Fikra Forum

Iran

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

◆

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

◆

S. Houseini

Fikra Forum

The Tenacity of Young Iranians in the Protest Movement

Despite the regime's crackdown, Iranian protestors are showing unprecedented resilience and unity in their demands, making the international community's next steps even more crucial.

Nov 29, 2022

◆

Haleh Esfandiari

Fikra Forum

Sunnis in Iran: Protesting Against Decades of Discrimination and Repression

After years of underrepresentation and repression at the hands of the regime, Iran's Sunni population is playing an important role in the current protests.

Nov 21, 2022

◆

Mehrzad Boroujerdi

Fikra Forum

Iranian Protests and Attacks on KRI: An Attempt to Deflect from Domestic Turmoil

Iran's repeated attacks on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq represent the regime's efforts to both distract from internal opposition and disrupt external opposition support.

Nov 21, 2022

◆

Nawras Jaff

Fikra Forum

How Longstanding Iranian Disinformation Tactics Target Protests

After decades of global and domestic disinformation campaigns, the Iranian regime has only doubled down on media manipulation in response to recent protests.

Nov 1, 2022

◆

Allan Hassaniyan

Fikra Forum

As Anti-Regime Protests Swell Across Iran, Ethnic Minorities Demand Freedom and Equality

In order to create more lasting changes, the current wave of protests in Iran must be inclusive of the demands and expectations of ethnic minorities.

Oct 14, 2022

◆

Rahim Hamid
Ruth Riegler

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamanei, gestures while speaking

Fikra Forum

The Demonstrations for Mahsa Amini: A Turning Point in Iran

Despite the Iranian regime’s efforts to suppress recent protests, they have quickly spread to every corner of the country, making this one of the most important events in Iran in more than four decades and suggesting this could be a turning point for the country's future.

Oct 7, 2022

◆

Ziryan Rojhelati

The Washington Institute's Interactive Polling Platform

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

◆

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

◆

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

◆

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

◆

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

◆

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

Saudi Arabia

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

◆

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

◆

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

◆

Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzucco

Syria

Abu Muhammad al-Jawlani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, speaks in a recorded interview released in Jan. 2019. Photo credit: Screenshot by Cole Bunzel via Twitter.

Fikra Forum

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

◆

Yilmaz Saeed

Fikra Forum

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

◆

Omar Abu Layla

Flag of the Syrian Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)

Fikra Forum

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

◆

Rena Netjes

Fikra Forum

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

◆

Ishtar Al Shami

Fikra Forum

The Captagon War: Smuggling on the Jordanian-Syrian Border

As drug smuggling increases across Jordan’s border with Syria, Jordanian authorities need to seek solutions in both the security and social spheres.

Sep 30, 2022

◆

Saud Al-Sharafat

Fikra Forum

Despite Airstrikes, Iran Continues to Permeate Western Syria

Efforts to counter Iran in Syria are solely focused on Iran’s military presence in the country, and have ignored the soft-power, cultural spheres of influence being developed by Iran as a long-term strategy.

Sep 14, 2022

◆

Omar Abu Layla

Fikra Forum

The Consequences of Turkey’s Shifting Position on the Syrian Crisis

Although establishing ties between Turkey and the Syrian regime may seem like a smart move by Erdogan, the decision represents a betrayal of the Syrian people and its success is not guaranteed for the Turkish government.

Sep 2, 2022

◆

Salahuddin Hawa

Fikra Forum

Arab Syrian IDPs of Tal Rifaat also Want to Go Home

The involvement of Turkish military forces in Northern Syria could allow thousands of Syrians to return to their homes after being forced out by the YPG, the SDF, and other entities for many years.

Aug 12, 2022

◆

Rena Netjes

Iraq

Fikra Forum

KRG and PA: Reprioritizing Governance over Symbolism

Although Palestinian and Kurdish politics have similarly deteriorated into ineffective blame games, fresh U.S. policies focused on institution-building could restore the promise of progress in both cases.

Dec 2, 2022

◆

Ghaith al-Omari
Bilal Wahab

Fikra Forum

The System and the Parallel System in Iraq

Instead of blaming the untested constitution for government failures, Iraqi politicians must look inward to the corrupt parallel system that undermines national politics.

Nov 22, 2022

◆

Bjar Sharif

Fikra Forum

What Could Iraqis Gain from Their Oil Windfall?

Although Iraq stands to gain significant revenues from an oil windfall, urgent reforms are needed to ensure these funds benefit the people, not just the elites.

Nov 18, 2022

◆

Mohammed Hussein

Fikra Forum

Iraq’s ‘Armed Protest Syndrome’: From a Clash of Ideas to Violence

In order to restore the stability and authority of the Iraqi state, the Sudani government must endeavor to end the years-long connection between protests and reciprocal violence.

Nov 14, 2022

◆

Abbas Abboud Salem

Fikra Forum

The Formation of Iraq’s New Government is a Major Victory for Iran and Its Allies

Although framed as a government of solidarity between Shia, Sunni, and Kurdish factions, the Sudani government in Iraq gives Iran a significant arena in which to wield its influence.

Nov 8, 2022

◆

Nawzad Shukri

Fikra Forum

Minister Allocation in Iraq’s New Government

Although ministry positions in Iraq have long been used as bartering tools, the new government could make a huge difference by supporting key ministries with real solutions and competent appointees.

Oct 27, 2022

◆

Nawras Jaff

Fikra Forum

Long-Awaited Coalition of Civic Minds: Democratic Forces of Change

Combining a wide range of of political views and principles, the Democratic Forces of Change hope to provide the Iraqi people with an action-driven opposition platform.

Oct 26, 2022

◆

Ashleigh Whelan

Fikra Forum

Forming a New Government in Iraq: Possible Scenarios

Although Iraq’s new government has ended the year-long deadlock, the path forward is still rife with obstacles.

Oct 18, 2022

◆

Munqith Dagher

U.S. Middle East Policy

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

◆

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

◆

Jalal Selmi

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

◆

Mohamed Maher

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

◆

Mohamed Chtatou

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

◆

Jemima Shelley

The Killing of al-Zawahiri: Repercussions for the Taliban

Following the drone strike against al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, many variables are up in the air that could significantly alter the stability of a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan as well as the future of the al-Qaeda framework.

Aug 16, 2022

◆

Mohamed Mokhtar Qandil

Growing Pains: The Promise and Reality of Biden’s Middle East Policy

A year after Joe Biden’s inauguration, expectations for a shift in America's Middle East policy have not materialized. Gulf monarchies are warily looking on as Washington continues to debate the U.S. role in the region.

Jan 24, 2022

◆

Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzucco
Kristian Alexander

Israel

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

◆

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

◆

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

◆

Ramy Aziz

Turkey

Turkish president Erdogan at NATO headquarters in Brussels

Fikra Forum

Sweden, Turkey, and the Concessions for NATO Membership

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

Dec 9, 2022

◆

Magnus Norell

Fikra Forum

Re-evaluating Turkish Nationalism: A Bulwark Against the Religious Establishment

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.

Nov 10, 2022

◆

M. Bahadırhan Dinçaslan

Turkish President Erdogan at a summit with Russian President Putin in Sochi in 2021 - source: Reuters

Fikra Forum

A Domestic Audience for Turkish Foreign Policy

With elections in the balance, Erdoğan is playing a risky game of international normalizations in the hope that the Turkish electorate will approve of economic ties and immigrant solutions.

Sep 30, 2022

◆

Batu Coşkun
Gökhan Çınkara

Fikra Forum

Turkey Knocks France Out on Mosul Airport Reconstruction Project

Turkey’s involvement in the reconstruction of Mosul Airport could cause problems amidst regional tensions with France and Iran, but it is also emblematic of the growing economic ties between Turkey and Iraq.

Aug 19, 2022

◆

Mehmet Alaca

Fikra Forum

Iran’s Efforts to Undermine the Turkish-Israeli Rapprochement Are Backfiring

Iran’s efforts to target Israeli citizens on Turkish soil has brought Turkey and Israel closer together.

Jul 26, 2022

◆

Ali Bakir
Ömer Özkizilcik

Fikra Forum

Rebuilding Israeli-Turkish Relations: A Marriage of Convenience

During 2022, Israel and Turkey have had friendly exchanges that suggest serious steps are being taken towards rapprochement.

May 26, 2022

◆

Jalal Selmi

Algeria’s Foreign Policy: Facing a Crossroads

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.

Aug 9, 2022

◆