02 April، 2026
As part of its ongoing mission to enrich intellectual discourse and bridge cultural understanding, Al-Rafidain Center for Dialogue (RCD) has released the Arabic translation of the seminal work: "The Arab Shi'a: The Forgotten Muslims." The book is co-authored by two prominent figures in international political analysis:

·        Graham E. Fuller: Former senior political analyst at the RAND Corporation.

·        Rend al-Rahim Francke: A noted political activist and former Iraqi Ambassador to the United States.

The Arabic translation was skillfully rendered by Ghaith Yousef Mahfoudh.

The study serves as the culmination of an expansive research project focused on Middle Eastern societies. It moves beyond superficial narratives to offer a specialized look at the Twelver Shi'a community.

Key themes explored in the book include:

·        Challenging Western Stereotypes: The authors aim to dismantle unrealistic and monolithic Western perceptions of the Shi'a community by providing a nuanced, evidence-based reality.

·        Identity & Geopolitics: A detailed comparison between Arab Shi'a and their non-Arab counterparts, specifically analyzing their complex relationships with Iran and the broader Arab world.

·        Sociopolitical Roles: The book analyzes the unique character of the Arab Shi'a and their multifaceted roles within the spheres of politics, religion, and civil society.

·        Regional Context: It examines how these communities navigate their identities within both individual nation-states and the collective Arab framework.

This publication is an essential resource for those studying the sociology of religion and Middle Eastern political dynamics. By focusing specifically on the Twelver (Ithna Ashari) branch, it provides a deep dive into one of the most influential yet often misunderstood demographics in the region.

 

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