spell on the compendiums and has made them oblivion of the external world. 

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green: the story revolves around a girl who is a cancer warrior and she meets Augustus Waters when she attends a cancer support group. The novel explores the themes of love, loss, life, and struggles of life. The characters bond and go through a journey of self-discovery. The novel is known for its perfect portrayal of life's truth, and mortality as well as its exploration of the impact of illness on relationships. The story has successfully made its place on the shelves of many as it has resonated with young readers, plot lines being the reason.

The Wrath and Dawn by Renée Ahdieh: the story follows Shahrzad, a young woman who volunteers to become the bride of Khalid, the Caliph of Khorasan. Khalid has a reputation for marrying young women and getting them executed at dawn. Seeking revenge for her best friend's death, Shahrzad plans to use her wit and storytelling skills to survive and expose the secrets behind Khalid's actions.

The collection of the Best Fiction Books for Young Adults is all for you to choose from. The never-ending list of teen and young adult novels provides you with what you ask for. Check them out and have the best time reading.

[crazyfilterlady2024]

Global Threat

ISIS-K, also known as ISIS-Khorasan or Islamic State Khorasan Province, is a terrorist group with links to the Islamic State (ISIS). It operates primarily in Afghanistan and parts of Central Asia. The group has claimed responsibility for various attacks, including the recent bombing at a concert hall in Moscow. ISIS-K is known for its brutal tactics and aims to establish a caliphate governed by…

[thebooksareeverywhere]

Review: The Rose & the Dagger (#2) by Renee Ahdieh

Storygraph | Bookshop.org In a land on the brink of war, Shahrzad is forced from the arms of her beloved husband, the Caliph of Khorasan. She once thought Khalid a monster—a merciless killer of wives, responsible for immeasurable heartache and pain—but as she unraveled his secrets, she found instead an extraordinary man and a love she could not deny. Still, a curse threatens to keep Shazi and…

[whileiamdying]

Film chronicles Islamic saint Hazrat Masumeh’s visit to Iran

The feature film entitled “Okht-o-Reda” (“Reza’s Sister”) was made by Mojtaba Tabatabai, director of the acclaimed documentaries “Cloudy Sky” and “The Footsteps of Water”.

In 815 CE, Hazrat Masumeh (SA) and a large number of her relatives embarked on a journey from Medina to meet her brother, Imam Reza (AS), in Khorasan where the eighth Imam of the Shia had resided for years by order from Abbasid caliph Mamun.

Due to his hostility toward Shias, Mamun ordered his men to stop them in Saveh, a city near Qom, home to a large population of Shias.

Mamun’s soldiers killed a large number of the companions of Hazrat Masumeh (SA) in Saveh, where she was taken ill. Consequently, she decided to take refuge in Qom.

Shia Muslims in Qom gave Hazrat Masumeh (SA) and her companions a very warm welcome upon their arrival in the city. However, she was in critical condition and ultimately met her death on November 9, 816 CE, and was buried in Qom.      

Earlier in the Fars region, Mamun had killed her brothers, Hazrat Ahmad ibn Musa (AS) and Seyyed Alaeddin Hossein (AS).

Due to the prohibition on the depiction of Islamic saints, the story in “Okht-o-Reda” has been portrayed through the eyes of three characters, Tabatabai, who is also a co-producer of the film, told the Persian service of MNA.

One of the characters is the person who carried out Mamun’s order to transfer Imam Reza (AS) to Khorasan. Hazrat Masumeh’s maid and one of her brothers are the other characters.

“We never created any distortion of the truth and avoided using our imagination in recounting the story; meanwhile, we did our best to dramatize the historical facts about this historical narrative,” Tabatabai said.

Most of the scenes have been filmed at the Nurtaban Cinema Town, the setting for several films on the history of Islam, including “Muhammad (S), the Messenger of God”, director Majid Majidi’s epic about the childhood of the Prophet of Islam (S).

The cast does not include any big-name stars.

Tabatabai plans to premiere “Okht-o-Reda” in Qom, the home of the shrine of Hazrat Masumeh (SA), this year on October 9 to mark the anniversary of her arrival in the city. 

Photo: A scene from “Okht-o-Reda” by Mojtaba Tabatabai.

MMS/YAW

[ismahanescorner]

The Rose and The Dagger | Book Review

Author: Renee Ahdieh

Series: The Wrath and the Dawn

Genre: YA Fantasy

Publisher: G.P. Putnam

Release Date: 26/04/2016

Rating: 4/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Synopsis:

The darker the sky, the brighter the stars. In a land on the brink of war, Shahrzad is forced from the arms of her beloved husband, the Caliph of Khorasan. She once thought Khalid a monster—a merciless killer of wives, responsible for immeasurable heartache and pain—but as she unraveled his secrets, she found instead an extraordinary man and a love she could not deny. Still, a curse threatens to keep Shazi and Khalid apart forever. Now she’s reunited with her family, who have found refuge in the desert, where a deadly force is gathering against Khalid—a force set on destroying his empire and commanded by Shazi’s spurned childhood sweetheart. Trapped between loyalties to those she loves, the only thing Shazi can do is act. Using the burgeoning magic within her as a guide, she strikes out on her own to end both this terrible curse and the brewing war once and for all. But to do it, she must evade enemies of her own to stay alive. The saga that began with The Wrath and the Dawn takes its final turn as Shahrzad risks everything to find her way back to her one true love again.

Review:

After seven years!!! I finally read it! 

It was good, it did what needed to be done to close off the story! It also did well in rehashing what happened in the first book (I needed that!!!).  The event that transpired in the final three chapters was a bit rushed for my liking; however, it was definitely necessary to be added because I didn’t want to see Jahandar’s face ever again! 

The audiobook is good too, the narrator did a good job pronouncing the various ethnic names and words; she needs to work on her male voices though!

[mariacallous]

Despite attempts by President Vladimir Putin and Russia's state-controlled media to pin the blame for Friday's deadly Moscow theatre attack on Ukraine, more details are emerging about the jihadist group IS-K that has claimed it was behind it.

Who or what is IS-K?

IS-K is an abbreviation of Islamic State-Khorasan - a regional affiliate of the Islamic State group, which has been proscribed as a terror organisation by governments across the world.

It is focused on Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan and into Central Asia.

The group has given itself the name Khorasan as that was part of an historic Islamic caliphate spanning that region.

IS-K has been around for nine years but in recent months it has emerged as the most dangerous branch of the Islamic State group, with a long reach and a reputation for extreme brutality and cruelty.

Along with what is left of the group's wider leadership in Syria and Iraq, IS-K aspires to a pan-national Islamic caliphate ruled through an ultra-strict interpretation of Sharia, Islamic law.

In Afghanistan it is waging a sporadic but still deadly insurgency against the country's rulers, the Taliban, who it opposes on ideological grounds.

Has IS-K carried out attacks before?

It targeted the chaotic evacuation from Kabul airport in 2021 with a suicide bomb, killing 170 Afghans and 13 US servicemen.

The following year it targeted the Russian embassy in Kabul, killing at least six people and injuring others.

The group has carried out indiscriminate attacks on a maternity ward, bus stations and policemen.

In January this year, IS-K carried out a double bombing of a shrine in Kerman, Iran, killing nearly 100 Iranians.

In Russia it has carried out numerous small-scale attacks, the most recent being in 2020 - and already this year the FSB, Russia's internal security service, says it has stopped several terror plots.

Who were the Moscow attackers?

According to Russian state media the four men captured and charged are all Tajiks from the Central Asian republic of Tajikistan, which used to be part of the Soviet Union.

It is obvious from their battered and bruised appearance in court that they have been especially harshly interrogated to the point of torture.

The problem with that is according to international norms, their confessions will be worthless - people will say anything to make the pain stop, including confessing to a narrative that is simply untrue.

Reports have emerged that one of the men was seen carrying out surveillance of the venue in early March, around the time the US warned Russia there was an imminent threat of a terrorist attack on a public space - a warning the Kremlin dismissed at the time as "propaganda".

Another report says at least two of the attackers arrived in Russia recently, implying that this was a "hit team" sent by IS-K, rather than a sleeper cell of residents.

Why did they target Russia?

There are several reasons.

IS-K consider most of the world to be their enemies. Russia is high up on their list, along with the US, Europe, Israel, Jews, Christians, Shia Muslims, the Taliban and all rulers of Muslim-majority states, who they consider to be "apostates".

Islamic State's hostility to Russia goes back to the Chechen wars in the 1990s and early 2000s, when Moscow's forces devastated the Chechen capital Grozny.

More recently, Russia entered the Syrian civil war on the side of its ally, President Bashar al-Assad, and the Russian air force has carried out countless bombings of rebel and civilian positions, killing large numbers of Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda-linked fighters.

In Afghanistan, IS-K view Russia as being an ally of the Taliban, which is why they attacked the Russian embassy in Kabul in 2022.

They also bear a grudge for the 10 years of brutal Soviet occupation of that country from 1979-89.

Then there is the situation inside Russia itself.

Russia is viewed by IS-K as very much a Christian country and their video posted after the Moscow attack talks about killing Christians.

Tajik and other Central Asian migrant workers are sometimes subject to a degree of harassment and suspicion by the FSB as it seeks to head off terrorist attacks.

Finally, Russia - a nation currently distracted by its full-scale war with its neighbour Ukraine - may simply have been a convenient target of opportunity for IS-K, a place where weapons were available and their enemy's guard was down.

What do we still not know about the Moscow attack?

There remain a number of unanswered questions about this whole episode.

For example, why were the attackers able to wander at will for nearly an hour around the Crocus Hall with absolutely no apparent sense of urgency?

In a country where the police and special services, notably the FSB, are omnipresent, these gunmen behaved as if they knew they were not going to be interrupted by a police SWAT team.

Then there are the weapons - not just handguns but powerful, modern automatic assault rifles. How were they able to acquire these and smuggle them undetected into the venue?

Their swift capture is also surprising.

Unlike many jihadist gunmen on a raid like this, these men were not wearing suicide vests or belts, in the manner of those who prefer death to capture.

And yet, it did not take long for the Russian authorities - the same Russian authorities who failed to stop the worst terror plot in 20 years unfolding beneath their noses - to round up the suspects and put them on trial.

All this is prompting some analysts to speculate about some sort of so-called "inside job" by the Kremlin, or a "false flag operation" to garner popular support for the war on Ukraine.

However, there is no hard evidence to support that theory and US intelligence has confirmed that in their view, it was Islamic State behind this hideous attack.

[itinerantappalachian]

So first off, obviously all of this depends quite a bit on the specific time and place, considering we could be talking about contexts ranging from 700 CE Khorasan to 1400 CE Mali. But generally no, Muslim rulers never had to contend with a religious establishment as united and powerful as the Catholic Church, and it's something of a cliche in medieval ulema writings to complain about tyrant rulers who persecuted ulema who didn't toe the royal line.

However, there is a tendency among some commentators to take things too far the other direction by stating Islamic political theory unites politics and religion into a single person. There were periods where that was more the case with the caliphate, but especially after the unity of the caliphate started to break down, you did see the emergence of a distinct class of scholars who rulers needed to court to receive religious legitimacy, and Islamic studies scholars do talk about a "state-ulama alliance" to explain politics during this period, IIRC after the 11th century CE but check me on that.

And as possessors of both moral statuee and education, these scholars weren't just religious legitimators. They served as state-appointed judges, administered religious endowments (awqaf) that could operate in much the same way as monasterial landholdings (they also got expropriated in the end, too), and on the whole were seen as important to the running of a good, stable Muslim state. Occasionally, this meant they could serve as a check on the ruler's authority, and a lot of the more well-known scholars we remember from this period were the "speaking truth to power" ones, but generally their weaker institutional position and the fact the ruler could pretty easily imprison or kill them meant they toed the party line.

Did rulers in Muslim states ever have anything to contend with comparable to medieval kings and the Catholic Church?

This is an interesting question, but I'd need you to be a bit more specific about what you mean by "medieval kings and the Catholic Church." Are you talking about Crusades? Interdicts and excommunications? Wars? Something else?

[ohcolourin]

The wrath and the dawn by Renee Ahdieh

~

Redbubble link: https://goo.gl/43cLQ8

[lovecleanses]

Khalid Ibn Al-Rashid and Shahrzad Al-Khayzuran. The caliphs of Khorasan.

[ofdepressionandsunflowers]

Slow and steady, she paced Across this marble and gold laden chamber For, an hour, a dreadful hour ago she'd faced He who made her erratic heart slumber "Dear Lord, help your faithful servant," she prayed "To survive past the coming dawn, I must distract him, "For not one before me dreamed to succeed "In so wild an endeavour, to tame the King, "Assist me, Lord, in telling this story "That I might save my skin from this bloodthirsty monster "Who made of murder his morbid glory "Help me save my successors from the trickster "Who lures them into this trap of marble "Only to execute them come dawn "In this castle, monstrously lacking an angel "Where every servant and deafmute is but a pawn "In the name of God, the ever merciful "I shall face the King, my headman." Sitting on the silk, she looked most beautiful Waiting for her executioner like clay for a craftsman A symbolic knock later, he penetrated the chamber He surveyed her and, analytical, he gazed Finally he spoke, pronouncing her name: "Scheherazad."

Me, 2019

[bookswagononlinestore]

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