Julien Barnes-Dacey
@jbdacey.bsky.social
MENA programme director at the European Council on Foreign Relations. Europe-based, once upon a time in Syria and Egypt
Reposted by Julien Barnes-Dacey
My longer read for @ecfr.eu on what Trump's Board of Peace means for Gaza, Europe's quest for strategic autonomy, and the future of the global order:
ecfr.eu/article/welc...
ecfr.eu/article/welc...
January 23, 2026 at 1:27 PM
My longer read for @ecfr.eu on what Trump's Board of Peace means for Gaza, Europe's quest for strategic autonomy, and the future of the global order:
ecfr.eu/article/welc...
ecfr.eu/article/welc...
Reposted by Julien Barnes-Dacey
Members of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), which will report to the Board of Peace via High Representative Nikolay Mladenov, were announced last week. For a full breakdown, visit @ecfr.eu's Mapping Palestinian Politics project 👇 ecfr.eu/special/mapp...
BoP Inc is a Trump vanity project that has nothing to do with Gaza. But Europeans should still engage with its subsidiary Gaza Executive Committee which is aligned with UNSCR 2803 and where there is strong European representation through Nikolay Mladenov, Tony Blair & Sigrid Kaag.
January 22, 2026 at 1:35 PM
Members of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), which will report to the Board of Peace via High Representative Nikolay Mladenov, were announced last week. For a full breakdown, visit @ecfr.eu's Mapping Palestinian Politics project 👇 ecfr.eu/special/mapp...
Reposted by Julien Barnes-Dacey
✍️ A brief momentum for a Gulf front collapsed as strained Saudi-Emirati relations gave way to open rivalry, driven by mistrust and suspicions of parallel agendas. @cinziabianco.bsky.social for @ecfr.eu on the Saudi–UAE rupture and the European angle 👇 buff.ly/TUk8Evm
From partners to rivals: What the Saudi-UAE rupture means for Europeans – European Council on Foreign Relations
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are experiencing a fracture in their diplomatic relationship. Europeans need to understand the potential impact on their economic and p
buff.ly
January 22, 2026 at 9:01 AM
✍️ A brief momentum for a Gulf front collapsed as strained Saudi-Emirati relations gave way to open rivalry, driven by mistrust and suspicions of parallel agendas. @cinziabianco.bsky.social for @ecfr.eu on the Saudi–UAE rupture and the European angle 👇 buff.ly/TUk8Evm
Reposted by Julien Barnes-Dacey
🎙️ NEW @ecfr.eu podcast: @markhleonard.bsky.social & Ellie Geranmayeh discuss the ongoing protests in #Iran & the chance of #US invasion. Listen to it here 👇 ecfr.eu/podcasts/epi...
Will Trump bomb Iran? – European Council on Foreign Relations
Mark Leonard and Ellie Geranmayeh discuss the ongoing protests in Iran and the chance of US intervention
ecfr.eu
January 16, 2026 at 8:05 AM
🎙️ NEW @ecfr.eu podcast: @markhleonard.bsky.social & Ellie Geranmayeh discuss the ongoing protests in #Iran & the chance of #US invasion. Listen to it here 👇 ecfr.eu/podcasts/epi...
ECFR podcast with Syrian Minister Hind Kabawat as part of our ongoing Women of Middle East Network for Peacebuilding project - One year after Assad: Syria’s struggle for security, recovery and reform @ecfr.eu @ecfrmena.bsky.social ecfr.eu/podcasts/epi...
One year after Assad: Syria’s struggle for security, recovery and reform
Ellie Geranmayeh speaks with Syrian minister Hind Kabawat about the country’s turbulent first year after Assad, the challenges ahead, and her push to bring more women into leadership during Syria’s…
ecfr.eu
December 4, 2025 at 12:46 PM
ECFR podcast with Syrian Minister Hind Kabawat as part of our ongoing Women of Middle East Network for Peacebuilding project - One year after Assad: Syria’s struggle for security, recovery and reform @ecfr.eu @ecfrmena.bsky.social ecfr.eu/podcasts/epi...
Big & important new @ecfr.eu read: Averting West Bank collapse: How to revive Palestinian politics - by @hlovatt.bsky.social & @tahanimustafa.bsky.social ecfr.eu/publication/... @ecfrmena.bsky.social
Averting West Bank collapse: How to revive Palestinian politics
Hollowed out by violent Israeli control and Mahmoud Abbas’s personal rule, the Palestinian Authority is losing its grip on the West Bank. European and Arab states must intervene to rebuild legitimate…
ecfr.eu
November 20, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Big & important new @ecfr.eu read: Averting West Bank collapse: How to revive Palestinian politics - by @hlovatt.bsky.social & @tahanimustafa.bsky.social ecfr.eu/publication/... @ecfrmena.bsky.social
Reposted by Julien Barnes-Dacey
Glad to see this out!
In my latest policy brief with @ecfr.eu, I argue that Europe needs a more coherent, horizontal and context-sensitive approach in its green energy relations with Tunisia to create mutual benefits and people-centered cooperation.
#EU #Tunisia #COP30 #energytransition
In my latest policy brief with @ecfr.eu, I argue that Europe needs a more coherent, horizontal and context-sensitive approach in its green energy relations with Tunisia to create mutual benefits and people-centered cooperation.
#EU #Tunisia #COP30 #energytransition
Cooperation on clean energy will be an important facet of the EU’s “Pact for the Mediterranean”, a new strategic initiative to connect the bloc with its neighbours in North Africa and beyond, writes @philippwa.bsky.social @ecfrmena.bsky.social
https://bit.ly/4oLCCoK
https://bit.ly/4oLCCoK
Power sharing: The politics of European-Tunisian energy cooperation
The ethos of the EU’s “Pact for the Mediterranean” could help revitalise cooperation on clean energy with Tunisia—but only if Europeans learn how to better factor in the country’s politics…
bit.ly
October 31, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Glad to see this out!
In my latest policy brief with @ecfr.eu, I argue that Europe needs a more coherent, horizontal and context-sensitive approach in its green energy relations with Tunisia to create mutual benefits and people-centered cooperation.
#EU #Tunisia #COP30 #energytransition
In my latest policy brief with @ecfr.eu, I argue that Europe needs a more coherent, horizontal and context-sensitive approach in its green energy relations with Tunisia to create mutual benefits and people-centered cooperation.
#EU #Tunisia #COP30 #energytransition
Reposted by Julien Barnes-Dacey
In Sudan, Rapid Support Forces captured the city of el-Fasher, resulting in fears of mass killings. To support long-term stability in Sudan, European policymakers can benefit from a closer understanding of Gulf interests, writes Jonas Horner @ecfrafrica.bsky.social
https://bit.ly/3WNGppP
https://bit.ly/3WNGppP
The falcons and the secretary bird: Arab Gulf states in Sudan’s war
The Arab Gulf states’ pursuits in Sudan keep fuelling violence. But their wealth and influence mean any lasting peace will necessarily hinge on their cooperation.
bit.ly
October 29, 2025 at 9:24 AM
In Sudan, Rapid Support Forces captured the city of el-Fasher, resulting in fears of mass killings. To support long-term stability in Sudan, European policymakers can benefit from a closer understanding of Gulf interests, writes Jonas Horner @ecfrafrica.bsky.social
https://bit.ly/3WNGppP
https://bit.ly/3WNGppP
Reposted by Julien Barnes-Dacey
Moscow has developed a powerful propaganda machine that taps into existing antipathy towards Europe, particularly France, to push African governments closer to its foreign policy objectives, writes @willbrownecfr.bsky.social @ecfrafrica.bsky.social
https://bit.ly/3Jmv4cS
https://bit.ly/3Jmv4cS
The bear and the bot farm: Countering Russian hybrid warfare in Africa
Russia has many quiet enemies in Africa. Working together, like-minded Africans and Europeans can roll back its troublesome influence.
bit.ly
October 22, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Moscow has developed a powerful propaganda machine that taps into existing antipathy towards Europe, particularly France, to push African governments closer to its foreign policy objectives, writes @willbrownecfr.bsky.social @ecfrafrica.bsky.social
https://bit.ly/3Jmv4cS
https://bit.ly/3Jmv4cS
Reposted by Julien Barnes-Dacey
New by @muhammadshehada.bsky.social @ecfr.eu on internal Hamas dynamics after the ceasefire: “The question is not whether Hamas will change overnight but whether diplomacy can evolve fast enough to meet Hamas at its most flexible before it returns to logic of perpetual war” ecfr.eu/article/dipl...
Diplomacy next: The internal politics of Hamas and the power of European engagement
Europeans have the potential to tip the scales in the coming diplomatic negotiations over Gaza, but they must move rapidly…
ecfr.eu
October 25, 2025 at 7:10 AM
New by @muhammadshehada.bsky.social @ecfr.eu on internal Hamas dynamics after the ceasefire: “The question is not whether Hamas will change overnight but whether diplomacy can evolve fast enough to meet Hamas at its most flexible before it returns to logic of perpetual war” ecfr.eu/article/dipl...
New by @muhammadshehada.bsky.social @ecfr.eu on internal Hamas dynamics after the ceasefire: “The question is not whether Hamas will change overnight but whether diplomacy can evolve fast enough to meet Hamas at its most flexible before it returns to logic of perpetual war” ecfr.eu/article/dipl...
Diplomacy next: The internal politics of Hamas and the power of European engagement
Europeans have the potential to tip the scales in the coming diplomatic negotiations over Gaza, but they must move rapidly…
ecfr.eu
October 25, 2025 at 7:10 AM
New by @muhammadshehada.bsky.social @ecfr.eu on internal Hamas dynamics after the ceasefire: “The question is not whether Hamas will change overnight but whether diplomacy can evolve fast enough to meet Hamas at its most flexible before it returns to logic of perpetual war” ecfr.eu/article/dipl...
Reposted by Julien Barnes-Dacey
Positive news to see Polisario updating its 2007 peace proposal -- long overdue and something we
@ecfr
have been advocating for the past 4 years.
On why this is needed, and how it can advance a Trump deal, here is my most recent piece: cidob.org/en/publicati...
@ecfr
have been advocating for the past 4 years.
On why this is needed, and how it can advance a Trump deal, here is my most recent piece: cidob.org/en/publicati...
October 21, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Positive news to see Polisario updating its 2007 peace proposal -- long overdue and something we
@ecfr
have been advocating for the past 4 years.
On why this is needed, and how it can advance a Trump deal, here is my most recent piece: cidob.org/en/publicati...
@ecfr
have been advocating for the past 4 years.
On why this is needed, and how it can advance a Trump deal, here is my most recent piece: cidob.org/en/publicati...
Reposted by Julien Barnes-Dacey
Today at the MED Dialogues: @jbdacey.bsky.social co-chairs with Maha Yahya a special dialogue with Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Qatari Minister of State, discussing regional approaches to Trump's Gaza plan & outlooks for Syria, Lebanon & Iran.
October 16, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Today at the MED Dialogues: @jbdacey.bsky.social co-chairs with Maha Yahya a special dialogue with Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Qatari Minister of State, discussing regional approaches to Trump's Gaza plan & outlooks for Syria, Lebanon & Iran.
Reposted by Julien Barnes-Dacey
1/ Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement on the first Phase of Trump's plan. Nevertheless, the details are still unclear. Yet, our experts @hlovatt.bsky.social, @jbdacey.bsky.social and @muhammadshehada.bsky.social analysed its gaps in the recent papers @ecfrmena.bsky.social 👇
bit.ly/4gRX0Sg
bit.ly/4gRX0Sg
An imperfect promise: Where Trump’s peace plan for Gaza falls short
Trump’s peace plan could finally bring an end to Israel’s destruction of Gaza. But gaps in timing, guarantees, and last-minute Israeli amendments risk failure unless European and Arab states intervene...
ecfr.eu
October 9, 2025 at 9:18 AM
1/ Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement on the first Phase of Trump's plan. Nevertheless, the details are still unclear. Yet, our experts @hlovatt.bsky.social, @jbdacey.bsky.social and @muhammadshehada.bsky.social analysed its gaps in the recent papers @ecfrmena.bsky.social 👇
bit.ly/4gRX0Sg
bit.ly/4gRX0Sg
Reposted by Julien Barnes-Dacey
Meloni aims to redefine Italy’s relationship with countries to its south by creating equal partnerships with partner states. This also involves enhancing the role of the private sector, write @kellyp90.bsky.social and @arturovarvelli.bsky.social @ecfrmena.bsky.social
https://bit.ly/42r0HbI
https://bit.ly/42r0HbI
The turtle and the pilot fish: How the EU and Italy can help each other in the Mediterranean
Italy and the EU must work more closely together in the “Wider Mediterranean” on energy, migration and security. Here’s how they can do it.
bit.ly
October 6, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Meloni aims to redefine Italy’s relationship with countries to its south by creating equal partnerships with partner states. This also involves enhancing the role of the private sector, write @kellyp90.bsky.social and @arturovarvelli.bsky.social @ecfrmena.bsky.social
https://bit.ly/42r0HbI
https://bit.ly/42r0HbI
Reposted by Julien Barnes-Dacey
Following the announcement of Trump's Gaza plan this is an important piece to revisit by @muhammadshehada.bsky.social on question of Hamas disarmament @ecfr.eu @ecfrmena.bsky.social ecfr.eu/article/deco...
Decommission, not disarm: How Europe can help nudge Gaza toward peace
As Israel and Hamas edge toward a ceasefire, shifts are under way in both: Hamas is quietly opening up to decommissioning and Israel’s security elite is realising military victory is a myth.
ecfr.eu
October 3, 2025 at 8:52 AM
Following the announcement of Trump's Gaza plan this is an important piece to revisit by @muhammadshehada.bsky.social on question of Hamas disarmament @ecfr.eu @ecfrmena.bsky.social ecfr.eu/article/deco...
Reposted by Julien Barnes-Dacey
NEW piece unpacking the security & governance dimensions of Trump's Gaza plan - and outlining necessary benchmarks & guarantees, especially on an Israeli withdrawal, for any hope of success - new by @hlovatt.bsky.social & @muhammadshehada.bsky.social ecfr.eu/article/an-i...
An imperfect promise: Where Trump’s peace plan for Gaza falls short
Trump’s peace plan could finally bring an end to Israel’s destruction of Gaza. But gaps in timing, guarantees, and last-minute Israeli amendments risk failure unless European and Arab states intervene...
ecfr.eu
October 3, 2025 at 5:43 PM
NEW piece unpacking the security & governance dimensions of Trump's Gaza plan - and outlining necessary benchmarks & guarantees, especially on an Israeli withdrawal, for any hope of success - new by @hlovatt.bsky.social & @muhammadshehada.bsky.social ecfr.eu/article/an-i...
Following the announcement of Trump's Gaza plan this is an important piece to revisit by @muhammadshehada.bsky.social on question of Hamas disarmament @ecfr.eu @ecfrmena.bsky.social ecfr.eu/article/deco...
Decommission, not disarm: How Europe can help nudge Gaza toward peace
As Israel and Hamas edge toward a ceasefire, shifts are under way in both: Hamas is quietly opening up to decommissioning and Israel’s security elite is realising military victory is a myth.
ecfr.eu
October 3, 2025 at 8:52 AM
Following the announcement of Trump's Gaza plan this is an important piece to revisit by @muhammadshehada.bsky.social on question of Hamas disarmament @ecfr.eu @ecfrmena.bsky.social ecfr.eu/article/deco...
Reposted by Julien Barnes-Dacey
1/3 With #Syria’s (indirect) #parliamentary #elections less than a week away, I’ve put together an explainer on how the process works and the key issues to watch. A guide for both experts and observers.
www.arab-reform.net/publication/...
www.arab-reform.net/publication/...
Syria’s Parliamentary Elections Explained: Six Key Issues to Watch
Syria’s transitional authorities have announced indirect parliamentary elections to be held later this month (most likely between 15-20 September) to elect 140 of the 210 members of the People’s As…
www.arab-reform.net
September 29, 2025 at 1:00 PM
1/3 With #Syria’s (indirect) #parliamentary #elections less than a week away, I’ve put together an explainer on how the process works and the key issues to watch. A guide for both experts and observers.
www.arab-reform.net/publication/...
www.arab-reform.net/publication/...
Euro support for Trump's plan - which has sound elements to help end the war - needs to be tied to Israel’s explicit acceptance of a Gaza withdrawal & political path. If not the process will surely unravel, trapping Europe as enforcers of Israeli occupation by proxy @ecfr.eu ecfr.eu/article/trum...
Trump’s Gaza plan: How Europe can help make it happen
European states should offer support for the broad principles of the plan conditioned on a clear Israeli commitment to a full withdrawal from Gaza.
ecfr.eu
October 1, 2025 at 9:31 AM
Euro support for Trump's plan - which has sound elements to help end the war - needs to be tied to Israel’s explicit acceptance of a Gaza withdrawal & political path. If not the process will surely unravel, trapping Europe as enforcers of Israeli occupation by proxy @ecfr.eu ecfr.eu/article/trum...
Reposted by Julien Barnes-Dacey
✍️ Now that European leaders have reimposed UN sanctions on Iran, they must steer clear of America’s maximum pressure campaign and instead keep the diplomatic door open. Read Ellie Geranmayeh's piece for @ecfr.eu here 👇 buff.ly/w6z0osT
The risks of the draw: Europe’s post-snapback move on Iran
European leaders have reimposed UN sanctions on Iran. Now they must steer clear of America’s maximum pressure campaign and instead keep the diplomatic door open…
buff.ly
September 30, 2025 at 3:31 PM
✍️ Now that European leaders have reimposed UN sanctions on Iran, they must steer clear of America’s maximum pressure campaign and instead keep the diplomatic door open. Read Ellie Geranmayeh's piece for @ecfr.eu here 👇 buff.ly/w6z0osT
What a sight. Stranded in Idlib just 10 months ago, the new Syrian leadership hit Central Park
September 21, 2025 at 11:50 AM
What a sight. Stranded in Idlib just 10 months ago, the new Syrian leadership hit Central Park
“15 of every 16 Palestinians the Israeli military has killed since its renewed offensive in Gaza began in March have been civilians… internal data from the IDF indicated a civilian death toll of 83% between outbreak of war in Oct 2023 & May this year” www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Civilians made up 15 of every 16 people killed by Israel in Gaza since March, data suggests
Report from independent conflict tracker Acled indicates one of the highest civilian death rates since start of war
www.theguardian.com
September 20, 2025 at 3:57 PM
“15 of every 16 Palestinians the Israeli military has killed since its renewed offensive in Gaza began in March have been civilians… internal data from the IDF indicated a civilian death toll of 83% between outbreak of war in Oct 2023 & May this year” www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
“identification with the Syrian state is at its lowest point…the consolidation of over 35 Druze armed factions…a de facto autonomous zone across central, southern & eastern Suwayda” - @ajaltamimi.bsky.social on hardening anti-Damascus Druze positioning www.aymennaltamimi.com/p/the-druze-...
The Druze 'National Guard' in Southern Syria
I am happy to share my latest article for ‘Syria in Transition’ on the ‘National Guard’ initiative in the primarily Druze province of al-Suwayda’ in southern Syria.
www.aymennaltamimi.com
September 19, 2025 at 9:23 AM
“identification with the Syrian state is at its lowest point…the consolidation of over 35 Druze armed factions…a de facto autonomous zone across central, southern & eastern Suwayda” - @ajaltamimi.bsky.social on hardening anti-Damascus Druze positioning www.aymennaltamimi.com/p/the-druze-...