James Ryan
@jdryan08.bsky.social
Executive Director, Middle East Research and Information Project (www.merip.org | @merip.bsky.social). Adjuncting at Rowan University. Historian interested in Turkey, Prodigal Son of Philadelphia. Usual caveats.
This is sad. I was introduced to Stoppard’s work in an undergrad course on drama with David Bevington and Nicholas Ruddel. Travesties is still a favorite of mine, and was lucky to see back to back productions of that play and the Importance of Being Earnest at the Court Theater back then.
November 29, 2025 at 5:22 PM
This is sad. I was introduced to Stoppard’s work in an undergrad course on drama with David Bevington and Nicholas Ruddel. Travesties is still a favorite of mine, and was lucky to see back to back productions of that play and the Importance of Being Earnest at the Court Theater back then.
Reposted by James Ryan
DHS's stated justification for Abak's abduction is that he has a criminal case in Turkey, but the circumstances of that case form a substantial part of the basis for his asylum application, and he's followed the asylum process to the letter.
ICE Takes Kurdish Asylum Seeker The Day Before His Wife Became A US Citizen: 'I Cannot Do This Alone'
At the time of his detention, Enes Abak had a pending asylum petition and an upcoming immigration court hearing. His wife is now fighting for his release. "We were following every letter of the law," ...
blockclubchicago.org
November 29, 2025 at 2:18 AM
DHS's stated justification for Abak's abduction is that he has a criminal case in Turkey, but the circumstances of that case form a substantial part of the basis for his asylum application, and he's followed the asylum process to the letter.
The next administration needs to seriously rewire higher ed funding in this country to prioritize public 2 and 4 year schools.
BREAKING: Northwestern University has agreed to pay the U.S. Treasury $75 million, over the course of three years as part of an agreement with the federal government to restore funding and end investigations into the university
Full statement from NU below:
Full statement from NU below:
November 29, 2025 at 2:03 AM
The next administration needs to seriously rewire higher ed funding in this country to prioritize public 2 and 4 year schools.
Reposted by James Ryan
Amnesty International: "The ceasefire risks creating a dangerous illusion that life in Gaza is returning to normal... the world must not be fooled. Israel’s genocide is not over.”
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
November 28, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Amnesty International: "The ceasefire risks creating a dangerous illusion that life in Gaza is returning to normal... the world must not be fooled. Israel’s genocide is not over.”
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Reposted by James Ryan
In the long term this is what will kill what's left of America's miniscule credibility in MENA: US-backed ceasefires are when the Arab ceases and Israel continues to fire.
And this is not a Trump problem, but a bipartisan problem. This "ceasefire" was achieved by the previous president.
And this is not a Trump problem, but a bipartisan problem. This "ceasefire" was achieved by the previous president.
A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect a year ago today.
Since then, Israel has violated the ceasefire nearly 10,000 times: 7,500 violations of Lebanese airspace and almost 2,500 ground violations, according to the UN.
Since then, Israel has violated the ceasefire nearly 10,000 times: 7,500 violations of Lebanese airspace and almost 2,500 ground violations, according to the UN.
Lebanon: Israel’s attacks continue one year into "ceasefire"
www.nrc.no
November 28, 2025 at 2:22 AM
In the long term this is what will kill what's left of America's miniscule credibility in MENA: US-backed ceasefires are when the Arab ceases and Israel continues to fire.
And this is not a Trump problem, but a bipartisan problem. This "ceasefire" was achieved by the previous president.
And this is not a Trump problem, but a bipartisan problem. This "ceasefire" was achieved by the previous president.
In 2006, when Benedict visited, a first for any Pope, I was a student at Bilkent and decided to check out the scene with five or so other Americans there. We showed up outside Anıt Kabir… and we were the only civilians there. Busloads of police, snipers, and a few TV journalists. Bizarre experience.
Of course the first American pope has Turkey for Thanksgiving.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/27/w...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/27/w...
In Turkey, Pope Meets Erdogan With Message of Outreach
www.nytimes.com
November 27, 2025 at 3:55 PM
In 2006, when Benedict visited, a first for any Pope, I was a student at Bilkent and decided to check out the scene with five or so other Americans there. We showed up outside Anıt Kabir… and we were the only civilians there. Busloads of police, snipers, and a few TV journalists. Bizarre experience.
Reposted by James Ryan
My analysis of Syria’s ongoing transformation, based on sources in Turkish, Arabic, English.🧵
1) After the defeat of the democratic revolution, the transformation has been guided by capitalist geopolitics and the remaking of the global field of Islamism.
spectrejournal.com/the-evolutio...
1) After the defeat of the democratic revolution, the transformation has been guided by capitalist geopolitics and the remaking of the global field of Islamism.
spectrejournal.com/the-evolutio...
The Evolution of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham and Syria's Future – Spectre Journal
Cihan Tuğal looks at the interplay between HTS's movement dynamics and capitalist geopolitics to analyze the prospects for Syria's future.
spectrejournal.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:35 AM
My analysis of Syria’s ongoing transformation, based on sources in Turkish, Arabic, English.🧵
1) After the defeat of the democratic revolution, the transformation has been guided by capitalist geopolitics and the remaking of the global field of Islamism.
spectrejournal.com/the-evolutio...
1) After the defeat of the democratic revolution, the transformation has been guided by capitalist geopolitics and the remaking of the global field of Islamism.
spectrejournal.com/the-evolutio...
Reposted by James Ryan
He has now been released
November 25, 2025 at 1:57 PM
He has now been released
Reposted by James Ryan
My colleague, Dr. Vahid Abedini, was illegally detained by ICE on Saturday. He is currently being held without a court date in sight, despite being in the country legally. Please spread the word! We must ensure his due process rights are upheld. www.oudaily.com/news/ou-prof...
OU College of International Studies professor reportedly arrested by ICE
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement reportedly arrested an OU professor at Will Rogers International Airport Saturday.
www.oudaily.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:05 PM
My colleague, Dr. Vahid Abedini, was illegally detained by ICE on Saturday. He is currently being held without a court date in sight, despite being in the country legally. Please spread the word! We must ensure his due process rights are upheld. www.oudaily.com/news/ou-prof...
Reposted by James Ryan
Rep. Jacob Rosecrants is in touch with State Rep. Jared Deck (Norman) and Rep. Tom Cole (Repub). The office of U.S. Sen. James Lankford (Repub) has been made aware.
They can't find Dr. Abedini's location. Important for several reasons including filing habeas corpus docs.
URL: x.com/jacobrosecra...
They can't find Dr. Abedini's location. Important for several reasons including filing habeas corpus docs.
URL: x.com/jacobrosecra...
![Rep. Jacob Rosecrants 🌩️
@jacobrosecrants
I’m aware of this awful situation, shared by my constituent Dr. Landis. Nobody seems to know where Dr. Abedini is being held, tho he has contacted family. Rep. Deck reached out to Rep. Cole & Sen. Lankford’s office is looped in. Here to be a squeaky wheel & help however I can.
[screenshot of Prof. Landis' tweet about Dr. Abedini being seized by ICE]
8:23 PM • Nov 24, 2025 • 1,351 Views](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:2wyqv44lm72vasmddeqjgy72/bafkreiad7pgvpg5ds7s3rjys6u2psnfdiwhouicddgt5qdr2f4qhxax63y@jpeg)
November 25, 2025 at 3:32 AM
Rep. Jacob Rosecrants is in touch with State Rep. Jared Deck (Norman) and Rep. Tom Cole (Repub). The office of U.S. Sen. James Lankford (Repub) has been made aware.
They can't find Dr. Abedini's location. Important for several reasons including filing habeas corpus docs.
URL: x.com/jacobrosecra...
They can't find Dr. Abedini's location. Important for several reasons including filing habeas corpus docs.
URL: x.com/jacobrosecra...
Reposted by James Ryan
On Nov. 22, Vahid Abedini, an Iranian Studies professor at University of Oklahoma, was boarding a flight to attend the Middle East Studies Assn mtg in Washington, D.C. when he was detained by ICE.
OU Prof Joshua Landis says "he has been wrongfully detained because he has a valid H-1B visa."
OU Prof Joshua Landis says "he has been wrongfully detained because he has a valid H-1B visa."
November 24, 2025 at 10:33 PM
On Nov. 22, Vahid Abedini, an Iranian Studies professor at University of Oklahoma, was boarding a flight to attend the Middle East Studies Assn mtg in Washington, D.C. when he was detained by ICE.
OU Prof Joshua Landis says "he has been wrongfully detained because he has a valid H-1B visa."
OU Prof Joshua Landis says "he has been wrongfully detained because he has a valid H-1B visa."
Reposted by James Ryan
Reposted by James Ryan
REMINDER: We have a LIVE event in Washington DC on Saturday! Come join MERIP contributors Aslı Bâli, Joel Beinin, Lisa Hajjar, Zachary Lockman, Sarah Leah Whitson, Mouin Rabbani, Joan Mandell and Rick Reinhard, MC'd by Joost Hiltermann and w/ music from the Fast Flying Vestibule!
Honoring Joe Stork, Live in DC
November 22 @ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
buff.ly
November 20, 2025 at 5:01 PM
REMINDER: We have a LIVE event in Washington DC on Saturday! Come join MERIP contributors Aslı Bâli, Joel Beinin, Lisa Hajjar, Zachary Lockman, Sarah Leah Whitson, Mouin Rabbani, Joan Mandell and Rick Reinhard, MC'd by Joost Hiltermann and w/ music from the Fast Flying Vestibule!
Reposted by James Ryan
Trump in a room with a very charismatic person results in like half a day of Trump agreeing with everything that person said, so this has the potential to be very, very funny.
Trump says he’s meeting with “communist” Mamdani at the White House on Friday
November 20, 2025 at 1:55 AM
Trump in a room with a very charismatic person results in like half a day of Trump agreeing with everything that person said, so this has the potential to be very, very funny.
Reposted by James Ryan
Images of the first amputee football tournament in Gaza by photojournalist Rizek Abdel Jawad.
nbmediacoop.org/2025/11/21/p...
nbmediacoop.org/2025/11/21/p...
November 21, 2025 at 11:03 PM
Images of the first amputee football tournament in Gaza by photojournalist Rizek Abdel Jawad.
nbmediacoop.org/2025/11/21/p...
nbmediacoop.org/2025/11/21/p...
Reposted by James Ryan
It seems to break people's minds (both left and liberal, but more often liberal) that Israel and the GCC make up two constituent parts of an overarching US led political system in the Middle East and that support for the states committing genocide in Gaza and Sudan is complementary to each other.
November 20, 2025 at 9:48 PM
It seems to break people's minds (both left and liberal, but more often liberal) that Israel and the GCC make up two constituent parts of an overarching US led political system in the Middle East and that support for the states committing genocide in Gaza and Sudan is complementary to each other.
Join us in DC! We got a great lineup!!
REMINDER: We have a LIVE event in Washington DC on Saturday! Come join MERIP contributors Aslı Bâli, Joel Beinin, Lisa Hajjar, Zachary Lockman, Sarah Leah Whitson, Mouin Rabbani, Joan Mandell and Rick Reinhard, MC'd by Joost Hiltermann and w/ music from the Fast Flying Vestibule!
Honoring Joe Stork, Live in DC
November 22 @ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
buff.ly
November 20, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Join us in DC! We got a great lineup!!
Manufacturing consent 101.
Elliott Abrams says regime change is the only way forward in Venezuela and nothing could go wrong. Just like with Iraq. Do we really have to do this again?
www.foreignaffairs.com/united-state...
www.foreignaffairs.com/united-state...
How to Topple Maduro
And why regime change is the only way forward in Venezuela.
www.foreignaffairs.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Manufacturing consent 101.
Reposted by James Ryan
Costs (the money needed to provide an education) have risen. Prices (what students pay) have been at or below inflation for the past decade. That doesn't get nearly enough attention.
NPR folks, you know where to find me.
NPR folks, you know where to find me.
November 20, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Costs (the money needed to provide an education) have risen. Prices (what students pay) have been at or below inflation for the past decade. That doesn't get nearly enough attention.
NPR folks, you know where to find me.
NPR folks, you know where to find me.
The two that I’ve read recently that fit this bill are: Sam Anderson, /Boom Town/ and Bird & Sherwin’s /American Prometheus/. The first is one of the most inventive histories I’ve ever read, the second among the most sure handed. Both were enthralling.
Ok BlueSky: what are your favorite history books in terms of sheer page-turning, narrative propulsion? Thinking along the line of Killers of the Flower Moon, etc. Nonfiction chronicles that read like novels or movies.
November 20, 2025 at 1:08 AM
The two that I’ve read recently that fit this bill are: Sam Anderson, /Boom Town/ and Bird & Sherwin’s /American Prometheus/. The first is one of the most inventive histories I’ve ever read, the second among the most sure handed. Both were enthralling.
When I moved back to Philly, I hoped to get to eat at as many of the nice places I could before they got a star and became stupid expensive. Lucky to have dined at 2/3 awarded in the first round, and have more time to get around to the rest!
For the first time ever, Philadelphia has a Michelin star. ⭐️
Amanda Shulman and Alex Kemp won the prestigious Michelin star for Her Place Supper Club. She started in the biz by cooking for friends at her Penn campus apartment.
🔴 Live updates: www.inquirer.com/food/live/mi...
Amanda Shulman and Alex Kemp won the prestigious Michelin star for Her Place Supper Club. She started in the biz by cooking for friends at her Penn campus apartment.
🔴 Live updates: www.inquirer.com/food/live/mi...
November 19, 2025 at 1:50 AM
When I moved back to Philly, I hoped to get to eat at as many of the nice places I could before they got a star and became stupid expensive. Lucky to have dined at 2/3 awarded in the first round, and have more time to get around to the rest!
“But he knew nothing about it.”
November 18, 2025 at 6:45 PM
“But he knew nothing about it.”
Reposted by James Ryan
“Don’t let the bastards grind you down. I love you all.”
November 15, 2025 at 6:15 AM
“Don’t let the bastards grind you down. I love you all.”
The passive voice, not just for dead Palestinians anymore!
A teenager in Florida with a homeless parent wanted money for braces and ended up having sex for money with powerful men, setting off a chain of events that would have a dramatic impact on her life and help upend the political career of Representative Matt Gaetz. nyti.ms/49PSkL9
November 14, 2025 at 1:57 AM
The passive voice, not just for dead Palestinians anymore!