Hussein Ibish
@ibishblog.bsky.social
Senior Resident Scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute (AGSI), weekly columnist for The National, and writer and speaker at large. Former Bloomberg columnist and New York Times regular contributor, now writing a lot for The Atlantic.
This was arguably the best panel we’ve held in the ten year history of @gulfstatesinst.bsky.social
November 12: "The U.S.-Saudi Partnership Ahead of the Crown Prince’s Washington Visit" with Hesham Alghannam, Kristin Smith Diwan, F. Gregory Gause, lll, Bernard Haykel, and @ibishblog.bsky.social.
The U.S.-Saudi Partnership Ahead of the Crown Prince’s Washington Visit - AGSI
On November 12, AGSI will host a discussion about the U.S.-Saudi partnership ahead of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Washington.
agsi.org
November 14, 2025 at 2:47 AM
This was arguably the best panel we’ve held in the ten year history of @gulfstatesinst.bsky.social
Don’t fuck with the amazing Richard Byrne
stage-write.ghost.io/not-so-wonde...
stage-write.ghost.io/not-so-wonde...
Not So Wonderful Things
An essay by Richard Byrne.
I went to the Smithsonian Institution’s Archive of American Art on September 2, 2025. My friend and colleague Jarett Kobek asked me to do so in late August, when he saw an ...
stage-write.ghost.io
November 14, 2025 at 2:45 AM
Don’t fuck with the amazing Richard Byrne
stage-write.ghost.io/not-so-wonde...
stage-write.ghost.io/not-so-wonde...
Reposted by Hussein Ibish
"In the end, the big news was the extent to which the Arab countries put their differences aside and decided to back the same ideas. This is a very important inflection point in the ability of Arab states to work together." @ibishblog.bsky.social agsi.org/events/after...
After the Cease-Fire: The Regional Component of the Future of Gaza - AGSI
On November 4, AGSI and ROPES will co-host a discussion about regional dynamics after the recent Israel-Hamas cease-fire.
agsi.org
November 4, 2025 at 5:36 PM
"In the end, the big news was the extent to which the Arab countries put their differences aside and decided to back the same ideas. This is a very important inflection point in the ability of Arab states to work together." @ibishblog.bsky.social agsi.org/events/after...
Reposted by Hussein Ibish
Saudi Arabia has long sought a formula for clarifying the regional security role of the large-scale U.S. military facilities in the Gulf region, especially the significant air base in Qatar and naval headquarters in Bahrain. @ibishblog.bsky.social
Four Priorities for Mohammed bin Salman in Washington - AGSI
When the Saudi crown prince meets President Trump in Washington, the main topics of discussion are likely to be commercial deals, a defense pact, a Saudi civilian nuclear program, and normalization…
agsi.org
November 11, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Saudi Arabia has long sought a formula for clarifying the regional security role of the large-scale U.S. military facilities in the Gulf region, especially the significant air base in Qatar and naval headquarters in Bahrain. @ibishblog.bsky.social
VERY excited to be discussing “The US-Saudi Partnership Ahead of the MBS’s Washington Visit tomorrow morning with @HeshamAlghannam, @kdiwaniya,@BernardHaykel, and F. Gregory Gause, lll.
It’s another best of the best panel, for @GulfStatesInst of course.
agsi.org/events/the-u...
It’s another best of the best panel, for @GulfStatesInst of course.
agsi.org/events/the-u...
The U.S.-Saudi Partnership Ahead of the Crown Prince’s Washington Visit - AGSI
On November 12, AGSI will host a discussion about the U.S.-Saudi partnership ahead of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Washington.
agsi.org
November 12, 2025 at 12:51 AM
VERY excited to be discussing “The US-Saudi Partnership Ahead of the MBS’s Washington Visit tomorrow morning with @HeshamAlghannam, @kdiwaniya,@BernardHaykel, and F. Gregory Gause, lll.
It’s another best of the best panel, for @GulfStatesInst of course.
agsi.org/events/the-u...
It’s another best of the best panel, for @GulfStatesInst of course.
agsi.org/events/the-u...
But ever since the ceasefire was agreed, Trump couldn’t miss the many clear signs that the Israeli leader has been looking for an excuse to resume fighting. Playing on the PM’s famous nickname, Israelis have been referring to this as “Bibi-sitting”.
www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comm...
www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comm...
Israel's Gaza attacks strike at Donald Trump's reputation as a peacemaker | The National
The US President's legacy is inexorably bound up with the enclave's future
www.thenationalnews.com
October 30, 2025 at 6:58 PM
But ever since the ceasefire was agreed, Trump couldn’t miss the many clear signs that the Israeli leader has been looking for an excuse to resume fighting. Playing on the PM’s famous nickname, Israelis have been referring to this as “Bibi-sitting”.
www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comm...
www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comm...
The downside of his exuberant boasting and demands for the Nobel Peace Prize is that, while Trump deserves credit for having helped organise the desperately needed ceasefire, both the truce and a potential return to war are now inexorably linked to him.
www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comm...
www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comm...
Israel's Gaza attacks strike at Donald Trump's reputation as a peacemaker | The National
The US President's legacy is inexorably bound up with the enclave's future
www.thenationalnews.com
October 30, 2025 at 6:56 PM
The downside of his exuberant boasting and demands for the Nobel Peace Prize is that, while Trump deserves credit for having helped organise the desperately needed ceasefire, both the truce and a potential return to war are now inexorably linked to him.
www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comm...
www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comm...
Reposted by Hussein Ibish
More than 170 Americans have been detained by ICE since Donald Trump took office. Dozens have been incarcerated for days, including approximately 20 children-4 of whom were held for weeks
Citizens have “been dragged, tackled, beaten, tased and shot by..They’ve had their necks kneeled on”
Citizens have “been dragged, tackled, beaten, tased and shot by..They’ve had their necks kneeled on”
October 30, 2025 at 6:51 PM
More than 170 Americans have been detained by ICE since Donald Trump took office. Dozens have been incarcerated for days, including approximately 20 children-4 of whom were held for weeks
Citizens have “been dragged, tackled, beaten, tased and shot by..They’ve had their necks kneeled on”
Citizens have “been dragged, tackled, beaten, tased and shot by..They’ve had their necks kneeled on”
It’s difficult to parse the words and deeds of these two highly unreliable and non-credible actors. Both Israel and Hamas have contributed heavily to the devastating Gaza war, and neither appear fully convinced that ending the conflict is preferable for them.
www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comm...
www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comm...
Israel's Gaza attacks strike at Donald Trump's reputation as a peacemaker | The National
The US President's legacy is inexorably bound up with the enclave's future
www.thenationalnews.com
October 30, 2025 at 6:54 PM
It’s difficult to parse the words and deeds of these two highly unreliable and non-credible actors. Both Israel and Hamas have contributed heavily to the devastating Gaza war, and neither appear fully convinced that ending the conflict is preferable for them.
www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comm...
www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comm...
Among the many casualties of renewed fighting, especially if it spirals back into full-blown warfare, will be the claims and credibility of US President Donald Trump.
My latest for The National
www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comm...
My latest for The National
www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comm...
Israel's Gaza attacks strike at Donald Trump's reputation as a peacemaker | The National
The US President's legacy is inexorably bound up with the enclave's future
www.thenationalnews.com
October 30, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Among the many casualties of renewed fighting, especially if it spirals back into full-blown warfare, will be the claims and credibility of US President Donald Trump.
My latest for The National
www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comm...
My latest for The National
www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comm...
This is an excellent explanation of a highly significant agreement formally linking the Saudi and Pakistani defense structures — and thereby redrawing the strategic landscape of the Gulf and Indian Ocean areas. From AGSI, naturally.
VIDEO – Unpacking the Saudi-Pakistani Mutual Defense Agreement with (Ret.) Brigadier Feroz Hassan Khan, Abdulaziz Al Sager, and @ibishblog.bsky.social. agsi.org/events/unpac...
Unpacking the Saudi-Pakistani Mutual Defense Agreement - AGSI
On October 20, AGSI will host a discussion on Saudi-Pakistani defense ties.
agsi.org
October 28, 2025 at 5:45 PM
This is an excellent explanation of a highly significant agreement formally linking the Saudi and Pakistani defense structures — and thereby redrawing the strategic landscape of the Gulf and Indian Ocean areas. From AGSI, naturally.
Reposted by Hussein Ibish
I don’t typically recommend podcasts, but the Ari Aster interview with Marc Maron is worth hearing! Aster would appreciate that you laughed.
October 18, 2025 at 5:18 PM
I don’t typically recommend podcasts, but the Ari Aster interview with Marc Maron is worth hearing! Aster would appreciate that you laughed.
Of course
In KY, a 60-year-old couple making $85,000 per year could face an increase of $23,700 in annual premiums. In NV, a similar couple could pay an additional $18,100 in annual premiums, while in MN, the cost might be $15,500 more and, in MD, an additional $13,700.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/17/h...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/17/h...
Higher Obamacare Prices Become Public in a Dozen States
www.nytimes.com
October 18, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Of course
I was alone in laughing last night in a packed cinema throughout a screening of Hereditary. I found it hilarious, and strongly reminiscent from the outset of Rosemary’s Baby, and films that turn out to be uproarious on 2nd viewings. I didn’t need a that. It was hilarious from the outset anyway.
October 18, 2025 at 4:32 PM
I was alone in laughing last night in a packed cinema throughout a screening of Hereditary. I found it hilarious, and strongly reminiscent from the outset of Rosemary’s Baby, and films that turn out to be uproarious on 2nd viewings. I didn’t need a that. It was hilarious from the outset anyway.
GREAT! Might go…
October 17, 2025 at 11:37 PM
GREAT! Might go…
Reposted by Hussein Ibish
“The needs of children haven't changed since a ceasefire,” said Rachael Cummings, humanitarian director for Save the Children in Gaza.
“We’re still seeing malnourished children in the clinic, children with diarrhea, pneumonia, with skin infections.”
www.cbc.ca/news/world/h...
“We’re still seeing malnourished children in the clinic, children with diarrhea, pneumonia, with skin infections.”
www.cbc.ca/news/world/h...
All border crossings into Gaza must open to allow surge of aid into territory: UN's humanitarian relief chief | CBC News
The United Nations humanitarian relief chief is urging Israel to open up all entrances to Gaza to allow a surge of aid into the territory. Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Aff...
www.cbc.ca
October 17, 2025 at 11:33 PM
“The needs of children haven't changed since a ceasefire,” said Rachael Cummings, humanitarian director for Save the Children in Gaza.
“We’re still seeing malnourished children in the clinic, children with diarrhea, pneumonia, with skin infections.”
www.cbc.ca/news/world/h...
“We’re still seeing malnourished children in the clinic, children with diarrhea, pneumonia, with skin infections.”
www.cbc.ca/news/world/h...
UN Human Rights in Occupied Palestinian Territory: 1001 Palestinians killed in West Bank since 7 October 2023 - one in five are children
reliefweb.int/report/occup...
reliefweb.int/report/occup...
UN Human Rights in Occupied Palestinian Territory: 1001 Palestinians killed in West Bank since 7 October 2023 - one in five are children [EN/AR] - occupied Palestinian territory
News and Press Release in English on occupied Palestinian territory about Protection and Human Rights; published on 17 Oct 2025 by OHCHR
reliefweb.int
October 17, 2025 at 11:36 PM
UN Human Rights in Occupied Palestinian Territory: 1001 Palestinians killed in West Bank since 7 October 2023 - one in five are children
reliefweb.int/report/occup...
reliefweb.int/report/occup...
Reposted by Hussein Ibish
I just watched a video of a mass of young Israeli women doing a Zumba like class to a chant of “We will raze your village!” shared by an Israeli pro democracy activist. The world has gone goddamn mad. Mad, I tell you.
October 17, 2025 at 12:04 AM
I just watched a video of a mass of young Israeli women doing a Zumba like class to a chant of “We will raze your village!” shared by an Israeli pro democracy activist. The world has gone goddamn mad. Mad, I tell you.
One wants to throw up or scream or something but it’s no good:
ICE tickets Chicago man with legal residency $130 for not having his papers on him: ‘It’s not fair ... I’m a resident’
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/13/i...
ICE tickets Chicago man with legal residency $130 for not having his papers on him: ‘It’s not fair ... I’m a resident’
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/13/i...
ICE tickets Chicago man with legal residency $130 for not having his papers on him: ‘It’s not fair…I’m a resident’
Under federal law, registered foreign nationals must carry proof of registration with them at all times. But prior to a second Trump administration, it was rarely enforced.
www.chicagotribune.com
October 17, 2025 at 4:25 PM
One wants to throw up or scream or something but it’s no good:
ICE tickets Chicago man with legal residency $130 for not having his papers on him: ‘It’s not fair ... I’m a resident’
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/13/i...
ICE tickets Chicago man with legal residency $130 for not having his papers on him: ‘It’s not fair ... I’m a resident’
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/13/i...
The October 17 edition of the Ali Alfoneh’s Iran Media Review for AGSI examines Iranian media analysis of the Israel-Hamas cease-fire deal.
agsi.org/analysis/ira...
agsi.org/analysis/ira...
Iranian Media Discuss the Merits of the Gaza War - AGSI
The October 17 edition of the Iran Media Review examines Iranian media analysis of the Israel-Hamas cease-fire deal.
agsi.org
October 17, 2025 at 3:19 PM
The October 17 edition of the Ali Alfoneh’s Iran Media Review for AGSI examines Iranian media analysis of the Israel-Hamas cease-fire deal.
agsi.org/analysis/ira...
agsi.org/analysis/ira...
DHS is scouring social media for “antisemitism” by all foreign nationals, looking for anyone who opposed the war in Gaza, falsely equating that with antisemitism. State Department canceled the visas of 6 people who wrote negative things about Charlie Kirk.
gizmodo.com/border-patro...
gizmodo.com/border-patro...
Border Patrol Posts Instagram Propaganda Video Featuring Antisemitic Slurs
The video was pinned to Border Patrol's Instagram Reels.
gizmodo.com
October 16, 2025 at 11:58 PM
DHS is scouring social media for “antisemitism” by all foreign nationals, looking for anyone who opposed the war in Gaza, falsely equating that with antisemitism. State Department canceled the visas of 6 people who wrote negative things about Charlie Kirk.
gizmodo.com/border-patro...
gizmodo.com/border-patro...
The video, which included the lyrics “Jew me” and “kike me,” was deleted from the platforms on Wednesday morning, though it’s not clear whether the offensive content was taken down by Border Patrol or Meta.
gizmodo.com/border-patro...
gizmodo.com/border-patro...
Border Patrol Posts Instagram Propaganda Video Featuring Antisemitic Slurs
The video was pinned to Border Patrol's Instagram Reels.
gizmodo.com
October 16, 2025 at 11:33 PM
The video, which included the lyrics “Jew me” and “kike me,” was deleted from the platforms on Wednesday morning, though it’s not clear whether the offensive content was taken down by Border Patrol or Meta.
gizmodo.com/border-patro...
gizmodo.com/border-patro...
‘I love Hitler’: Leaked messages expose Young Republicans’ racist chat:
They referred to Black people as monkeys and “the watermelon people” and mused about putting political opponents in gas chambers. They talked about raping enemies and supported slavery.
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
They referred to Black people as monkeys and “the watermelon people” and mused about putting political opponents in gas chambers. They talked about raping enemies and supported slavery.
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
‘I love Hitler’: Leaked messages expose Young Republicans’ racist chat
Thousands of private messages reveal young GOP leaders joking about gas chambers, slavery and rape.
www.politico.com
October 15, 2025 at 5:25 PM
‘I love Hitler’: Leaked messages expose Young Republicans’ racist chat:
They referred to Black people as monkeys and “the watermelon people” and mused about putting political opponents in gas chambers. They talked about raping enemies and supported slavery.
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
They referred to Black people as monkeys and “the watermelon people” and mused about putting political opponents in gas chambers. They talked about raping enemies and supported slavery.
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
Reposted by Hussein Ibish
“Gaza needs leadership called in by the people themselves, not appointed from the outside,” Sundos Fayyad, a journalist in Gaza, told me. “Rebuilding what’s been destroyed may be impossible, but any future worth living begins with that right for representation.”
BRILLIANT article by Mohammed R. Mhawish:
“Survival is the most meagre inheritance. To call us resilient is to praise the caged bird while ignoring the cage’s latch. Surviving destruction is not the same as defeating it. There’s cruelty in this praise.”
www.newyorker.com/news/essay/g...
“Survival is the most meagre inheritance. To call us resilient is to praise the caged bird while ignoring the cage’s latch. Surviving destruction is not the same as defeating it. There’s cruelty in this praise.”
www.newyorker.com/news/essay/g...
Gaza’s Broken Politics
Every movement that claimed to speak for Palestinians has failed them. The next chapter must belong to those who have endured the devastation.
www.newyorker.com
October 14, 2025 at 10:11 PM
“Gaza needs leadership called in by the people themselves, not appointed from the outside,” Sundos Fayyad, a journalist in Gaza, told me. “Rebuilding what’s been destroyed may be impossible, but any future worth living begins with that right for representation.”
Congratulations on having your husband murdered? This is a little strange. It doesn’t really bother me, but it just seems a little odd.
Disgusting. But it tracks, one racist giving an award to another. She is SO performative to me. WHY does she only ever dab her left eye with her right hand? Doesn't her other eye cry?? (Watch the back-to-back videos. Watch Trump's face.)
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
Trump presents Charlie Kirk's Medal of Freedom to widow Erika
President Donald Trump awarded Charlie Kirk the Medal of Freedom on Tuesday, marking what would have been his assassinated friend's 32nd birthday.
www.dailymail.co.uk
October 14, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Congratulations on having your husband murdered? This is a little strange. It doesn’t really bother me, but it just seems a little odd.