Fikra Forum

A fresh opinion poll of UAE citizens, commissioned by The Washington Institute and conducted by a reliable independent regional firm in April 2023, reveals some of the most pro-American and anti-Iranian attitudes of any Arab country surveyed lately. On normalization with Israel, views are more mixed—yet surprisingly moderate, given this poll’s timing during Ramadan.

In a new public opinion poll commissioned by The Washington Institute and conducted in March-April by an independent regional firm, Kuwaitis appeared averse to any disruptions at home or around the region, even as tensions grow across Kuwait’s political scene.

A rare public opinion poll in Saudi Arabia, commissioned by the Washington Institute and conducted in March/April 2023 by a reputable regional firm, reveals an intriguing mix of attitudes—some in line with emerging Saudi government policies; others, not so much.

A rare public opinion poll in Bahrain, commissioned by the Washington Institute and conducted in March/April by an independent regional firm, shows surprisingly high levels of popular approval for Russia—including its war aims in Ukraine.

The most recent poll results from Egypt suggest a disconnect between public opinion and pubic policy, especially on economic concerns and relations with Israel.

Lebanese respondents expressed positive views of the maritime deal and World Cup in Qatar, but seemed disappointed by almost everything else.

Although many results are consistent with past polling, the most recent Emirati survey reveals interesting perspectives on Iran, the economy, and other issues.

Saudis voiced their thoughts on global partners, internal dynamics, and regional issues, including opinions on the Iranian protests and nuclear dilemma.

Though the Turkish opposition has a serious shot at unseating Erdogan, their success is far from guaranteed—even if they win in the polls.

The tensions between Turkey and the PUK are not new, though recent actions by both sides have exacerbated the situation despite shared economic interests.

With elections approaching, the Turkish opposition may have an opportunity to rethink Syrian refugee policies.

Opposition factions face numerous difficulties in the lead-up to the next elections, as internal disputes may undermine their success.

Putin’s shift in MENA policy suggests efforts to smooth the way for Erdoğan’s electoral bid.

Although his alliance with the MHP has kept him in power, Erdoğan increasingly views the nationalist party as a threat that needs to be dealt with.

Turkey's refusal to approve Sweden's NATO membership is yet another foreign policy tool being used by Erdoğan ahead of 2023 elections.

While the past few decades saw a dip in any political references to Turkey’s founder, opposition groups and the AKP alike have returned to Atatürk as a key political symbol of nationalism ahead of the elections.

Although the Sadrist Movement withdrew from politics, participating in the upcoming provincial elections would provide them with critical momentum that they don't want to miss out on.

The tensions between Turkey and the PUK are not new, though recent actions by both sides have exacerbated the situation despite shared economic interests.

By suspending the Sadrist Movements activities, Sadr hopes to prevent the growth of a new Mahdist splinter group that threatens his religious and political credibility.

Following the ICC's decision, the KRG has limited options in its fight for financial independence from Baghdad.

Two decades after the fall of Saddam Hussein, widespread frustration with the current state of Iraq is leading increasing numbers to express a negative view of life in the post-Saddam era.

A change to the Sainte-Laguë representation system will significantly hinder the ability of smaller parties and independent candidates to win seats in Iraq's next elections.

The Coordination Framework is poised to yet again change Iraq's electoral law, continuing a history of such changes that have destabilized and delegitimized the political system.

U.S. pressure on Iraq to prevent dollar smuggling and dinar laundering can protect Iraq’s sovereignty and weaken Iran. But if executed without deliberation, this pressure could allow Russia and China to enhance their positions in the Middle East.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed's recent decisions aim to refresh the image of UAE leadership, ushering in the next generations of rulers.

Though GCC member states may disagree on Syria's normalization, the collective memory of past conflicts and the desire for regional stability will likely override internal divisions.

Amid global uncertainty, Gulf states are seeking to strike a delicate balance between old and new partners.

Saudi Arabia's increased investment in sports represents an effort to empower youth and expand the economy, rather than "sportswashing."

Based on its sound reputation as a conflict mediator and talks facilitator, Oman is well-positioned to tone down flaring rivalries in the Gulf and prevent tensions from spiraling out of control.

The Saudi men’s team’s major upset against Argentina in their opening World Cup match has brought together many Saudis and the Arab world writ large in celebration, demonstrating the powerful pull of the game.

As Prime Minister, MbS won't throw out the Arab Peace Initiative altogether, but he will likely reframe it.

While the Middle East remains littered with flashpoints, Saudi Arabia is reaching out to Israel and Iran in an attempt to defuse simmering tensions and build consensus, with the Kingdom shifting from a confrontational to fence-mending approach.

With a focus on "the future of Syria," the Brussels Conference can be a platform through which Western and Arab countries can coordinate aid to Syria in an era of normalization.

Driven by forced conscription, economic deterioration, and lack of opportunities, Syrians are increasingly crossing the M4 in northern Syria on their journey to Europe.

Syria's rise in the world of drug trafficking has only exacerbated the preexisting drug crisis inside its borders, as a lack of opportunities leaves many vulnerable.

In the direct aftermath of the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria, EU-funded UN aid was delivered to Damascus despite the Assad regime’s disastrous track record, which includes stealing aid from international institutions. On the ground in Northwest Syria, frustration with the UN is rising, especially as aid from neighboring countries entered quickly.

Some U.S. allies believe the Biden administration has been noticeably muted regarding Turkey's escalations in northern Syria and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

With the UN Security Council set to vote on whether to extend UN cross-border aid efforts into northwest Syria, Russia is once again poised to jeopardize humanitarian assistance to the 4.1 million civilians who rely on this lifeline to survive.

Despite years of overhauling HTS’s global reputation, al-Jawlani’s strategy in northwest Syria has long been driven by opportunism instead of ideology.

Justice for the victims of the al-Shaitat massacre is only just starting to emerge, and the international community must do its part.

U.S. pressure on Iraq to prevent dollar smuggling and dinar laundering can protect Iraq’s sovereignty and weaken Iran. But if executed without deliberation, this pressure could allow Russia and China to enhance their positions in the Middle East.

Some U.S. allies believe the Biden administration has been noticeably muted regarding Turkey's escalations in northern Syria and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

In the absence of strong international support, Tunisians have been left to face the worsening political and economic crises on their own

The Abraham Accords agreement between the UAE and Israel has made important steps in the direction of regional economic and political cooperation.

As Libya's political dynamics continue to change, Washington's next moves are more important than ever.

Palestinians felt that Biden’s visit did little to aid the Palestinian cause, despite attempts by the Palestinian Authority to portray the trip as a success.

In light of increased regional tensions, the idea of a Middle East NATO is becoming more and more realistic, this time with the possibility of Israeli-Arab cooperation.

A Reaction to Biden’s trip to the Middle East through the lens of women’s rights.

Despite increased pressure on both sides, Netanyahu is likely to maintain Israel's nonaligned approach to the conflict in Ukraine in an effort to preserve his immediate regional interests.

Morocco is preparing to host the upcoming Negev Forum summit, an opportunity for the Kingdom to expand economic ties and bridge regional divides.

Approval for contacts with Israelis remained steady through 2022, even as hesitancy on Abraham Accords continued.

An analysis of Israel's last five Knesset elections indicates that settlement demographics have played a big role in the rise of Israel's ultra-nationalist, far-right bloc.

Burns met with both Dbeibeh and Haftar, likely to discuss key U.S. concerns such as the Lockerbie case, energy security, and terrorism.

The longstanding regional rivalry between Morocco and Algeria has taken on new meaning as the two countries vie for energy partnerships in Europe.

As Libya's political dynamics continue to change, Washington's next moves are more important than ever.

The ongoing war in Ukraine, with its recrystallization of allegiances, can provide Algeria the opportunity to return from a shift towards Russia and China back to a more balanced relationship with great powers.