Alona Ferber
@aloner.bsky.social
Senior editor, @prospectmagazine.co.uk | Co-host, The Prospect Podcast | Ex: NS, Haaretz, TBI | UK, Israel/Palestine, feminism, politics, Ursula K Le Guin | Sign up to my newsletter: http://thebacklash.substack.com |
Pinned
"Men close ranks" (and three other reads)
An Epstein files special
thebacklash.substack.com
The Backlash is out and it's an Epstein special, with reads on complicity, Me Too, men still ruling the world. With links to must-reads by @sianushka.bsky.social @carolecadwalla.bsky.social @gracepanetta.bsky.social @melindacooper.bsky.social and many others
thebacklash.substack.com/p/men-close-...
thebacklash.substack.com/p/men-close-...
The Backlash is out and it's an Epstein special, with reads on complicity, Me Too, men still ruling the world. With links to must-reads by @sianushka.bsky.social @carolecadwalla.bsky.social @gracepanetta.bsky.social @melindacooper.bsky.social and many others
thebacklash.substack.com/p/men-close-...
thebacklash.substack.com/p/men-close-...
"Men close ranks" (and three other reads)
An Epstein files special
thebacklash.substack.com
February 17, 2026 at 6:56 PM
The Backlash is out and it's an Epstein special, with reads on complicity, Me Too, men still ruling the world. With links to must-reads by @sianushka.bsky.social @carolecadwalla.bsky.social @gracepanetta.bsky.social @melindacooper.bsky.social and many others
thebacklash.substack.com/p/men-close-...
thebacklash.substack.com/p/men-close-...
Reposted by Alona Ferber
Last week, Netanyahu's security cabinet made a bunch of ostensibly boring decisions dealing with land purchases in the West Bank's Areas A & B. But behind its "smokescreen of picayune bureaucracy," writes Zehava Galon of Zulat, it de facto repealed the Oslo Accords. www.haaretz.com/opinion/2026...
Trump's condemnation will not stop Israel's right from West Bank annexation | Opinion
Even Though Trump Has Said He Is 'Against Annexation,' the Israeli Right Will Not Stop Until It Has Claimed Sovereignty Over What Was Affectionately Known as an 'Occupation,' but Is in Reality a Mass ...
www.haaretz.com
February 17, 2026 at 2:27 PM
Last week, Netanyahu's security cabinet made a bunch of ostensibly boring decisions dealing with land purchases in the West Bank's Areas A & B. But behind its "smokescreen of picayune bureaucracy," writes Zehava Galon of Zulat, it de facto repealed the Oslo Accords. www.haaretz.com/opinion/2026...
And finally we have the big Reform shadow cabinet reveal. A perfect day to revisit @mrhenrymorris.substack.com's very excellent dispatch from a Reform defectors' away day for @prospectmagazine.co.uk
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/723...
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/723...
February 17, 2026 at 1:06 PM
And finally we have the big Reform shadow cabinet reveal. A perfect day to revisit @mrhenrymorris.substack.com's very excellent dispatch from a Reform defectors' away day for @prospectmagazine.co.uk
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/723...
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/723...
Our local government sleuth is back with this column about the government's U-turn on cancelling local elections, a decision of which the government "should be ashamed", writes the Covert Councillor for @prospectmagazine.co.uk www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/724...
Cancel local elections, embolden the populists
The government has U-turned on delaying elections in 30 English councils. It should be ashamed of the ill-thought out plan
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk
February 17, 2026 at 1:03 PM
Our local government sleuth is back with this column about the government's U-turn on cancelling local elections, a decision of which the government "should be ashamed", writes the Covert Councillor for @prospectmagazine.co.uk www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/724...
Reposted by Alona Ferber
🧵 Matryoshka, Russian-state aligned bot network has introduced a hashtag HollywoodAgainstZelensky on X/Twitter yesterday.
With deepfaked audio, multiple manipulated Cameo videos make celebrities to "demand" that European leaders force Zelensky to sign a peace treaty on Russia's terms.
With deepfaked audio, multiple manipulated Cameo videos make celebrities to "demand" that European leaders force Zelensky to sign a peace treaty on Russia's terms.
February 17, 2026 at 8:40 AM
🧵 Matryoshka, Russian-state aligned bot network has introduced a hashtag HollywoodAgainstZelensky on X/Twitter yesterday.
With deepfaked audio, multiple manipulated Cameo videos make celebrities to "demand" that European leaders force Zelensky to sign a peace treaty on Russia's terms.
With deepfaked audio, multiple manipulated Cameo videos make celebrities to "demand" that European leaders force Zelensky to sign a peace treaty on Russia's terms.
Reposted by Alona Ferber
Dispatches from the #GortonandDenton by-election: local community Facebook groups are being flooded with some really dodgy 💩.
One for my neighbours in Levy and for investigative journalists - not sure whom to talk to about it.
See a few screenshots here, and 🧵on why I think it's sus below.
One for my neighbours in Levy and for investigative journalists - not sure whom to talk to about it.
See a few screenshots here, and 🧵on why I think it's sus below.
February 16, 2026 at 10:21 AM
Dispatches from the #GortonandDenton by-election: local community Facebook groups are being flooded with some really dodgy 💩.
One for my neighbours in Levy and for investigative journalists - not sure whom to talk to about it.
See a few screenshots here, and 🧵on why I think it's sus below.
One for my neighbours in Levy and for investigative journalists - not sure whom to talk to about it.
See a few screenshots here, and 🧵on why I think it's sus below.
Reposted by Alona Ferber
BBC's Arabic radio service in Lebanon closed after 85 years as part of a £28.5m savings drive. 'Just months later, in October 2023, the Russian state-owned Sputnik news agency took over the frequency. Its news bulletin opened with “This is Moscow”, replacing the previous “This is London” intro.' 🙄
BBC warns Russia is taking over World Service radio frequencies
Russian propaganda is filling the void where the BBC has closed World Service radio services due to cuts
inews.co.uk
June 10, 2025 at 6:03 AM
BBC's Arabic radio service in Lebanon closed after 85 years as part of a £28.5m savings drive. 'Just months later, in October 2023, the Russian state-owned Sputnik news agency took over the frequency. Its news bulletin opened with “This is Moscow”, replacing the previous “This is London” intro.' 🙄
Reposted by Alona Ferber
White House stands by State Department nominee who complains that "white Americans are increasingly second-class citizens," warns of "white erasure" and says "the Jews love to see themselves as oppressed." @camcgrady.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/2026/02/13/u...
Trump Nominates an Apostle of ‘White Erasure’ for the State Department
www.nytimes.com
February 14, 2026 at 4:13 PM
White House stands by State Department nominee who complains that "white Americans are increasingly second-class citizens," warns of "white erasure" and says "the Jews love to see themselves as oppressed." @camcgrady.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/2026/02/13/u...
“Data may turn out to be just like every other raw material pillaged by capital—finite, exhaustible.
This is where your AI assistant comes in”
This is where your AI assistant comes in”
The tech industry promises a future where an autonomous assistant handles all your little to-dos: finding an outfit for a wedding, buying concert tickets, planning trips. To accomplish this, they’ll need access to your data—all of it.
Bullshit Bots | Sohini Desai
Is AI really coming for entry-level jobs first, and the rest of the workforce next? Tech CEOs certainly want you to think so.
thebaffler.com
February 14, 2026 at 6:53 PM
“Data may turn out to be just like every other raw material pillaged by capital—finite, exhaustible.
This is where your AI assistant comes in”
This is where your AI assistant comes in”
Reposted by Alona Ferber
The £3,000 Observer/Anthony Burgess prize for arts journalism: last call for entries.
Ahead of the closing date on 28 February, Tim Adams, New Review editor, recalls a writer’s doomed vocation. Here’s how to enter the annual prize.
https://bit.ly/3MJ0dJi
Ahead of the closing date on 28 February, Tim Adams, New Review editor, recalls a writer’s doomed vocation. Here’s how to enter the annual prize.
https://bit.ly/3MJ0dJi
The £3,000 Observer/Anthony Burgess prize for arts journa...
Ahead of the closing date on 28 February, Tim Adams, New Review editor, recalls a writer’s doomed vocation. Here’s how to enter the annual prize
bit.ly
February 14, 2026 at 6:16 PM
The £3,000 Observer/Anthony Burgess prize for arts journalism: last call for entries.
Ahead of the closing date on 28 February, Tim Adams, New Review editor, recalls a writer’s doomed vocation. Here’s how to enter the annual prize.
https://bit.ly/3MJ0dJi
Ahead of the closing date on 28 February, Tim Adams, New Review editor, recalls a writer’s doomed vocation. Here’s how to enter the annual prize.
https://bit.ly/3MJ0dJi
Reposted by Alona Ferber
Kristi Noem: "When it gets to Election Day, we've been proactive to make sure we have the right people voting, electing the right leaders to lead this country."
February 14, 2026 at 2:51 PM
Kristi Noem: "When it gets to Election Day, we've been proactive to make sure we have the right people voting, electing the right leaders to lead this country."
Reposted by Alona Ferber
🔴 SCOOP: Wife of Starmer’s comms chief had direct knowledge of Labour Together’s investigation into journalists, documents seen by D4S show
Revelation heaps more pressure on minister Josh Simons to explain why he paid a PR firm to dig dirt on reporters
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/starmer-al...
Revelation heaps more pressure on minister Josh Simons to explain why he paid a PR firm to dig dirt on reporters
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/starmer-al...
Starmer ally Josh Simons faces fresh questions about digging dirt on journalists
Tory and SNP chiefs call for Labour minister Simons to ‘come clean’ as we reveal new details of PR firm’s campaign to discredit journalists
democracyforsale.substack.com
February 14, 2026 at 10:41 AM
🔴 SCOOP: Wife of Starmer’s comms chief had direct knowledge of Labour Together’s investigation into journalists, documents seen by D4S show
Revelation heaps more pressure on minister Josh Simons to explain why he paid a PR firm to dig dirt on reporters
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/starmer-al...
Revelation heaps more pressure on minister Josh Simons to explain why he paid a PR firm to dig dirt on reporters
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/starmer-al...
Reposted by Alona Ferber
OH YEAH and here's the link to buy it in such a way that you DON'T HAVE TO GET IT FROM AMAZON:
www.penguin.co.uk/books/180872...
www.penguin.co.uk/books/180872...
February 13, 2026 at 4:37 PM
OH YEAH and here's the link to buy it in such a way that you DON'T HAVE TO GET IT FROM AMAZON:
www.penguin.co.uk/books/180872...
www.penguin.co.uk/books/180872...
Reposted by Alona Ferber
WELL.
UK DECISION TO BAN PALESTINE ACTION AS TERROR GROUP UNLAWFUL, LONDON'S HIGH COURT RULES
February 13, 2026 at 10:08 AM
WELL.
Reposted by Alona Ferber
it's *always* the women. always.
'Mr Goodwin also appeared to agree with the host’s claim that universities have become hotbeds of “politically correct authoritarianism” because they are full of “childless women”.'
Reform candidate calls for young girls to be given "biological reality check" www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
February 13, 2026 at 10:06 AM
it's *always* the women. always.
Fascinating
Where do parents find the time to parent? Less sleep, work and screens.
Amazing chart feat. in @alphaville.ft.com Further Reading.
homeeconomics.substack.com/p/where-do-p...
Amazing chart feat. in @alphaville.ft.com Further Reading.
homeeconomics.substack.com/p/where-do-p...
February 13, 2026 at 8:19 AM
Fascinating
Reposted by Alona Ferber
I don't talk to anyone this much
www.economist.com/interactive/...
www.economist.com/interactive/...
February 12, 2026 at 3:58 PM
I don't talk to anyone this much
www.economist.com/interactive/...
www.economist.com/interactive/...
Reposted by Alona Ferber
Over on threads someone just use ai;dr and we all need to adopt that right quick
February 11, 2026 at 7:56 PM
Over on threads someone just use ai;dr and we all need to adopt that right quick
Reposted by Alona Ferber
Well done to Sky for correcting this bit of ignorance.
As shown extensively in the Epstein files there's plenty of proof that being rich doesn't mean you have any great insights into the world.
As shown extensively in the Epstein files there's plenty of proof that being rich doesn't mean you have any great insights into the world.
February 11, 2026 at 5:33 PM
Well done to Sky for correcting this bit of ignorance.
As shown extensively in the Epstein files there's plenty of proof that being rich doesn't mean you have any great insights into the world.
As shown extensively in the Epstein files there's plenty of proof that being rich doesn't mean you have any great insights into the world.
Reposted by Alona Ferber
Jonn Elledge @jonnelledge.bsky.social sums up why Starmer is responsible for voters hating him after such a short time:
February 11, 2026 at 4:12 PM
Jonn Elledge @jonnelledge.bsky.social sums up why Starmer is responsible for voters hating him after such a short time:
Reposted by Alona Ferber
Is it now a condition of joining Reform Jewish Alliance to agree that testimony of Jewish pupils,other minorities & their friends about antisemitism are lies+a smear? (Or is Mendoza asking people to trust Farage now, but not insist they challenge the sincere testimony?)
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Nigel Farage's racism denials are dishonest, says ex-classmate
Peter Ettedgui tells the BBC Nigel Farage targeted antisemitic abuse at him when they were teenagers.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 11, 2026 at 12:26 PM
Is it now a condition of joining Reform Jewish Alliance to agree that testimony of Jewish pupils,other minorities & their friends about antisemitism are lies+a smear? (Or is Mendoza asking people to trust Farage now, but not insist they challenge the sincere testimony?)
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Alona Ferber
Reposted by Alona Ferber
Refreshing to see criminal and journalistic investigations go forward in Norway. The scandal is meaningful and there is a meaningful response. All of us should do so well.
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
Two senior Norwegian diplomats being investigated over Epstein links
Financial crimes squad investigate husband and wife in connection to alleged relationship with late sex offender
www.theguardian.com
February 11, 2026 at 2:10 AM
Refreshing to see criminal and journalistic investigations go forward in Norway. The scandal is meaningful and there is a meaningful response. All of us should do so well.
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
Reposted by Alona Ferber
"History is women following behind with the bucket."
So Morgan McSweeney has been replaced by Jill Cuthbertson and Vidhya Alakeson. Antonia Romeo is about to take over from Chris Wormald. Steph Driver may return to fill Tim Allan's vacancy.
Sense that now there's a mess to mop up, get the women in
So Morgan McSweeney has been replaced by Jill Cuthbertson and Vidhya Alakeson. Antonia Romeo is about to take over from Chris Wormald. Steph Driver may return to fill Tim Allan's vacancy.
Sense that now there's a mess to mop up, get the women in
February 11, 2026 at 11:05 AM
"History is women following behind with the bucket."
So Morgan McSweeney has been replaced by Jill Cuthbertson and Vidhya Alakeson. Antonia Romeo is about to take over from Chris Wormald. Steph Driver may return to fill Tim Allan's vacancy.
Sense that now there's a mess to mop up, get the women in
So Morgan McSweeney has been replaced by Jill Cuthbertson and Vidhya Alakeson. Antonia Romeo is about to take over from Chris Wormald. Steph Driver may return to fill Tim Allan's vacancy.
Sense that now there's a mess to mop up, get the women in
Wednesday is @prospectmagazine.co.uk! This week @ellenhalliday.bsky.social and I speak with none other than our new boss, the former Labour speechwriter @philipjcollins1.bsky.social, about the government's ongoing crisis. How long can Starmer cling on?
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/podcasts/pro...
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/podcasts/pro...
Starmer’s days of peril aren’t over
The prime minister appears to have clung on for now—but how long can he survive?
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk
February 11, 2026 at 10:43 AM
Wednesday is @prospectmagazine.co.uk! This week @ellenhalliday.bsky.social and I speak with none other than our new boss, the former Labour speechwriter @philipjcollins1.bsky.social, about the government's ongoing crisis. How long can Starmer cling on?
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/podcasts/pro...
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/podcasts/pro...