Fikra Forum | The Washington Institute

Trending:

TWI Arabic: اللغة العربية TWI Persian: فارسی Fikra Forum

The United States Is Rapidly Losing Arab Hearts and Minds Through Gaza War, While Competitors Benefit

According to new polling, the percentage of six Arab publics who believe America has had a positive role in the war amounts to just 7%.

Nov 21, 2023

◆

Munqith Dagher
Karl Kaltenthaler

Photo of Israeli forces massing for ground operations in Gaza following the October 2023 Hamas attack.

A Meaningful Endgame in Gaza Will Separate Transformation from Revenge

Without clearly stated goals and a well-defined exit strategy, Israel risks its counteroffensive becoming a punitive effort that costs immense civilian deaths while failing to establish lasting stability and peace in its southern sector.

Nov 3, 2023

◆

Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib

More Israelis Optimistic Now Than Before Hamas Attack; 70% Say Hamas Must Go

Recent polling indicates a strong sense of national unity among Israelis in the aftermath of Hamas' attack. While trust in political leadership remains low, overall confidence in the military and police is high.

Oct 27, 2023

◆

David Pollock

July 2023 Palestinian Polling

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh gestures to supporters

Polls Show Majority of Gazans Were Against Breaking Ceasefire; Hamas and Hezbollah Unpopular Among Key Arab Publics

Recent Washington Institute polls have tracked Gazans’ views on Hamas and the ceasefire with Israel, along with a wider regional decline in popularity for Hamas and Hezbollah.

Catherine Cleveland
David Pollock

Bread vendor outside the Old City of Jerusalem

New Polling and the Legacy of the Oslo Accords

When examining the legacy of the Oslo Accords, one clear outcome is the way in which diplomatic breakthroughs—along with their failures—have deeply shaped public attitudes towards the conflict. Thirty years later, fresh polls emphasize the deep erosion of trust and support for the two-state solution in Palestinian (along with Israeli) society, but a lingering hunger for some kind of breakthrough.

Catherine Cleveland

Pedestrians near Manara Circle, downtown Ramallah

Support for Mass Protest on the Rise in Gaza and the West Bank

As rival Palestinian factions clash in Lebanon’s Ain al-Hilweh camp and Hamas-backed militants capture UNRWA schools, new polls indicate that public frustration in Gaza and the West Bank has grown to the point where many would back popular protests.

Catherine Cleveland

Mahmoud Abbas

Abbas and the Khazar Claim: Separating Myth from Fact

The lesson of this current episode with Abbas should be that more research is called for to throw light on this half-forgotten chapter of history to refute such claims. Only more accurate information can help remove the Khazars from the shadows of mystery and antisemitism and place them instead in the correct historical context.

Sep 12, 2023

◆

Ehud Yaari

Reflections on Oslo

IDF in Hebron

The Implications of the Second Intifada on Israeli Views of Oslo

The sense of helplessness that deepened during the course of the intifada was also accompanied by the need to find a source of the blame. In the eyes of the Israeli public, that blame was placed squarely on Palestinian leadership.

Sep 8, 2023

◆

Zohar Palti

Al-Manara Square Ramallah

The Palestinian Authority, a Flawed but Necessary Legacy of Oslo

While insufficient, a collapse of the Oslo edifice would come with a hefty price for the Palestinians, not only as individuals but also as a people seeking self-determination.

Ghaith al-Omari

Meeting between Arafat and Rabin

Beyond Oslo: Reflections on Peace, Promise, and Possibility

A personal journey through peace, politics, and the legacy of the Accords

Nickolay Mladenov

Oslo at 30-A Personal Perspective

The Oslo Accords were seriously flawed but now must be preserved. Some of the mistakes can probably be fixed over time to make sure the historic agreement does not remain a breakthrough into a dead end, but instead paves the way towards a stable compromise between Israel and the Palestinians.

Ehud Yaari

Israeli PM Yitzakh Rabin and PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat shake hands

The Oslo Accords Held Promise; Extremists Derailed Them

As we look back at the legacy of the accords, it is not the Oslo Accords that failed us, but Israelis and Palestinians who failed Oslo.

Mohammed Dajani

June 2023 Palestinian Polling

Palestinians More Positive on Abraham Accords and Open to Vying Powers Than Arab Neighbors

Results from a new public opinion poll conducted in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem show key differences between Palestinian attitudes and those of respondents elsewhere in the Arab world when it comes to relations with Israel and the roles of the United States, China, Russia, and other regional powers.

Frances McDonough

A Palestinian woman walks by a mural in Bethlehem

Palestinians Surprisingly Split on Saudi-Israel Normalization

In Gaza, most residents are strongly supportive of increased Arab involvement in the conflict and half are open to normalizing ties with Israel were Saudi Arabia to do so. A majority of West Bank residents, however, remain hesitant about such a proposal.

Catherine Cleveland
David Pollock

Spring 2023 Polling

Mecca

Saudi Survey Says: Nearly Half Back “Moderate Islam”; Few Support Internal Protests or War with Iran

Saudi minds have become considerably more open to a modern version of Islam since this question was first asked in 2017.

David Pollock
Daniel Chodorow

New Poll Shows Lebanese Frustrations with Government, Iran, and Other Powers

New polling results from Lebanon emphasize ways in which the country’s public is frustrated domestically and at key Hezbollah ally Iran, while expressing mixed views of other powers.

Catherine Cleveland

Jordanian flag

New Public Opinion Poll: Jordanians Favor De-escalation in the Region, But Sentiment Against Israel Remains

In a new public opinion poll, commissioned by the Washington Institute and conducted in March/April by an independent regional firm, Jordanian citizens demonstrate a strong aversion toward Israel but remain in favor of regional de-escalation.

Faris Almaari

Cairo Market Street

Egyptians Still Lukewarm on Mass Street Protests; U.S. Trails Russia and China as Overall Partner, But Edges Out Both as Security Partner

A new public opinion poll of Egyptian citizens, commissioned by the Washington Institute and conducted in late March/April by a regional commercial firm, showed that despite the current economic doldrums, street protests remained unpopular.

Mohamed Abdelaziz

UAE Public Opinion: Still Friendly to United States, Split on Israel, Hostile to Iran

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.

David Pollock

New Kuwait Poll Shows Little Interest in Protests Despite Deadlock, Split Views of Global Powers

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.

Frances McDonough

New Saudi Opinion Poll Shows 40 Percent Still Back Some Ties with Israel; Three-Fourths Say Rocket Fire Against Israel Will Have Negative Effects

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.

David Pollock

New Bahrain Poll Reveals Support for Russia, Entente with Iran, Split on Israel

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.

David Pollock

The Washington Institute's Interactive Polling Platform

Syria

Turkish Bayraktar TB2

Turkish Drone War Damages SDF Infrastructure in NE Syria, Restricts Counterterrorism Efforts

The international community and the Global Coalition should pressure Turkey to cease its drone attacks and help to address the destruction of facilities and infrastructure installations.

Mazloum Abdi

Syrians' Reactions to the First Weeks of Israel-Hamas War

Syrians' responses to Hamas’ attack—and subsequent Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip—have been varied, splitting along regional, political, and ideological lines.

Ammar Musarea

U.S. soldier and member of SDF

As Protests in Syria Reignite, Many Syrians Look for a Change in U.S. Policy

Recent developments will require the U.S. to expand its objectives in Syria and to reevaluate its approach to local alliances if it hopes to shape a positive outcome to the bubbling frustrations in Syria.

Ammar Musarea

Deir Ezzor Is Trapped Between Corrupt Local Leaders and External Governance

On Sunday August 27, Deir Ezzor Military Council (DEMC) Head Abu Khawla—along with a number of senior commanders from the DEMC—were invited to meet with the commander-in-chief in the SDF Mazloum Abdi in neighboring Al-Hasakah province.

Omar Abu Layla

The Wagner Group in Syria: Profiting Off Failed States

Despite discord between the Wagner Group and the Russian government, the entrenched economic and military engagement of Wagner forces in Syria is unlikely to change soon.

Emad Bouzo

Autonomous_Administration_of_North_and_East_Syria

The SDF’s Approach to Erdoğan’s Victory

Worried by the implications of Erdoğan's reelection, the Kurds in northeastern Syria need active support from the United States now more than ever.

Baraa Sabri

The Reality of Normalization with Assad: Syrians’ Perspectives

The growing regional trend of normalization with Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria—including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and even Turkey—have stoked the anger of the Syrian opposition.

Ishtar Al Shami

Brussels Conference

The Brussels Conference: An Opportunity to Inject Transparency into Syrian Earthquake Aid

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.

Bassam Barabandi

Turkey

Hakan Fidan

Hakan Fidan and the New Turkish Diplomacy in Iraq

As Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan will have to navigate urgent changes and new challenges in crafting Turkish policy towards Iraq.

Firas Elias

Syrian Perspectives on the Turkish Elections

Though Syria policies were at the center of the Turkish elections, the future for many Syrians remains unclear even after an Erdoğan victory.

Emad Bouzo

Media and Official Reactions to Erdoğan’s Win

Considering Turkey’s pivotal role in the region and a number of current global issues, it’s no wonder that Arab media

Jun 16, 2023

Bafel Talabani

Roots of the Rift between Turkey and Iraqi Kurdistan's PUK

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

Apr 28, 2023

Iraq

Member of the Ramadi Widows Outreach Assistance Program distributes food packages in Anbar Province

Iraqi Civil Society and the Funding Crisis

Financial support for NGOs is a lifeline for their survival and sustainability. For its part, the Iraqi government should realize that a strong civil society benefits the government, as NGOs can be a vital contribution to governance efforts and societal support.

Abdulsalam Medeni

Iraqi voters cast ballots

Iraqi Provincial Elections: Electoral Chaos Undermines Prospects for Change from Within

Navigating the confusing Iraqi electoral landscape is just one of many obstacles in the way of reformers, but if emerging political reformist players can form a unified front, put forth a concrete political platform, and resist being coopted by ruling powers, then there is a real possibility for substantive political change in the upcoming elections.

Haider al-Musawi

Sadr City, Baghdad

Addressing Iraq's Environmental Challenges: Population Growth

Solving Iraq’s demographic crisis will require immediate and comprehensive action at both the state and individual level. Without these solutions, we risk extensively harming our future generations.

Khaled Sulaiman

Iraqi PM al-Sudani

Iraqi Officials Eye a Path for Chinese-Iraqi Development

In Iraq, the precarious reality and confused relationships seem to have driven al-Sudani’s government to attempt to circumvent the traditional binary choice between Washington and Moscow. This new course comes with a distinct and flashy name, the “Development Road” project, and looks to Beijing as a third way forward.

Baraa Sabri

Tash Kopru Bridge entrance in Kirkuk

Ethnic Tension in Kirkuk Signals Fractures in Ankara-Erbil Relations

Longstanding tensions in the multi-ethnic city of Kirkuk in Iraq may once again spark confrontations between Turkey and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), the latest in a series of disagreements over the city.

Bekir Aydoğan

Erbil Hills Golf Course

The Audacity of the Erbil Hills Golf Course Amidst Iraq’s Water Crisis

In the heart of Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), construction of the ambitious Erbil Hills Golf Course is underway.

Renwar Najm

Photo of a worker at a construction site in Iraqi Kurdistan.

New Road Map for Iraq to Support Stability and Growth

Iraq’s stagnant political and legal environments today indicate that the country still faces a deep strategic impasse as a result of international obligations and limitations.

Fawzi al-Zubaidi

Kurdistan Flag

Tracking Iranian Soft Power Influence in the KRI

The Islamic Republic of Iran over several years has gained a significant foothold in Iraq, spreading its influence and agenda throughout Iraqi daily life.

Nawras Jaff

Iran

Iran’s Pressure Campaign on Iranian Kurds Continues

Iran has stepped up pressure on Baghdad and Erbil to disarm and relocate Iranian Kurdish opposition parties in the Kurdistan Region amidst ongoing disputes between Erbil and Baghdad over budget and oil revenues.

Wladimir van Wilgenburg

Iran and Azerbaijan Flags

Iran’s Pressure on Azerbaijan: Two Birds with One Stone

Aware of Azerbaijan's growing economic influence and strength, Iran is taking measures to ensure the tensions remain in its favor.

Arash Aalaei

Mousavi

Opposition in the Iranian Diaspora and among Iranian Reformers: The Case of Mousavi

As an Iranian opposition coalesces in the diaspora, challenges loom on the horizon. How the diaspora approaches reformists inside Iran calling for a new constitution will help demonstrate just how cohesive Iran’s disparate opposition groups can become.

Majid Nikouei

The Gulf

Sultan Haitham at a meeting with Secretary Mike Pompeo

Sultan’s Landmark Speech to the Majlis Oman: A Window into Oman’s Economic Reforms

Sultan Haitham spoke both as a sovereign and as a prime minister accounting for progress.

Jonathan Campbell-James

Saudi flag

A Third of Saudis Want Business With Israel Now, Even Without Formal Ties; “Muslim Rights” Top List of Public’s Terms for Full Normalization

A unique new public opinion poll from Saudi Arabia sheds light on popular attitudes there toward a potential deal to “normalize” relations with Israel.

David Pollock

Crown Prince Muhammad and President Xi walking in Riyadh.

How a Small Saudi City Explains China’s Role in the Saudi-Iran Agreement

China's recent mediation efforts between Riyadh and Tehran were motivated by a combination of strategic outlook and economic interest in the Middle East, signaling a gradual shift away from its traditional "free-riding" approach.

Essa Nahari

GCC

Syria’s Normalization and the GCC: Adjusting to A New Modus Vivendi

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.

Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzucco

Chinese and UAE leaders meet

The Gulf Navigates a Multipolar World

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

Fawzi al-Zubaidi

Muscat

A Stabilizing Factor: Oman’s Quiet Influence amid Mounting Uncertainty in the Gulf

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.

Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzucco

Egypt

The Iconic Tower in the New Administrative Capital

Egyptians Quietly Lambast Sisi’s "Accomplishments" Ahead of Elections

Regardless of the upcoming elections results, there are many Egyptians who feel that Sisi’s policies are harming their country, reflect a lack of national belonging, and are the product of reckless and poorly-considered decisions.

Ishtar Al Shami

View of the Nile in Cairo

Egyptian Media Reflections on Egypt’s Accession to BRICS

Although joining BRICS is an exciting economic prospect for many governments, the addition of new member states has not been without controversy. In Egypt, news of the nation’s accession to this institution has fueled a heated internal media debate on the feasibility of the move and its impact on the deteriorating economic situation in Egypt.

Mohamed Abdelaziz

Egypt Sudan Border

Egypt’s Approach to Conflict in Sudan: A Simmering Crisis

With no end in sight, the Sudan conflict will put significant pressure on Egypt's economic, political, and security infrastructure.

Anthony Skinner

The Muslim Brotherhood: Organizational Crisis and Declining Capabilities

Once a dominant political movement, the Muslim Brotherhood's continual internal crises have caused the group to splinter and recede from the spotlight.

Dr. Khairy Omar

Egypt: A National Dialogue or A Political Maneuver?

With key topics and figures excluded, Egypt's national dialogue is unlikely to achieve much in the way of reform.

Dalia Ziada

Egyptian president Sisi speaks

The Growth of Chinese Influence in Egypt: Signs and Consequences

Chinese influence extends beyond the economic sphere, posing serious threats to Egypt's security interests and relationship with the United States.

Mohamed Maher
Mohamed Farid

Lebanon

Lebanon Protest Flag

Preserving the Unity of Lebanon by Federating Its Political System

Lebanon is going through unprecedented circumstances that require joint engagement among all communities to find permanent solutions that ensure peace, prosperity, and unity for the country.

Joe W. Issa-El-Khoury

Lebanon Flag

Can Federalism Work in Lebanon?

For those promoting federalism in Lebanon, a historical analysis of the country's geographic and ethnosectarian divisions demonstrates the necessity of inclusive discussion and collective engagement.

Robert Rabil

North Africa

Village in the High Atlas near Toubkal

The Neglected High Atlas Mountains and the Challenges of Life Post-Earthquake

As Morocco rebuilds the High Atlas Mountains, understanding the region’s complex history and challenges is key for building a future for the region.

Mohamed Chtatou

Emergency earthquake response in Taroudant Province, Morocco

Morocco Unites in the Aftermath of the Earthquake

In the wake of the devastating earthquake, an outpouring of solidarity and social mobilization has taken place in the country at a grassroots level. The complexity of the situation from a logistical and geographical standpoint helps explain Morocco’s reluctance to indiscriminately accept all international aid offers.

Mohsine El Ahmadi
Ahmad Sharawi

The town of Smara

Polisario Attack on Smara: A Worrying Escalation for Morocco

The recent attack in Smara signifies a troubling departure from established conflict norms, with the Polisario Front's acknowledgment of responsibility for targeting civilians raising significant concerns for a paradigm shift in the conflict and signals an escalation of the already fragile situation in the region.

Ahmad Sharawi
Mohsine El Ahmadi

Israel and Algeria: Protests, Politics, and Colonialism

Exploring the parallels in the Israeli and Algerian experiences provides insight into the future of democracy in both countries.

Jul 28, 2023

◆

Bruce Maddy-Weitzman

Could Libya Become Africa’s Afghanistan?

As political figures vie for influence in Libya, Islamist groups have been empowered to crack down on religious freedoms, women, and minority groups across the country.

Jul 26, 2023

◆

Khalil El Hasse

Regional Geopolitics and the Second Negev Summit

After months of delay, U.S. and Israeli government officials reportedly suggested that the second Negev Summit will proceed on June 25.

Jun 13, 2023

◆

Nashat Shawamreh

The Energy Geopolitics of North Africa

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

Feb 9, 2023

◆

Nashat Shawamreh

Sudan

Abdul Fattah al Sisi

Egypt Has Not Revealed Any Workable Plan for Sudan

Despite numerous conferences and promises, Sudan's regional neighbors have done little to defuse the current conflict.

Mon’im Omer

Has the Pursuit of Democracy Failed in Sudan?

The current conflict in Sudan has been exacerbated by a limited democratic process after the fall of Omar al-Bashir that failed to incorporate a diversity of Sudanese civilian voices.

Dr. Khidir Haroun Ahmed