Fikra Forum

Iran

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.

Mar 3, 2023

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Majid Nikouei

Fikra Forum

Iran’s Mounting Missile Threats to Neighboring Countries

Iran's ballistic missile program poses regional threats that require international solutions.

Feb 16, 2023

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Mohammad Abu Ghazleh

Fikra Forum

The Fractured Opposition to the Islamic Regime

The Iranian opposition has aligned itself well with the recent protest movement, but evidence of its ability to play an organizational or leadership role in future protests remains limited.

Feb 7, 2023

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Ata Hoodashtian

Fikra Forum

What Do Iran’s Protests Mean for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region?

Internal instability in Iran may cause significant religious, economic, and political repercussions across the border in Iraq.

Jan 17, 2023

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Zubir R. Ahmed
Nawzad Shukri

Fikra Forum

Iranian Daughters: Struggling for the Rights Their Mothers Lost in the Revolution

Activists fighting for women's rights in Iran today have learned from their predecessors' mistakes and are more determined than ever to achieve gender equality.

Jan 13, 2023

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Sepideh Zamani

Fikra Forum

Iranian Counterculture and Gen Z

Decades of underground counterculture have led to an informed and interconnected youth in Iran, now eager for freedom and change.

Jan 4, 2023

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Arash Aalaei

Fikra Forum

The Regional Impact of Iran’s Drones in Ukraine

Russia's use of Iranian drones in Ukraine foreshadows potentially dangerous developments for U.S. forces and their allies in the Middle East.

Dec 7, 2022

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Omar Alradad

Fikra Forum

Iran Team’s Ambivalent Approach to Protests During the World Cup

Iran's loss at the World Cup coincides with controversy and tensions both back home and around the globe.

Dec 2, 2022

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S. Houseini

The Washington Institute's Interactive Polling Platform

Fall 2022 Polling

Israeli and Arab foreign ministers, along with U.S. Secretary of State Blinken, at the Negev Summit - source: Reuters

Forty Percent of Saudis and Emiratis Still Accept Israeli Contacts, Even Under Netanyahu

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

Jan 19, 2023

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David Pollock

Fikra Forum

New Egyptian Opinion Poll: Continued Dissatisfaction with Government Performance, Almost Half Reject Mass Protests, and Mixed Views on Foreign Relations

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

Dec 21, 2022

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Mohamed Abdelaziz

Fikra Forum

New Lebanon Opinion Poll Shows Continued Internal Dissatisfaction and Desire for International Partners

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

Dec 20, 2022

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Frances McDonough

Fikra Forum

New UAE Poll Shows Nuance on Domestic Issues; Growing Public Uncertainty over U.S. Relations; Split Views of Iran & Israel

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

Dec 20, 2022

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Catherine Cleveland

Fikra Forum

New Saudi Poll: Some Surprises on the U.S., Iran, Israel, Oil, and More

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

Dec 16, 2022

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David Pollock

Summer 2022 Polling

Fikra Forum

In 2022 Polls, Views on U.S. Relations On Par with Other World Powers in the Middle East

Regional polls from March and August reveal shifting power dynamics, as economic conditions and relations with Israel continue to weigh on citizens’ minds.

Nov 9, 2022

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Frances McDonough

Fikra Forum

Bahrain Opinion Poll Confirms Sectarian Split on Iran, but not on U.S. or Israel

The Bahraini public provided their perspectives on ties with international partners, moderate Islam, and the country’s economic situation.

Sep 9, 2022

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David Pollock

Fikra Forum

In New Poll, Most Egyptians Split on Relations with Foreign Powers, Pessimistic About Domestic Economy

Egyptians expressed skepticism about the economy, reliance on the United States, and the Abraham Accords with Israel.

Sep 9, 2022

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Mohamed Abdelaziz

Fikra Forum

July/August 2022 UAE Survey Shows U.S. Leads Iran, but Lags Russia and China

Emiratis share their views on global players, regional dynamics, and economic conditions.

Aug 30, 2022

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David Pollock

Fikra Forum

New Saudi Poll Shows Biden's Visit Barely Budged Skepticism

The Saudi public gave mixed reviews on issues such as normalization and ties with the United States, but remained mostly united regarding Russia’s actions in Ukraine and relations with Iran.

Aug 26, 2022

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David Pollock

Fikra Interactive Public Polling Platform Thumbnail

Maps & Graphics

Fikra Forum

TWI Interactive Polling Platform

Interactive datasets, from 2014 to today

Jun 30, 2022

Iraq

Fikra Forum

Electoral Law: Signaling a Short-Lived Run for Iraq’s Independent MPs?

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.

Mar 16, 2023

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Ashleigh Whelan
Mohanad Adnan

New Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani attends the first regular session of the Council of Ministers in Baghdad in November 2022 - source: Reuters

Fikra Forum

Iraq’s Endless Electoral Law Debate

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.

Mar 2, 2023

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Feyzullah Tuna Aygün

How Iraqis View Life after the Fall of Saddam—Twenty Years Ago and Today

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 in public opinion polling.

Mar 19, 2023

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Munqith Dagher

Variables the United States Should Consider on Dollar Smuggling in Iraq

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.

Feb 15, 2023

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Frzand Sherko

What Do Iran’s Protests Mean for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region?

Internal instability in Iran may cause significant religious, economic, and political repercussions across the border in Iraq.

Jan 17, 2023

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Zubir R. Ahmed
Nawzad Shukri

PUK and KDP: A New Era of Conflict

As divisions between the PUK and KDP grow, the Kurdistan region stands to lose its economic and political stability.

Dec 21, 2022

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Nawras Jaff

Activist Haidar al-Zaidi’s Prison Sentence and Growing Pressures on Iraqi Activists

Despite claiming to defend free speech, the Iraqi government is increasingly targeting critics and protestors with arrests and lengthy jail sentences.

Dec 16, 2022

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Azhar Al-Rubaie

Saudi Arabia

Crown Prince Muhammad and President Xi walking in Riyadh.

The Gulf Navigates a Multipolar World

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

Feb 24, 2023

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Fawzi al-Zubaidi

Fikra Forum

Saudi Arabia’s Sports Promotion is a Win-Win for the Kingdom

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

Feb 16, 2023

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Fahad Nazer

Fikra Forum

Saudi Arabia’s Surprise Soccer Victory

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.

Nov 23, 2022

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Faris Almaari

Fikra Forum

MbS and Saudi Arabia’s Israel Policy: What Can We Expect from the New Prime Minister?

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

Nov 7, 2022

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Aziz Alghashian

Fikra Forum

Pragmatic Re-Balancing: the Saudi Dual Outreach to Israel and Iran

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.

Sep 20, 2022

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Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzucco

Syria

Fikra Forum

Turkish Drone Strikes and Building Concerns About Washington in Syria’s Autonomous Administration

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.

Jan 11, 2023

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Baraa Sabri

Fikra Forum

Exploring Russia's Views on Humanitarian Aid in Syria

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.

Jan 4, 2023

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Jonathan Robinson

Trucks from the Autonomous Region, NE Syria, deliver aid after 2023 earthquake

UN Aid in Northwest Syria—Or Lack Thereof

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.

Mar 6, 2023

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Rena Netjes

The Future of al-Jawlani’s Pragmatism in Idlib and Afrin

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

Nov 8, 2022

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Yilmaz Saeed

Daesh’s Forgotten Massacre in Deir al-Zour

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

Oct 24, 2022

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Omar Abu Layla

Shifting Lines and IDPs: Azaz, Afrin, and the HTS Incursion

HTS is on the move through northern Syria, leaving locals in Afrin and Azaz even more vulnerable.

Oct 19, 2022

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Rena Netjes

Insight into As-Suwayda’s Position in the Syrian Situation

As-Suwayda has been unstable since the onset of the Syrian revolution. The increasingly fractured political leadership in this majority-Druze region reflects how Syria’s ongoing conflict has warped and splintered local governance.

Oct 12, 2022

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Ishtar Al Shami

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.

Dec 22, 2022

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Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzucco

U.S. Middle East Policy

Fikra Forum

Variables the United States Should Consider on Dollar Smuggling in Iraq

Feb 15, 2023

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Frzand Sherko

Fikra Forum

Turkish Drone Strikes and Building Concerns About Washington in Syria’s Autonomous Administration

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.

Jan 11, 2023

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Baraa Sabri

A supporter of Tunisia's Islamist Ennahda Party protests against the Tunisian president's 2022 coup - source: Reuters

Fikra Forum

Tunisia: Caught Between the IMF and International Isolation

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

Dec 12, 2022

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Maher Latif

Fikra Forum

Two Years On, the Abraham Accords Bear Fruit

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

Oct 26, 2022

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Mohamed Maher

Fikra Forum

Will Haftar’s Heir Be an Ally of the Russians or the Americans?

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

Oct 21, 2022

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Khalil El Hasse

President Joe Biden meets Palestinian Authority President Abbas in July 2022

Fikra Forum

Reactions of Palestinian Media and Political Leaders to Biden’s Visit to the Region

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.

Sep 26, 2022

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Jalal Selmi

Fair-Observer-Arab-NATO-Middle-East-politics-Iran-news-GCC-news

Fikra Forum

The Middle East NATO: From Fiction to Fact

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.

Sep 14, 2022

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Mohamed Chtatou

Fikra Forum

Women’s Rights—Why the West Shouldn’t Abandon the Middle East

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

Aug 31, 2022

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Jemima Shelley

Israel

Regional Crisis and Regional Cooperation: Israeli Response to the Earthquake in Syria and Turkey

Israeli aid efforts to Turkey and Syria have been multifaceted after the earthquake, despite the difficult political circumstances.

Mar 6, 2023

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Nir Boms
Joelle Rosenthal

Fikra Forum

The Netanyahu Government’s Approach to Russia and Ukraine

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.

Feb 28, 2023

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Daniel Rakov

Fikra Forum

Morocco, Israel, and the Future of the Negev Forum

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

Feb 16, 2023

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Mohamed Chtatou

Fikra Forum

Forty Percent of Saudis and Emiratis Still Accept Israeli Contacts, Even Under Netanyahu

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

Jan 19, 2023

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David Pollock

Fikra Forum

Tracking the Religious Zionist Party Bloc in the Settlements

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.

Nov 22, 2022

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Alex Harris
Sander Eizen

Egypt

Fikra Forum

Aid for Security: The Gulf-Egypt Dynamic Supporting Egypt’s Economy

As Gulf states perceive the repercussions of the Arab Spring, the Muslim Brotherhood, and the potential disintegration of the Egyptian army as existential threats to their regimes, they have sustained the deteriorating Egyptian economy to maintain what they see as the sole guarantor of regional stability.

Jun 7, 2022

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Mohamed Abdelaziz

Fikra Forum

Cairo’s Opportunity for Policy Change on the War in Ukraine

The Russian war on Ukraine poses challenges for Egypt's economic interests—but Egypt should look to its Western partners to ameliorate these impacts.

Mar 10, 2022

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Ramy Aziz

Lebanon

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.

Mar 20, 2023

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