White House Spars With Congress Over New Iran Sanctions

Time: In Shi‘ite scripture, the Prophet Muhammad had two grandsons named Hassan and Hussein. After their father Ali’s assassination in 661, Hassan, the elder son, claimed the right of vengeance against Ali’s killer, Muawiyah. Realizing he could not win militarily, he was forced to find a diplomatic solution and eventually signed a peace accord. Hussein, refusing to accept such a bitter deal, attacked Muawiyah’s son in battle. Hussein lost, and he and his entire family were killed. The story reflects the two extremes of Shi‘ite negotiations: a forced peace and martyrdom.

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