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Armed members of the Iraqi Shiite militia Asaib Ahl al-Haq demonstrate at a funeral in Iraq - source: Reuters
Articles & Testimony
Embracing Asaib Ahl al-Haq: Pragmatism or Naivete?
Some observers argue that the group's plans for Iraq will eventually cohere with U.S. interests, but this view ignores how its leaders are already pursuing the Hezbollah model of terrorist state capture.
Oct 15, 2024
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  • Michael Knights
Brief Analysis
A Roadmap to an Enduring Ceasefire in Lebanon
Border security is chiefly a matter of state sovereignty, so the international community must pressure Lebanese officials to take essential political and security steps even before attempting to negotiate ceasefire terms with Israel.
Oct 9, 2024
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  • Hanin Ghaddar
Brief Analysis
In Lebanon, a Rare Moment of Opportunity
Israel’s campaign has greatly diminished Hezbollah, presenting a chance for Beirut to end the war and push back against the group and its Iranian sponsors—if Lebanese elites are up to the task.
Oct 8, 2024
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  • David Schenker
(left to right) al-Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem; an Israeli tank in Ramallah; Hamas (top) and Fatah (bottom) protests in Hebron
In-Depth Reports
Understanding Geographic Distinctions in West Bank Public Opinion
Respondents to an extensive new poll shared remarkably independent views on issues ranging from Hamas’s success in the Gaza war to the likelihood of Israel’s collapse.
Oct 8, 2024
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  • Catherine Cleveland
Flag of Tunisia
Brief Analysis
Tunisia Is Holding an Election—But Will Voters Show Up?
To counter President Saied’s electoral manipulation and increased repression, Washington should work more closely with its contacts in Tunisia’s military, civil society, and European partner governments.
Sep 27, 2024
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  • Sabina Henneberg
  • Sarah Yerkes
Parliament of Kurdistan
Fikra Forum
Fikra Forum
Free and Fair? Setting Expectations for the KRI’s October Elections
Elections in which Kurdish voters can authentically choose their leaders are not only what Kurdish citizens deserve; they increase the likelihood that the KRG will address the myriad concerns about its governance.
Sep 18, 2024
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  • Winthrop Rodgers
A Jordanian man casts his ballot in parliamentary elections in September 2016 - source: Reuters
Brief Analysis
Jordan’s Election Is a Positive Sign Amid Gaza War Tensions
Despite wartime security and economic challenges, the kingdom is holding its first election since a modernization plan was formulated in 2021.
Sep 6, 2024
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  • Ghaith al-Omari
U.S. and Algerian flags at the U.S. Embassy in Algiers - source: U.S. government
Brief Analysis
What Would Another Tebboune Victory Mean for U.S.-Algeria Relations?
The incumbent president is set to win another term, but shifting opposition politics at home and geostrategic realities abroad could raise bilateral bumps down the road.
Sep 6, 2024
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  • Sabina Henneberg
  • Souhire Medini
New Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani attends the first regular session of the Council of Ministers in Baghdad in November 2022 - source: Reuters
Maps & Graphics
Brief Analysis
Iraq’s Watergate and the Fallout for U.S. Relations
The politicized corruption of the country’s best intelligence agency has exploded into a major eavesdropping scandal directed from the prime minister’s office, and Washington should adjust bilateral intelligence sharing accordingly.
Sep 5, 2024
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  • Michael Knights
◆ Militia Spotlight
Central Bank of Libya headquarters building - source: Wikimedia Commons
Articles & Testimony
Banks Not Bullets: A New War Front Opens Up in Libya
Previous civil war combatants are now fighting a financial and resource war over the country’s vast wealth, but Washington and UNSMIL can still exert more leverage than other players if they so choose.
Sep 4, 2024
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  • Ben Fishman
Central Bank of Libya headquarters building - source: Wikimedia Commons
Articles & Testimony
All of Libya Held Hostage by Gunmen Targeting the Central Bank
A political and literal fight over Libya's top financial institution could enable Russia to enjoy the spoils of war without having to fight one.
Aug 22, 2024
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  • Ben Fishman
Iran's president-elect Pezeshkian speaks in Tehran - source: Reuters
Brief Analysis
Pezeshkian’s Cabinet Reflects Iran’s Institutional Stagnation
The regime’s preference for ideological commitment over expertise has compromised its bureaucratic hiring processes and led to massive institutional decay, making it unlikely that the new president will be able to fulfill his campaign promises or otherwise govern effectively.
Aug 19, 2024
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  • Saeid Golkar
A Syrian girl waves a national flag during a protest in Idlib in support of demonstrations in Suwayda - source: Reuters
Brief Analysis
A Year of Suwayda Protests Show That Assad Is No Partner
The regime’s increasing violence against a once-loyal Druze minority is yet another reminder that “normalizing” relations with Assad will never yield the stability neighboring states crave.
Aug 16, 2024
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  • Erik Yavorsky
Brief Analysis
Countering Iran in East Syria Means Moderating the SDF
Groups supported by Iran and the Assad regime have found some local traction due in part to grievances against the Kurdish-led SDF’s governance strategy in Arab tribal areas.
Aug 16, 2024
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  • Andrew J. Tabler
Photo of Turkish and Taliban officials meeting in Ankara, October 2021.
Articles & Testimony
Looking for Legitimacy: The Taliban’s Diplomacy Campaign
In this chapter from the Jihadist Governance and Statecraft compilation, Aaron Y. Zelin explores how Afghanistan's one-time insurgents are making greater use of key instruments of state.
Aug 6, 2024
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  • Aaron Y. Zelin
◆ Jihadist Governance and Statecraft
Articles & Testimony
Retreating from Legitimacy: Hamas's Engagement In and Disengagement From Governance
In this chapter from the Jihadist Governance and Statecraft compilation, Devorah Margolin explores how Hamas has balanced the contradictions between the demands of governance and of continued terrorist operations.
Aug 6, 2024
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  • Devorah Margolin
◆ Jihadist Governance and Statecraft
Hezbollah March
Articles & Testimony
Hezbollah Shadow Governance in Lebanon
In this chapter from the Jihadist Governance and Statecraft compilation, Mattew Levitt examines how Hezbollah exercises authority from outside the halls of formal state power.
Aug 6, 2024
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  • Matthew Levitt
◆ Jihadist Governance and Statecraft
Iraqi flag
Articles & Testimony
Shia Jihadist State Capture in Iraq
In this chapter from the Jihadist Governance and Statecraft compilation, Michael Knights explores the scope and nature of jihadist governance in Iraq.
Aug 5, 2024
◆
  • Michael Knights
◆ Jihadist Governance and Statecraft
Swearing-in ceremony for PA cabinet, March 31, 2024. Mahmoud Abbas is third from right; the new PM, Muhammad Mustafa, is to his left.
In-Depth Reports
Reforming the Palestinian Authority:
A Roadmap for Change
The beleaguered governing body requires an overhaul in order to support West Bank stability, postwar governance of Gaza, and a revived political process with Israel.
Jul 22, 2024
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  • Neomi Neumann
  • Ghaith al-Omari
Iran's president-elect Pezeshkian speaks in Tehran - source: Reuters
Video
Brief Analysis
Opportunities and Risks with Iran's New Government
Three experts discuss the domestic and foreign implications of Masoud Pezeshkian’s presidential election victory—including the need to temper any expectations that he is able or willing to pursue substantial change.
Jul 18, 2024
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  • Patrick Clawson
  • Holly Dagres
  • Saeid Golkar

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Supported by the

Project Fikra: Defeating Extremism through the Power of Ideas

Fikra n. [Arabic] "Idea"

The Washington Institute's Project Fikra is a multiyear program of research, publication, and network-building designed to generate policy ideas for promoting positive change and countering the spread of extremism in the Middle East.

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Featured experts

Catherine Cleveland
Catherine Cleveland
Catherine Cleveland is The Washington Institute's Croft-Wagner Family Senior Fellow and managing editor of Fikra Forum.
Ben Fishman
Ben Fishman
Ben Fishman is the Steven D. Levy Senior Fellow in the Linda and Tony Rubin Program on Arab Politics at The Washington Institute, where he focuses on North Africa.
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