Fikra Forum

Photo of computer servers in a data center.

A growing body of evidence shows how Iran and its proxies are using artificial intelligence and especially more easily manipulatable open-weight models as tools of warfare, repression, and propaganda.

Nov 4, 2026

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Hamdi Malik

A phosphate mine in Morocco - source: Reuters

Fikra Forum

The Other Phosphate: What Washington’s Moroccan Fertilizer Waiver Overlooks

The United States eased its fertilizer restrictions on the kingdom to manage a supply emergency, but Morocco could also become a key source of purified phosphoric acid—a crucial product tied to growing competition with China over battery production, supply chain integrity, and access to critical minerals.

Aug 18, 2026

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Salma Annasse

Fikra Forum

The Erosion of Public Trust in Libya's International Unification Efforts

Libyans are increasingly questioning where governance reforms fit into the agendas of Libyan elites' engagement with the parallel UNSMIL 2025 roadmap and Boulos initiative.

Aug 10, 2026

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Tahani Elmogrbi

A satellite map with political borders overlaid shows Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan - source: Reuters

After War, a Crackdown in Iran's Sistan-Baluchestan Province

Recent crackdowns against Iran's Baloch minority over tensions around mining in the province suggest that the rift between the regime

Jul 8, 2026

The Iran War's Pressure on the Egyptian Pound: Fragile Stability and Expected Shocks

The Egyptian pound is weathering significant challenges to its stability as the Iran war continues to impact oil markets and

Jun 10, 2026

The Washington Institute's Interactive Polling Platform

Sanctions and Sudan’s Muslim Brotherhood: Decoupling Burhan from Sudan’s Islamists and Iran

Sanctioning Sudan's Muslim Brotherhood will likely have an impact on Burhan's approach to the group, but a true decoupling will likely require additional pressure given their political influence and role in the current conflict.

Apr 17, 2026

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Areig Elhag

Fikra Forum

In Syria, an Amnesty Decree Without Justice?

The debates sparked by Decree No. 39 raise questions about how the country will bridge the troubling gaps between official government discourse and victims’ rights.

Apr 8, 2026

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Hanadi al-Khatib

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

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