Abu Aardvark
@abuaardvark.bsky.social
Marc Lynch. GW Professor, POMEPS commander, Brewers fan. The one true Abu Aardvark. AMERICA’S MIDDLE EAST. Find me at https://abuaardvarkghost.ghost.io
Pinned
Abu Aardvark
@abuaardvark.bsky.social
· Aug 14
America's Middle East | Hurst Publishers
From the Gulf War to Gaza, a compelling critique of how and why Washington ensnared itself so destructively in the Middle East.
www.hurstpublishers.com
“Written with passion, precision, honesty and courage. Essential reading on how American myopia, bias and hypocrisy set the stage for Gaza” — David D. Kirkpatrick
“The world needs this book, now more than ever.’ — Fida Jiryis
Pre-order America’s Middle East
www.hurstpublishers.com/book/america...
“The world needs this book, now more than ever.’ — Fida Jiryis
Pre-order America’s Middle East
www.hurstpublishers.com/book/america...
Reposted by Abu Aardvark
Absolutely insane news from Egypt, where award-winning human rights lawyer Mohamed el-Baqer has had his terrorism designation renewed for another five years.
Mohamed was pardoned by Sisi in July 2023 after being prosecuted and after serving jail time for his work as a lawyer.
Mohamed was pardoned by Sisi in July 2023 after being prosecuted and after serving jail time for his work as a lawyer.
November 25, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Absolutely insane news from Egypt, where award-winning human rights lawyer Mohamed el-Baqer has had his terrorism designation renewed for another five years.
Mohamed was pardoned by Sisi in July 2023 after being prosecuted and after serving jail time for his work as a lawyer.
Mohamed was pardoned by Sisi in July 2023 after being prosecuted and after serving jail time for his work as a lawyer.
Reposted by Abu Aardvark
Israel’s genocide has destroyed nearly 90% of Gaza’s economy, causing the worst economic collapse ever recorded. In 2024 alone, Israel caused Gaza’s GDP to decline by 83%, according to data reported by the UN Trade and Development agency. Now, Gaza’s economy stands at just 13% of its 2022 levels.
Gaza Economy at 13 Percent of Pre-Genocide Level, With Worst Collapse on Record
“Multidimensional poverty now engulfs all Gazans,” one UN official said.
truthout.org
November 25, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Israel’s genocide has destroyed nearly 90% of Gaza’s economy, causing the worst economic collapse ever recorded. In 2024 alone, Israel caused Gaza’s GDP to decline by 83%, according to data reported by the UN Trade and Development agency. Now, Gaza’s economy stands at just 13% of its 2022 levels.
Reposted by Abu Aardvark
ICE arrests a professor (on an H-1B) for having the gall to go to a conference
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 25, 2025 at 7:51 PM
ICE arrests a professor (on an H-1B) for having the gall to go to a conference
Reposted by Abu Aardvark
A professor at the University of #Oklahoma, has been released from ICE custody after being detained on Saturday, posting- "It was a deeply distressing experience, especially seeing those without the support I had." okcfox.com/news/local/o...
OU professor with valid visa reportedly released from ICE custody
UPDATE:Dr. Vahid Abedini, a professor at the University of Oklahoma, has been released from ICE custody after being detained on Saturday.Dr.Abedini posted on
okcfox.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:03 PM
A professor at the University of #Oklahoma, has been released from ICE custody after being detained on Saturday, posting- "It was a deeply distressing experience, especially seeing those without the support I had." okcfox.com/news/local/o...
Reposted by Abu Aardvark
NEXT WEEK (12/3): The Middle East Policy Forum will host Dalia Dassa Kaye and moderator Sina Azodi for a conversation about the timely and rigorous analysis found in her new book, Enduring Hostility: The Making of America's Iran Policy. For more information about the event, please visit our website.
Enduring Hostility: The Making of America's Iran Policy | Dalia Dassa Kaye - Institute for Middle East Studies
buff.ly
November 24, 2025 at 12:15 PM
NEXT WEEK (12/3): The Middle East Policy Forum will host Dalia Dassa Kaye and moderator Sina Azodi for a conversation about the timely and rigorous analysis found in her new book, Enduring Hostility: The Making of America's Iran Policy. For more information about the event, please visit our website.
Reposted by Abu Aardvark
Two Palestinian children have been killed on average each day since the cease-fire began, according to Gaza Health Ministry data and a UNICEF report.
www.haaretz.com/gaza/2025-11...
www.haaretz.com/gaza/2025-11...
Airstrikes, hunger, waiting for evacuation: Gaza's children face a fragile cease-fire
Two Palestinian Children Have Been Killed on Average Each Day Since the Cease-fire Began, According to Gaza Health Ministry Data and a UNICEF Report. The UN Says About 4,000 Children in the Enclave Ur...
www.haaretz.com
November 23, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Two Palestinian children have been killed on average each day since the cease-fire began, according to Gaza Health Ministry data and a UNICEF report.
www.haaretz.com/gaza/2025-11...
www.haaretz.com/gaza/2025-11...
Just arrived at MESA in DC for a couple of days. Hope to see a lot of you here, and don’t miss our reception Monday night!
November 23, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Just arrived at MESA in DC for a couple of days. Hope to see a lot of you here, and don’t miss our reception Monday night!
Israel just bombed southern Beirut. At least the Gaza ceasefire is holding oh wait
apnews.com/article/gaza...
apnews.com/article/gaza...
Israel launches strikes in Gaza ceasefire's latest test as hospitals say 24 killed
Israel's military says it has launched new airstrikes against Hamas militants in Gaza, testing the ceasefire that began on Oct. 10.
apnews.com
November 23, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Israel just bombed southern Beirut. At least the Gaza ceasefire is holding oh wait
apnews.com/article/gaza...
apnews.com/article/gaza...
Reposted by Abu Aardvark
Our books in Middle East studies reflect the interdisciplinary and global approach of our list. Stop by booth 48 or visit us online to check out our new titles for 2025-2026! buff.ly/V5fihtc @mesa1966.bsky.social #MESA2025
November 23, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Our books in Middle East studies reflect the interdisciplinary and global approach of our list. Stop by booth 48 or visit us online to check out our new titles for 2025-2026! buff.ly/V5fihtc @mesa1966.bsky.social #MESA2025
Still life of dog helplessly watching the squirrel 🐿️ plunder the bird feeder.
November 23, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Still life of dog helplessly watching the squirrel 🐿️ plunder the bird feeder.
Reposted by Abu Aardvark
Facts. He’s a danger to this nation. There aren’t reforms that can fix what he has done. What’s been undone will take possibly decades to repair. He must go. Thank you @gregggonsalves.bsky.social
RFK Jr., American Psycho
He needs to go. Now.
www.thenation.com
November 22, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Facts. He’s a danger to this nation. There aren’t reforms that can fix what he has done. What’s been undone will take possibly decades to repair. He must go. Thank you @gregggonsalves.bsky.social
Reposted by Abu Aardvark
Well, this is chilling AF.
The Department of Education is suing Penn (in their quest for "combat antisemitism") requesting detailed information about Jewish faculty and staff.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
1/2
The Department of Education is suing Penn (in their quest for "combat antisemitism") requesting detailed information about Jewish faculty and staff.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
1/2
storage.courtlistener.com
November 22, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Well, this is chilling AF.
The Department of Education is suing Penn (in their quest for "combat antisemitism") requesting detailed information about Jewish faculty and staff.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
1/2
The Department of Education is suing Penn (in their quest for "combat antisemitism") requesting detailed information about Jewish faculty and staff.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
1/2
Reposted by Abu Aardvark
“The history of creating lists of Jewish people for the government is one of the most frightening in world history. And the idea that this is being done in the interest of the Jewish community is particularly frightening.” 🎁 www.nytimes.com/2025/11/21/u...
Federal Suit Seeking Names of Some Jewish Employees at Penn Sparks Backlash
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/21/us/eeoc-university-pennsylvania-antisemitism-jewish.html?unlocked_article_code=1.3E8.ODOB.NL7ALQJQgdAv&smid=nytcore-ios-share”
November 22, 2025 at 3:51 PM
“The history of creating lists of Jewish people for the government is one of the most frightening in world history. And the idea that this is being done in the interest of the Jewish community is particularly frightening.” 🎁 www.nytimes.com/2025/11/21/u...
“instead of trying to separate from the Persian Gulf petrostates, Mr. Trump is reshaping America to look more like them: top-down, iron-fisted, resource-rich and more than willing to flash those resources as weapons.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/22/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/22/o...
Opinion | The Real Reason Trump Is Fawning Over Saudi Arabia’s Ruler
www.nytimes.com
November 22, 2025 at 4:23 PM
“instead of trying to separate from the Persian Gulf petrostates, Mr. Trump is reshaping America to look more like them: top-down, iron-fisted, resource-rich and more than willing to flash those resources as weapons.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/22/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/22/o...
Reposted by Abu Aardvark
Using the Sterling Arms XLCR as an illustrative example, I discuss the web of money and guns that the UAE operates to fuel the RSF's activities in Sudan, where it has been credibly accused of committing genocide. Until something is done about this, the killing will only continue.
Illicit Arms in Sudan
How foreign actors and lax arms export regimes are fueling genocide in Sudan
someforeignfield.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:41 PM
Using the Sterling Arms XLCR as an illustrative example, I discuss the web of money and guns that the UAE operates to fuel the RSF's activities in Sudan, where it has been credibly accused of committing genocide. Until something is done about this, the killing will only continue.
Appreciate this outstanding and thoughtful review of AMERCA’S MIDDLE EAST
www.irishtimes.com/culture/book...
www.irishtimes.com/culture/book...
America’s Middle East by Marc Lynch: An excellent and angry analysis of an American mess
If this study can make for repetitive reading at times, that is the fault of several American administrations that have endlessly repeated the same blunders
www.irishtimes.com
November 22, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Appreciate this outstanding and thoughtful review of AMERCA’S MIDDLE EAST
www.irishtimes.com/culture/book...
www.irishtimes.com/culture/book...
“While Gen Z 212’s slogans and hashtags are new, the underlying message of citizens weary of government indifference is not.”
Good Samia Errazzouki analysis of Morocco’s latest protest movement.
arabcenterdc.org/resource/mor...
Good Samia Errazzouki analysis of Morocco’s latest protest movement.
arabcenterdc.org/resource/mor...
Morocco at Breaking Point? Drought, Misrule, and the Rise of Gen Z 212
From late September to mid-October 2025, Moroccans across the country descended into the streets to once again demand change from their government. Under the banner of a leaderless youth coalition dub...
arabcenterdc.org
November 21, 2025 at 4:01 PM
“While Gen Z 212’s slogans and hashtags are new, the underlying message of citizens weary of government indifference is not.”
Good Samia Errazzouki analysis of Morocco’s latest protest movement.
arabcenterdc.org/resource/mor...
Good Samia Errazzouki analysis of Morocco’s latest protest movement.
arabcenterdc.org/resource/mor...
As they pivot to AI in search of something even worse for the planet
November 20, 2025 at 9:13 PM
As they pivot to AI in search of something even worse for the planet
Good. Send those goobers home.
Judge rules Trump’s DC National Guard deployment was illegal
Judge rules Trump’s DC National Guard deployment was illegal
The judge postponed the impact of her decision until Dec. 11 to give the Trump administration time to appeal her decision.
dlvr.it
November 20, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Good. Send those goobers home.
David Byrne has a new album out and now I’m deep down a Talking Heads obsession rabbit hole. Same as it ever was.
a close up of a man 's face with the words same as it ever was
ALT: a close up of a man 's face with the words same as it ever was
media.tenor.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:02 PM
David Byrne has a new album out and now I’m deep down a Talking Heads obsession rabbit hole. Same as it ever was.
It should be humiliating to be considered an acceptable hire by anyone in this administration
Since the shell organization that is the Wilson Center has 8 employees, the new fellows should be ready to wear a lot of different hats. 🤔
www.wilsoncenter.org/article/wils...
www.wilsoncenter.org/article/wils...
WILSON CENTER CONTINUES TO EXPAND UPDATED FELLOWS PROGRAM BY NAMING FOUR NEW DISTINGUISHED FELLOWS
www.wilsoncenter.org
November 20, 2025 at 7:38 PM
It should be humiliating to be considered an acceptable hire by anyone in this administration
Reposted by Abu Aardvark
1/3 In the last few days something odd has been happening with posts on X in Hebrew. Non-Hebrew speakers would click “translate” and, for some posts, would get a translation. Other posts, though, would trigger a message saying “Hebrew is not currently supported for translation”.
How X got into a muddle over ‘inflammatory’ posts in Hebrew
Over the last few days something odd has been happening with posts on X in Hebrew. Non-Hebrew speakers wishing to know what they were…
medium.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:46 PM
1/3 In the last few days something odd has been happening with posts on X in Hebrew. Non-Hebrew speakers would click “translate” and, for some posts, would get a translation. Other posts, though, would trigger a message saying “Hebrew is not currently supported for translation”.
Reposted by Abu Aardvark
After the Jan 6 attack, when the Trump brand became toxic, Saudi Arabia became one of the most important sources of new deals for the Trump Organization.
My latest for @theguardian.com on how Trump and MBS bailed each other out | www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
My latest for @theguardian.com on how Trump and MBS bailed each other out | www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
November 20, 2025 at 2:36 AM
After the Jan 6 attack, when the Trump brand became toxic, Saudi Arabia became one of the most important sources of new deals for the Trump Organization.
My latest for @theguardian.com on how Trump and MBS bailed each other out | www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
My latest for @theguardian.com on how Trump and MBS bailed each other out | www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
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 3:29 PM
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...
