Fikra Forum

Turkish President Erdogan at a summit with Russian President Putin in Sochi in 2021 - source: Reuters
Israeli Military Assertiveness Provides Some Blessings in Disguise for Erdogan
Regardless of rhetoric, Erdogan quietly benefits from conflicts like the recent twelve-day war between Israel and Iran—both in terms of bolstering Ankara's regional profile and in deflecting attention from domestic issues.
۱۵ ژوئیهٔ ۲۰۲۵
◆
  • Salih Berke Sendag
phone with messaging apps
Under the Pretext of "Morality": Morality Rhetoric and Freedom of Expression in Iraq
Over the past number of years, many Iraqis have become increasingly concerned about media restrictions imposed by Iraqi authorities, who
۱۵ ژوئن ۲۰۲۵
Iraqi voters cast ballots
Between the Promise of Democracy and Repeated Failures of Iraq’s Electoral System
Twenty years on from the fall of Saddam Hussein, Iraq continues to suffer from a deep crisis in the practice
۶ ژوئن ۲۰۲۵
Iraqis Are Increasingly Positive on Governance, but Waning National Identity a Warning Sign
With signs of fewer Iraqis prioritizing their national identity, Iraqis are likely to see another elections cycle shaped by subnational identities in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
۸ مهٔ ۲۰۲۵
◆
  • Munqith Dagher
  • Karl Kaltenthaler
Balancing National Security and Economic Priorities in the U.S.-Jordan Relationship
As the U.S. administration shifts towards an economics-first approach to foreign policy, Jordan will need to find ways to emphasize the benefits of the two countries' decades-long broader strategic relationship in public messaging—both for its own national security interests and as a way to assuage public concerns.
۵ مهٔ ۲۰۲۵
◆
  • Saud Al-Sharafat
Countering Iran's Deceptive Behavior in Nuclear Negotiations
In negotiations, the Iranian regime prefers to operate discreetly and secretly, allowing Tehran to shape the information spectrum and protract talks to buy time and wear down their negotiation counterparts. By shining light on the diplomatic process, U.S. policymakers can provide a counter-narrative that takes to task Iranian intransigence and provides accurate information for the Iranian public.
۱۷ آوریل ۲۰۲۵
◆
  • Farzin Nadimi
Allowing Political Opposition in the New Syria
The new Syrian government will be judged not just by its treatment of minorities, but also how it approaches political opposition—and its checkered history in this regard gives pause.
۱۷ آوریل ۲۰۲۵
◆
  • Ishtar Al Shami

In Memoriam: Dr. David Pollock, 1950-2024

David Pollock
David Pollock: A Retrospective
David’s endless optimism, insightful and entertaining anecdotes, and thoughtful comments on his colleagues’ work were all defining features of his time at The Washington Institute. His mentorship will undoubtedly continue to inspire the dozens of young professionals who worked with him, continuing his legacy.
۱۱ ژانویهٔ ۲۰۲۴
◆
  • Catherine Cleveland