Fikra Forum | The Washington Institute

Trending:

TWI Arabic: اللغة العربية TWI Persian: فارسی Fikra Forum

Iraq

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

◆

Bilal Wahab

Palestinian Elections

Palestinian Elections: How Real, and with What Results

Members of the political class and the general public are increasingly anticipating and expecting that Palestinian elections will take place due to an unusual convergence of interests between PA president Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) and Hamas.

Michael Milstein

A Palestinian woman walks by a mural in Bethlehem

Palestinian Elections and the Need for Political Change

After more than a decade of feuding, Palestinian factions face an opportunity for change.

Mkhaimar Abusada

The Biden Administration and U.S.-Kurdish Relations

The Biden Administration Needs to Support Kurds

Good relations with Iraqi Kurdistan are a valuable strategic asset for the United States, but support from the Biden administration should not be unconditional.

Mar 3, 2021

◆

Ruwayda Mustafa
Yerevan Saeed
Mohammed Salih

Mapping Kurdish Optimism for a Biden Administration: Iraq and Syria

Facing Turkish, Iranian, and Islamist threats, Kurds in Iraq and Syria are hoping for more U.S. support than they saw under the Trump administration.

John Saleh

Mapping Kurdish Optimism for a Biden Administration: Turkey and Iran

Kurds in Turkey and Iran could be valuable partners as the United States navigates difficult relations with both countries.

John Saleh

Policy Failures Lead to a Kurdish PMF Battalion in Kirkuk

Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces, and thereby Iran, have gained increased influence in Kurdish areas around Kirkuk.

Yerevan Saeed

Iraqi Kurdish Optimism on Biden Is a Product of Past Experiences

Optimism on Biden in Iraqi Kurdistan is driven by historical ties. But contemporary political views on U.S. policy in the region may shape the Biden presidency in new, less comfortable ways.

Sardar Aziz

Yazidis

Tensions in Sinjar Continue to Threaten Yazidis’ Return

Iraq's Yazidis need assertive international support to protect their rights and well-being.

Mar 2, 2021

◆

Izat Noah

Syria

A New “Working” Agenda to Solve the Syrian Puzzle

There are several steps the Biden administration can take to strengthen its allies in Syria and promote a peaceful solution.

Ammar Al-Musarea

Kidnapping and Extortion in Regime-Controlled Syria

Interviews reveal how Syrian officials are extorting their people.

Kenneth R. Rosen

The United States and Jordan

Investing in Jordan Through Support for Social Enterprises

By committing to long-term investments in Jordan’s communities through support for social enterprises, the United States can contribute to the country’s stability and economic growth.

Lilian Tauber

Redefining Security in Jordan-U.S. Relations

The United States and Jordan need to broaden the scope of their security relationship and prepare for a more diverse array of security concerns.

Mohanned Arabiat
Barik Mhadeen