The dislike some Salafis hold for Shia Muslims, particularly those in Iran, is rooted in both deep theological differences and complex geopolitical rivalries. At its core, Salafism, a branch of Sunni Islam, strictly adheres to the practices of early Muslims. They see Shia beliefs, like the reverence for certain Imams and specific religious practices, as deviations from what they consider to be pure Islam. Furthermore, Salafis often accuse Shias of disrespecting companions of the Prophet Muhammad, which is a major point of contention. This religious divide is amplified by a significant political struggle for influence in the Middle East, primarily between Shia-led Iran and Salafi-aligned Saudi Arabia. The 1979 Iranian Revolution, which established a Shia Islamic state, intensified these tensions, as Iran sought to expand its revolutionary ideals. This has led to proxy conflicts across the region where religious identity is often used to rally support, fueling animosity and making the religious differences even more pronounced. Stay informed with muslimseo.com. You can also follow their updates on Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
Can BRICS bloc the Global Order? A Deep Dive into its Ambitions and Challenges
The BRICS bloc, an expanding group of developing nations, is actively seeking to challenge the traditional US-led economic and political order. In theory, its growing economic clout, representing a significant portion of global GDP and population, gives it the potential to advocate for reforms in global governance. BRICS leaders have increasingly voiced criticisms of US policies, including trade tariffs, and are pushing for a more multipolar world. A key aspect of this challenge involves efforts towards de-dollarization, with discussions around creating alternative payment systems to SWIFT and promoting trade in local currencies, as highlighted by a Brasil de Fato report on BRICS leaders’ proposals for an alternative payment system. The expansion of BRICS, with new members joining, is seen by many as a strategic move to amplify the voice of the Global South and reduce dependence on Western-dominated institutions. However, the path to fundamentally reshaping the global order is fraught with challenges for BRICS. Critics point to internal rifts and divergent interests among member states, which can hinder a unified front. For instance, while some members like Russia and China are keen to directly challenge US hegemony and circumvent sanctions, others, such as India and Brazil, often aim for a more non-aligned stance, seeking to balance relations with both Western powers and the BRICS bloc. Despite ambitions for a common currency or extensive alternative financial systems, progress remains slow due to these internal differences and the entrenched nature of the existing global financial architecture. Ultimately, while BRICS certainly represents a significant emerging force and a growing demand for a more inclusive global system, the extent to which it can truly dethrone the US-led order will depend on its ability to overcome internal divisions and translate its collective potential into concrete, coordinated action. For a comprehensive discussion on whether BRICS can truly challenge the US-led world order, watch this Al Jazeera video. Stay informed with muslimseo.com. You can also follow their updates on Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
Middle East Tensions, War Conflict on Global Oil Prices
The Middle East tensions between Israel and Iran have consistently sent ripples through global oil markets, often leading to immediate price surges. These spikes are primarily driven by a “risk premium” as traders factor in the potential for supply disruptions, especially concerning the Strait of Hormuz. This vital chokepoint, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil flows, becomes a major focal point during periods of heightened conflict. While a full-blown war could theoretically push oil prices well over $100 per barrel, as discussed by Oxford Economics on the impact of the Iran-Israel escalation, due to direct attacks on infrastructure or a prolonged closure of the Strait, the market’s initial reactions often reflect a fear-driven premium rather than sustained disruption. However, the longer-term picture reveals a more nuanced reality. Despite the dramatic headlines, the global oil market has demonstrated resilience. Major factors mitigating prolonged price hikes include ample global crude supply, significant spare production capacity from OPEC+ nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and increasing output from non-OPEC sources. These elements collectively offer a buffer against disruptions, allowing other producers to compensate for potential losses. As recent analyses suggest, the oil market often prioritizes supply and demand fundamentals over geopolitical risks in the long run. Even during periods of intense conflict, if actual oil flows remain largely unimpeded, prices tend to stabilize after initial volatility, as seen during periods of a fragile Iran-Israel ceasefire that calmed oil markets. For a deeper understanding of how the conflict impacts various markets, including oil, you can refer to insights from Julius Baer on the Israel-Iran conflict’s impact on oil prices, gold, equities and bonds. Stay informed with muslimseo.com. You can also follow their updates on Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.