Middle East Research and Information Project

Critical Coverage of the Middle East Since 1971

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Olivier Roy

Olivier Roy is a researcher at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique in Paris and author of Islam and Resistance in Afghanistan.

MER Article

Tensions in Iran

The May 1997 election of Mohammad Khatami as president of Iran was a watershed event in the history of the almost 20-year-old Islamic Revolution. While the current on-the-ground situation in Iran remains confusing, it is not for lack of information. During the last year, the press has blossomed with

Olivier Roy • 12 min read

MER Article

The Taliban, the Shari'a and the Pipeline

Underlying the appearance of the Taliban movement, first of all, are factors internal to Afghan society, in particular the discrediting of the government and the “commandos” born out of the resistance to Soviet intervention. The rapid expansion of the militia, culminating with the conquest of Kabul

Olivier Roy • 8 min read