Policy Analysis

Fikra Forum contributors offer unique perspectives and analysis from Egypt regarding the changes in U.S. policy toward the new Egyptian government.

On the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Movement summit in Tehran, Iranian officials will consult with Central Asian republics in another failed attempt to strengthen the Islamic Republic's position and counter what they see as dangerous U.S. influence in the region.

Ayatollah Khamenei is taking credit for Iran's supposed ascendancy, giving the West an opportunity to show that the disastrous ramifications of the regime's policies are his responsibility.

Saudi Arabia's aging leadership is in transition, potentially hindering Washington's policies on Syria and Iran.

One of the unintended consequences of the Arab Spring has been the PKK's reemergence as a player in Iran-Syria-Turkey relations.

President Morsi's upcoming visits to Beijing and Tehran indicate that Egypt's foreign policy orientation is shifting away from the West.

Turkey is divided on what course to pursue in Syria, and the AKP's ability to sell a more muscular policy is by no means guaranteed.

Washington must act promptly to ensure that turmoil in Syria does not weaken U.S. allies in neighboring Lebanon.

In addition to elite Iranian and Hizballah operatives, Tehran has a long history of employing unlikely surrogates to target dissidents abroad, including in the United States.

Policy differences are understandable, but it is not acceptable for Egypt's new leaders to intimidate domestic media, order unauthorized troop movements into Sinai, or foster deliberate untruths about Israel.

Israelis agree that Iran's nuclear program must be stopped, and their debate regarding a strike's cost-effectiveness, urgency, and impact on relations with the United States is coming to a head.

Washington can take several concrete steps to extend Israel's clock and exhaust diplomacy and sanctions before resorting to force.

If Europe wishes to effect true democracy in the wake of the Assad regime, it must stop playing into the hands of the Muslim Brotherhood and start aiding the rebels on the ground militarily.

Mohammed Morsi has given himself complete legislative and executive power, plus the right to select writers of a new constitution.

U.S. statements about Iran have become more consistent and tough since early March, but the impact of this shift remains unclear.

While most individuals involved in the rebellion are Syrian, foreign fighters now have a very real presence that should worry both the regime and the opposition.

As the Syrian conflict intensifies, the area under full government control continues to shrink; the question now is the speed of the regime's descent.

This weekend, Egypt's Islamist president Muhammad Morsi unilaterally amended the interim constitution that had been approved by 77 percent of voters during a public referendum in March 2011. Although these changes may eventually be challenged in the High Constitutional Court (HCC), the absence of a parliament and military leaders capable

Shortly after Saturday's earthquake in Iran's East Azerbaijan province, the U.S. government issued a condolence statement that was notable for arriving a few hours before any comment on the matter by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. For his part, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has yet to issue a statement on the tragedy

Hizballah has leveraged its worldwide network of members and sympathizers to secure financial, logistical, and other types of support. Procurement of goods ranging from weapons to dual-use items (e.g., night-vision goggles and clock timers) is a critical component of these efforts. In Canada, Hizballah has long maintained a robust network