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Syria
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
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
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
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
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
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
Fikra Forum
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
Fikra Forum
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
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
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
Fikra Forum
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
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
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
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
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
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
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