Fikra Forum

Iraqi Elections

Iraq’s Purple Coup: A Truly Iraqi Electoral Surprise, Par Excellence

Preliminary election results illustrate Iraqi opposition to foreign influence and the impact of the Marja'iyya of Najaf, as the Sadrists lead the coalition-building process to form the next parliament.

Oct 15, 2021

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Munqith Dagher

Fikra Forum

The Holy Shrine Units’ Announcement Will Change the Rules of the Game in Iraq

Sistani’s call for Iraqis to participate in the elections along with a recent announcement about the formation of the Holy Shrine Units as independent entities from the PMF are likely to have a major impact on the Iraqi political and social scene.

Oct 5, 2021

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Munqith Dagher

Fikra Forum

A Gateway to Change or New Conflicts: Iraq’s 2021 Elections

Iraqis are preparing to participate in the country’s most important elections since the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003. As all parties prepare for the ballot, interviews with those who choose to participate and those boycotting it emphasize what’s at stake.

Oct 7, 2021

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Ali Al-Mikdam

Fikra Forum

Hurdles for the Iraqi Parliamentary Election

Uncontrolled weapons are the most prominent barrier to the electoral process, along with insufficient international observation to ensure free and transparent elections.

Sep 29, 2021

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Jasem Alshamary

Fikra Forum

Iraqi Elections: Current Coalitions Are Not a Recipe for Change

As Iraq’s electoral coalitions campaign for parliament spots, old alliances and political players are likely to prevent the elections from leading to major changes in Iraq’s political sphere.

Sep 9, 2021

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Nawzad Shukri

Fikra Forum

Polls Give Iraq’s Reformers the Advantage, the Vote May Be Theirs to Lose

In Iraq, pre-election polls indicate likely difficulties for Tishreen protest movement to translate popular support into electoral gains, due to widespread concerns about electoral legitimacy and political violence.

Aug 20, 2021

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Erik Gustafson
Omar Al-Nidawi
Mohammed Khalil

China and the Middle East

How China’s Afghanistan Policy Impacts Its Approach to the Middle East

After the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, China faces dilemmas about its own policy—and how it will now approach the broader region.

Oct 13, 2021

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Carice Witte
Tommy Steiner

Polling

Fikra Forum

Bahrainis Support Internal Political Focus, but Differ Somewhat on Foreign Policy Priorities

New polling data reveals generational consensus and only slight sectarian discord among Bahrainis.

Sep 9, 2021

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Henry Petrillo
David Pollock

U.S., Israeli, Bahraini, and Qatari flags on a mural celebrating the Abraham Accords

Fikra Forum

Emiratis Split on Importance of World Powers, While Views on Abraham Accords Hold Steady

When polled, Emiratis demonstrate support for a renewed nuclear agreement with Iran, and opposition towards Islamist groups.

Aug 31, 2021

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David Pollock
Catherine Cleveland

Recent Saudi Poll: Increased Support for Moderate Islam, Hamas, and Ties with Arab Partners

Saudi polling indicates public opinion on key foreign policy issues, and sheds light on where sect and age matter –

Aug 27, 2021

A U.S. military helicopter evacuates personnel from the American embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan

Middle East Public Opinion on the American Dream After Afghanistan

After two decades of decline for America’s world image, the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan will alter Middle East perspectives about

Aug 23, 2021

Yemen

Fikra Forum

An Exceptional Case: Saudi Relations with Yemen’s Islah Party

Yemen's Islah Party and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed a special relationship for over a decade, but now internal politics threaten to tarnish this unique partnership.

Jul 26, 2021

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Mutahar Al-Sofari

Fikra Forum

The Battle of Marib: the Challenge of Ending a Stalemate War

Without an exerted international peace effort, the siege on Marib could destroy the possibility of a unified Yemen.

Jul 9, 2021

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Nabil Hetari

Algeria

Women and Politics in Algeria: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

Algeria’s new elections law threatens to derail progress on women’s participation in country politics and leadership.

Sep 15, 2021

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Ahmed Marwane

Egypt

Fikra Forum

Cairo Acts on Its Fears of Radicalization After Afghanistan

The recent saga surrounding the implications of American withdrawal from Afghanistan has not gone unnoticed in Cairo. Egyptian policy circles believe it has opened the door for Islamist and extremist groups to gain momentum across the region, and regime messaging is framing the situation accordingly.

Sep 24, 2021

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Haisam Hassanein

Fikra Forum

Navigating the Ongoing Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam Negotiations

The U.S. should take a stronger position on the ongoing GERD talks to prevent armed conflict, stabilize American interests and support Sudanese democracy.

Sep 29, 2021

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Mohamed Maher

Fikra Forum

Egypt, Israel, and Nile Water Conspiracies

Egyptian media accusations regarding Israel’s role in Ethiopian Dam talks indicate Egyptian perspectives, and how they are utilized to fulfill the country's strategic aims.

Aug 9, 2021

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Haisam Hassanein

Morocco

Fikra Forum

The Return of Liberals to Power in the Moroccan General Elections

With influential billionaire Aziz Akhannouch announced as the new head of government, the former Moroccan prime minister and his party—the PJD—are grappling with a significant loss of power.

Sep 17, 2021

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Mohamed Chtatou

Fikra Forum

The Delta Variant Surge in Morocco and its Dire Consequences

Despite vaccination campaigns, the spiking caseloads present severe threats to Moroccans' health and the country's economy.

Sep 3, 2021

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Mohamed Chtatou

Israel

How does Iran Wage its information warfare battle against Israel?

In the face of Iranian influence operations, Israel must adopt a comprehensive national strategy to prevent further infiltration aimed at disrupting social cohesion and political stability.

Sep 1, 2021

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Ofir Barel

Fikra Forum

How Afghanistan Influences Hamas, PIJ, and Iran in their Approach to Israel

As the Taliban takeover boosts Iranian proxies’ morale, Israel and the United States should develop a coordinated strategy against these groups to enhance Israeli security and restore confidence in American commitments to regional partners.

Aug 24, 2021

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Kobi Michael
Yoel Guzansky

Fikra Forum

Egypt, Israel, and Nile Water Conspiracies

Egyptian media accusations regarding Israel’s role in Ethiopian Dam talks indicate Egyptian perspectives, and how they are utilized to fulfill the country's strategic aims.

Aug 9, 2021

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Haisam Hassanein

Fikra Forum

Could Morocco Help Negotiate between Israel and Hamas?

After the signing of the Abraham Accords, Morocco stands uniquely positioned to help with any negotiations between Hamas and Israel.

Jul 26, 2021

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Mohamed Chtatou

Fikra Forum

The Potential for Azerbaijani Mediation of Turkish-Israeli Relations

As Turkey begins to realize the strategic potential of closer ties with Israel, it could rely on Azerbaijan to help facilitate a rapprochement.

Jul 20, 2021

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Oğul Tuna
Gökhan Çınkara

Turkey and the UAE

Mapping Changes in Turkish-UAE Relations: A Matter of Diplomacy

Understanding ideological shifts, regional geopolitics and the origins of the Turkey-UAE rift is critical to assessing the likely outcomes of recent diplomatic engagements between the two countries.

Aug 27, 2021

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Gokhan Demirtas
Hasim Tekines

Issues

Fikra Forum

Iraqi Elections

China and the Middle East

Polling

Yemen

Algeria

Egypt

Morocco

Israel

Turkey and the UAE