Fikra Forum

Iran’s Western Frontier: Iranian Kurds Navigate Risk and Opportunity

For the estimated 7 to 15 million Kurds in Iran, the current war represents a narrow window for change, albeit one where the parameters are unclear.

Mar 23, 2026

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Shukriya Bradost

A Sudanese army soldier stands near a bombed-out vehicle outside Khartoum - source: Reuters

Fikra Forum

Pakistan Steps In: Sudan and the Transformation of Regional Security

A $1.5 billion Pakistani arms deal with Sudan signals a regional shift from diplomacy toward military escalation, which may prolong the war in Sudan.

Jan 22, 2026

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Areig Elhag

Fikra Forum

Kazakhstan and the Abraham Accords in the Critical Minerals Hedging Game

Kazakhstan's entry into the Abraham Accords may be designed to facilitate new critical minerals supply chains, reducing signatories' dependence on China.

Jan 20, 2026

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Shivane Anand
Nava Goldstein

SDF commander Mazloum Abdi pictured in Damascus in 2025 - source: Reuters

The SDF’s Approach to Integration Talks in Syria and the Risk of Expanded Conflict

Recent clashes between Damascus and the Kurdish forces in Aleppo highlight the risk that stalling integration talks may trigger broader

Jan 15, 2026

An Iraqi voter dips their finger in ink after casting a ballot in regional elections in Iraqi Kurdistan in 2024 - source: Reuters

Don’t Be Deceived by Reported Electoral Turnout: Analyzing Iraq’s Elections by the Numbers

By comparing the outcome of Iraq's recent elections with the country's demographic trends, a clear difference emerges between the proportion

Dec 30, 2025

The Washington Institute's Interactive Polling Platform

Restoring Direction: Iraq’s Renewed Political Path

To prevent hawkish actors from once again seizing the initiative, Kurdish, Sunni Arab, and moderate Shia factions need to come together during the post-election period and work on fundamental tasks like implementing the constitution and strengthening institutions.

Dec 15, 2025

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Hajar Bashir Sadoon
Mohammed Tatarkhan

Armed members of the Iraqi Shiite militia Asaib Ahl al-Haq demonstrate at a funeral in Iraq - source: Reuters

Fikra Forum

Pro-Iran Militias Are the Big Winners in Iraq’s Election

For many Iraqis who dreamed of a state built on the rule of law and robust institutions, the outcome of this year’s vote feels like a major setback.

Nov 25, 2025

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Khairuldeen Makhzoomi

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

The Roadmap to a Second Term for Sudani: Between Hope and Hardship

While Sudani leverages his position as prime minister to pursue another term, Iran and its militia proxies increasingly favor a weaker leader who won’t challenge their influence.

Nov 4, 2025

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Nawzad Shukri

Moroccan youth protest in Rabat in 2025 - source: Reuters

Fikra Forum

The Arab Spring’s Digital Heirs in Morocco

While the “GenZ 212” movement emerged from protests over maternal deaths and government neglect, it has evolved into a decentralized, quickly mobilizable digital network that continues to highlight Morocco’s governance problems.

Nov 3, 2025

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Virginia MacArthur

Men stand next to exhibits at the International Defence Exhibition in Abu Dhabi - source: Reuters

Fikra Forum

South Korea and the Middle East’s Defense Localization Drive: A New Strategic Fit

Given South Korea’s willingness to offer technology transfer, local production arrangements, and politically flexible partnerships, it has become an attractive alternative to Western and Russian suppliers, presenting both opportunities and competitive challenges for U.S. policy in the region.

Oct 30, 2025

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Ju Hyung Kim

In Memoriam: Dr. David Pollock, 1950-2024

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.

Jan 11, 2024

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Catherine Cleveland

Issues

Fikra Forum

In Memoriam: Dr. David Pollock, 1950-2024