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Joyce Karam
@joycekaram.bsky.social
5.9K followers 150 following 480 posts
Senior News Editor, AL-Monitor | Professor, GWU
https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/china-middle-east-briefing-7305587918826319872/
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · Nov 9
Hi all, still in exploration mode of Blue Sky, taking it easy and slow. If you’re here and we know/follow each other, drop a hi. Still don’t know how to find DMs here 😶‍🌫️. ☕️ ☀️
joycekaram.bsky.social
Israel’s strike inside Beirut underscores difficult choices for #Lebanon:

• It can’t rein in Hezbollah
• It can’t stop Israel
• It isn’t ready to make peace w Israel
• It isn’t ready to disarm Hezbollah

Unless one of variables shifts, current cycle will be hard to break
November 24, 2025 at 1:29 AM
joycekaram.bsky.social
📻 Great to be on @npr.org ‘s 1A
this morning to discuss MBS visit, Gaza, Ukraine-Russia, Trump’s options on Venezuela! Full episode here the1a.org/segments/tru...
The News Roundup - International
MBS goes to Washington. Maduro says he'd talk.
the1a.org
November 21, 2025 at 5:59 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
NEW: Ignore the lazy/lousy takes on #Saudi Arabia, here is why MBS lavish US visit is not a realignment away from China... www.al-monitor.com/newsletter/2...
Why MBS' lavish US visit is not Saudi realignment away from China
For Riyadh, engagement with Beijing is not merely transactional — it is part of a multipolar strategy that enhances Saudi leverage, accelerates Vision 2030 ambitions and reduces its exposure to the un...
www.al-monitor.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Reposted by Joyce Karam
al-monitor.bsky.social
NEW China-Middle East newsletter: Why MBS' lavish US visit is not Saudi realignment away from China

For Riyadh, engagement with Beijing is part of a multipolar strategy that enhances Saudi leverage, @joycekaram.bsky.social & @roscarroll.bsky.social write.
www.al-monitor.com/newsletter/2...
Why MBS' lavish US visit is not Saudi realignment away from China
For Riyadh, engagement with Beijing is not merely transactional — it is part of a multipolar strategy that enhances Saudi leverage, accelerates Vision 2030 ambitions and reduces its exposure to the…
www.al-monitor.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:26 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
UPDATE: #Trump hosts Saudi Arabia's MBS
• Horses, jets, trumpets
• Saudi to get F-35s ✈️ 'pretty similar' to Israel's
• Up to $1 trillion in investment
• Trump: MBS did "incredible" on human rights
• MBS: 'We want to be part of Abraham Accords' but.. www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Trump gives MBS red-carpet welcome, touts F-35 deal, $1T Saudi investment
Trump is hosting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House in a high-profile visit aimed at resetting US-Saudi ties and securing major defense, nuclear and investment deals.
www.al-monitor.com
November 18, 2025 at 8:14 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
NEW: US canceled visit of head of #Lebanon army, @al-monitor.bsky.social confirmed. Haykal was due to arrive today but tension with Congress, differences over Hezbollah botched the trip... www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
US cancels Lebanon army chief visit amid frustration over Hezbollah: What to know
Washington canceled a planned visit by Lebanon’s army commander Gen. Rodolphe Haykal, signaling growing US frustration over Lebanon’s delay in disarming Hezbollah.
www.al-monitor.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:22 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
Here we go: Trump will sell Saudi Arabia F-35 jets, making it [if acquired] first Arab country to have the fighters www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Trump says US will sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia, first Arab country to acquire jets
The deal could hurt Washington's ties with Israel and would not likely be approved by Congress unless conditioned on Saudi normalization of ties with Israel.
www.al-monitor.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:20 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
UPDATE:
• Germany lifts Israel arms freeze
• Syria FM in China
• MBS ✈️ US, meets Trump tom.
• UNSC vote on Gaza today
• Egypt may cancel elex results
• Iraq official results expected today
• UAE order 65 Boeings www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Germany lifts Israel arms embargo: What changed in Berlin?
With the ceasefire in place, even though violated at times, Berlin decided to lift the partial arms embargo it imposed on Israel.
www.al-monitor.com
November 17, 2025 at 4:08 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
Heartbreaking to see cancer rates in #Lebanon at highest globally. Smoking, pollution, wars, port explosion and some in Europe using it as waste dump have inflicted heavy toll on Beirut: www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Why Lebanon now leads the world in rising cancer rates
A recent study found that Lebanon has the world’s fastest-rising cases of cancer and cancer-related deaths. Ali Mokdad, co-author of the study, says tobacco is the main culprit.
www.al-monitor.com
November 15, 2025 at 3:51 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
NEW: China's mixed bag from Sharaa-Trump meeting
• Beijing lukewarm toward Sharaa
• Only abstention at UN
• Syria sanctions relief helps 🇨🇳
• Foreign fighters, TIP big issue for China, not resolved in meeting www.al-monitor.com/newsletter/2...
Sharaa-Trump meeting a mixed bag for China
The Syrian president's meeting with President Donald Trump underscored Damascus' formal shift toward Washington after decades of being allied with the Soviet Union and then Iran’s "Axis of Resistance"...
www.al-monitor.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Reposted by Joyce Karam
snmrrw.bsky.social
Jeffrey Epstein advised Steve Bannon that the lawyers representing Brett Kavanaugh in his confirmation hearing should accuse Christine Blasey Ford of being on medications that cause false memories or memory loss.
Sender: e:jeeitunes@gmail.com Time: 09/29/18 05:44:30 AM (559917870) Flags: 1150981 Is Read: No Is Invitation: No GUID: 1F755C6D-AFFB-4541-8599-FDC11EF05647 Message: Sender: e:jeeitunes@gmail.com Time: 09/30/18 04:41:49 AM (560000509) Flags: 1085445 Is Read: No Is Invitation: No GUID: E46497CA-E1F7-4836-AFF2-019A5EDE8AF9 Message: i delayed my trip a day. so im still around. tell burke they should make sure they ask ford about her medications , what type and for how long. . my guess is that katz won't let her answer Sender: Time: 09/30/18 04:49:01 AM (560000941) Flags: 1060865 Is Read: Yes Is Invitation: No GUID: 97454E15-953A-490B-A0C2-38D17ECA1541 HOUSE OVERSIGHT 027436 Message: Roger Sender: e:jeeitunes@gmail.com Time: 09/30/18 05:23:07 AM (560002987) Flags: 1150981 Is Read: No Is Invitation: No GUID: C824FCC2-13CF-4192-AD8F-DE22B94E3ED5 Message: https://www.pharmacytimes.com/news/8-medications-that-may-cause-memory-loss Sender: Time: 09/30/18 05:29:44 AM (560003384) Flags: 1060865 Is Read: Yes Is Invitation: No GUID: 08AACCED-20FB-4CD5-AB60-0F2D519E3503 Message: Is this a hint Sender: e:jeeitunes@gmail.com Time: 09/30/18 05:36:49 AM (560003809) Flags: 1085445 Is Read: No Is Invitation: No GUID: B83D7125-7359-42BF-9612-72F8CE3A3CCF Message: duh Sender: e:jeeitunes@gmail.com Time: 09/30/18 05:50:08 AM (560004608) Flags: 1150981 Is Read: No Is Invitation: No GUID: 60E73416-0013-4BD4-91DF-2E97344992A4 Message: ttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/321089419 False memories in social anxiety diso _ _ _ _ _ _ rder Sender: e:jeeitunes@gmail.com Time: 09/30/18 06:08:30 AM (560005710) Flags: 1085445 Is Read: No Is Invitation: No GUID: D6C0F382-87BC-4B71-AD7D-1518D4BA8A08 Message: she couldn't recall if the lie detector was given the same day as her mothers funeral or the next day.? MEDS Sender: Time: 09/30/18 06:12:55 AM () Flags: 1060865 Is Read: Yes Is Invitation: No Message: Oh I get it now
November 12, 2025 at 10:50 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
NEW: Saudi-US meetings before MBS' visit
• KBS met Rubio, Hegseth, Witkoff
• Jared Kushner visited Saudi
• Bessent met Rumayyan
• Saudi seeking defense pact, F-35 ✈️. MBS in White House on Tuesday:
www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Saudi defense chief visits White House ahead of MBS trip: What to know
Saudi Arabia is seeking to purchase dozens of F-35 fighter jets, but the Trump administration may hold off to leverage the kingdom to normalize ties with Israel, a top ambition of its Middle East poli...
www.al-monitor.com
November 12, 2025 at 5:28 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
UPDATE: Sharaa - Trump meeting

• ~2 hours
• Syria releases photos of Sharaa in Oval Office. A first.
• Attendees: Shibani, Olabi, Vance, Barrack, Hegseth, Gen. Caine
• Caesar sanctions waiver: 180 days
• Turkey’s Fidan at White House at same time www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Syrian President Sharaa arrives at White House in historic first
Sharaa met with Trump as the administration weighs easing sanctions and expanding cooperation on Syria.
www.al-monitor.com
November 10, 2025 at 8:40 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
UPDATE: Sharaa to meet Trump 11 am ET, 7 pm Damascus
• First Syrian Prez in White House
• First ex-designated terrorist
• Second Jihadist in after Taliban
• First Syria-US Prez Bilat since 2000
• Closed to press
• Turkey's Fidan also in Washington www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Trump to meet Sharaa at White House, capping major turnaround for Syria
By Steve Holland and Timour AzhariWASHINGTON/RIYADH (Reuters) -Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's White House meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday caps a stunning year for the rebel-turn...
www.al-monitor.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:20 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
NEW: Asked about airbase south of Syria's capital, US military official denied to @jmszuba.bsky.social there are any current plans to deploy American troops near Damascus just yet. Details: www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Plan to bring Syria into US-led coalition brings risks, opportunities for Sharaa
Damascus' entry into the US-led coalition would formalize expanded intelligence sharing on the Islamic State's remnants, but joint training and partnered raids remain distant prospects. A US military ...
www.al-monitor.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:30 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
NEW: Meet Rama Duwaji, Mamdani's spouse of Syrian descent & now NYC's new first lady. @beatricefarhat.bsky.social writes www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Meet Rama Duwaji, Mamdani's wife and New York’s first lady of Syrian descent
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's wife, Rama Duwaji, largely stayed out of the spotlight during the campaign but her Syrian heritage has shaped her views and upbringing.
www.al-monitor.com
November 5, 2025 at 2:27 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
🔥NEW @al-monitor.bsky.social event: Join us on Thursday to discuss Sharaa's visit to Washington, the first for a Syrian President.
• From Damascus: Danny Makki
• From Paris: Amberin Zaman
• From Washington: Elizabeth Hagedorn and yours truly
Register here: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
November 4, 2025 at 2:55 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
👋🏽 UPDATE: Middle East
• Turkey: Hamas agreed to transfer power in Gaza
• Israeli strikes in Lebanon
• Turkey, Iraq sign oil for water deal
• Famine, fighting in Sudan
• Iran rejects cooperation with US
• Microsoft to investment $15B in UAE
www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Turkey, Iraq sign oil-for-water deal: What to know
The landmark deal between Ankara and Baghdad sets out a finance mechanism to direct Iraqi oil proceeds into Turkish-built water infrastructure.
www.al-monitor.com
November 3, 2025 at 4:29 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
Hi all! I will be off Bluesky / news platforms during maternity leave, but may periodically sneak back on during nap time 🤫. Follow @al-monitor.bsky.social and my great colleagues there as they bring you full, independent Middle East coverage. 🙏🏼 🌸
August 14, 2025 at 4:05 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
💥NEWS: Trump admin. is lobbying to remove #Syria's Sharaa + HTS from UNSC terror-related sanctions...main obstacle: China. Interesting details @al-monitor.bsky.social www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
As Trump warms to Syria, US pushes UN to lift Sharaa sanctions
The move comes as Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa prepares to attend the UN General Assembly in New York next month.
www.al-monitor.com
August 5, 2025 at 6:49 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
UPDATE:
• >600 Fmr Israeli officials ask Trump to end Gaza war
• Greece warns Turkey on EU loans
• Egypt holds Senate🗳️: Pro-Sisi
• Iran: No IAEA inspectors
• China to continue to buy Iranian oil
• Bibi-Putin 📞
• Tension in Suwayda, Syria www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Over 600 former Israeli security officials call on Trump to end Gaza war
Former Israeli security officials, including former heads of the Mossad, the Shin Bet internal security agency, the Israeli military, Israel police and ambassadors are pleading with Trump to pressure ...
www.al-monitor.com
August 4, 2025 at 6:09 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
UPDATE: #Syria FM ✈️ Russia
• First visit tomorrow
• Putin interested in keeping bases
• Shibani to stop in Baku to meet Israel's Dermer: AFP
• Week after France meeting www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Syria FM heads to Russia in first high-level Moscow visit post Assad
As the new Syrian government looks to redefine its ties with Moscow, Russia aims to maintain its naval and air bases in Syria.
www.al-monitor.com
July 30, 2025 at 5:37 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
🚨NEW: Israeli delegation in Washington is discussing 3 Gaza proposals with White House:
1- Annexation
2- Siege
3- Population transfers
Netanyahu increasingly feeling bogged down 'desperate' to change situation vs Hamas. Details www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Annexation, siege or transfers: Netanyahu's 3 options as Israel's Gaza quagmire deepens
With world focused on starvation in Gaza, Israel consults with US on options for ending conflict, including annexing parts of the territory to appease extremist ministers.
www.al-monitor.com
July 29, 2025 at 2:38 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
BEIRUT: Feyrouz, the legend, makes appearance at her son’s funeral, Ziad Rahbani. Something heart-wrenching, yet also healing about seeing Feyrouz (90) whose life and hardship is intertwined with Lebanon’s… www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
In rare appearance, Fairuz mourns son Ziad Rahbani as Lebanon bids farewell
Legendary Lebanese singer Fairuz attended the funeral of her son, renowned composer and playwright, Ziad Rahbani, at a church in a town north of Beirut, in her first public appearance in years.
www.al-monitor.com
July 28, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Reposted by Joyce Karam
al-monitor.bsky.social
Ziad Rahbani, enfant terrible of Lebanese stage and song, dies at 69 www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Ziad Rahbani, enfant terrible of Lebanese stage and song, dies at 69
Renowned Lebanese musician and composer Ziad Rahbani, son of music icon Fairuz and pioneer of Oriental jazz, died on Saturday aged 69 after revolutionising Lebanese theatre and music."On Saturday at…
www.al-monitor.com
July 26, 2025 at 1:16 PM