Fikra Forum

Syria

Iran’s Growing Network of Influence among Eastern Syrian Tribes

Iran is building military, social, and economic influence among eastern Syrian tribes, which are poised to invade SDF-controlled regions in the event of a U.S. withdrawal.

Apr 6, 2021

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Haian Dukhan
Ammar Alhamad

Fikra Forum

Jinwar Women’s Village: Carving a Progressive Enclave Amid Syria’s Civil War

A village of women in Eastern Syria are upholding the core political beliefs of the Kurdish minority there.

Mar 31, 2021

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Kenneth R. Rosen

Fikra Forum

Protests in Daraa, Syria Undermine Assad's Narrative of Victory

Recent protests in Daraa demonstrate that Assad’s hold over regime-controlled areas are not as total as they appear.

Apr 2, 2021

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Oula A. Alrifai
Aaron Y. Zelin

The Maghreb

Fikra Forum

After Two Years of Algeria’s Hirak, What Has Been Accomplished?

Algeria's divided Hirak movement needs greater unity in order to strengthen real, democratic institutions.

Mar 31, 2021

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Ahmed Marwane

Fikra Forum

How Morocco’s Diplomatic Efforts in Africa Are Shaping the Region

Shifts in African continental politics and U.S. recognition of Moroccan sovereignty in Western Sahara are components of a deepening rift between Morocco and Algeria.

Mar 19, 2021

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Samir Bennis

Biden in the Maghreb: An Opportunity to Support Change

The Maghreb region should be considered as an area where Biden can exercise more independence in formulating new policies and promoting

Feb 9, 2021

Algeria’s Political Crisis: An Ongoing Vicious Cycle

Algeria's divided political system has limited time to make critical reforms.

Feb 5, 2021

Iraqi Society

Iraqi Early Elections: The Will of Iraqis and Opportunities for the International Community

The international community should push for free and fair elections in Iraq as a way to diminish the influence of armed militias on Iraqi politics.

Mar 26, 2021

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Alfadhel Ahmad

Fikra Forum

The Pope, Iraq, and the Iranian-Backed Iraqi Militias

The pope's visit in Iraq highlights Iranian-back militias' failure to successfully depict themselves as saviors of Iraqi Christians.

Mar 18, 2021

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Phillip Smyth

Fikra Forum

The Rwanga Awards: Promoting Private Enterprise in Iraq

Societal transformation in Iraq requires motivated, capable young people who can redefine the status quo in their country.

Mar 12, 2021

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Abdulsalam Medeni

Maps & Graphics

Fikra Forum

Uprising or Election: What Kind of Change Do Iraqis Want?

New polls show that Iraqis want institutional change, but they are losing faith in elections as a real means towards reform.

Mar 12, 2021

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Munqith Dagher

Fikra Forum

The Pope’s Visit to Najaf: Reflecting on Iraq’s Legacy of Religious Divisions

Given our perpetual crises, we Iraqis rarely look back. But unless Iraqis collectively understand the past and decide how to avoid repeating its mistakes, we are bound to pay these crimes forward as we have in the past.

Mar 5, 2021

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Bilal Wahab

Lebanon

Combatting Corruption for the People of Lebanon

Regardless of the Biden Administration's stance on Iran and Hezbollah, sanctioning corrupt politicians in Lebanon is a good call.

Mar 26, 2021

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Makram Rabah

The Mediterranean and the Middle East

Fikra Forum

Turkish-Egyptian Relations after Erdoğan’s Sacrifice of the Muslim Brotherhood

Turkey is making overtures for rapprochement with Egypt. How will Sisi respond?

Mar 25, 2021

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Maged Atef

Fikra Forum

The EastMed Gas and Philia Forums: Reimagining Cooperation in the Mediterranean

Arab and Mediterranean countries with common interests are creating new shared tools that can be used to combat Turkish and Iranian influence in their regions.

Mar 18, 2021

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Rauf Baker

U.S.-Egyptian Relations

Fikra Forum

How Can Washington Constructively Engage Cairo on Human Rights?

If Washington hopes to encourage a change in human rights issues in Egypt, it should prioritize constructive engagement with Egypt and refrain from numerous critical public statements, unless it is willing to back them with action.

Mar 19, 2021

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Haisam Hassanein

Fikra Forum

Half of Egyptians Value U.S. Ties, But Few Want Normalization with Israel

Egyptians show support for compromise with Qatar but not with Iran or its proxies.

Jan 15, 2021

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Mohamed Abdelaziz
David Pollock

Fikra Forum

What to Expect from Cairo’s Strategy with the New U.S. Administration

Sisi may need to respond to U.S. pressure over human rights issues, but he knows that Biden will not willingly damage relations with Egypt.

Jan 8, 2021

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Maged Atef

Sustained Counterterrorism Efforts Remain Key to Preventing Attacks in Jordan

The pandemic has not ended terrorism in Jordan, and ISIS is still a significant threat.

Mar 11, 2021

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Saud Al-Sharafat

Issues

Fikra Forum

Syria

The Maghreb

Iraqi Society

Lebanon

The Mediterranean and the Middle East

U.S.-Egyptian Relations