Matthew Bell
@matthewjbell.bsky.social
Radio journalist with The World public radio program at GBH Boston - TheWorld.org
Watching Asia, the Middle East and religion. Irrational Boston Celtics fan. And yes to funk, soul, R&B, jazz and other American roots music, esp rhythm guitar.
Watching Asia, the Middle East and religion. Irrational Boston Celtics fan. And yes to funk, soul, R&B, jazz and other American roots music, esp rhythm guitar.
Reposted by Matthew Bell
Governments across Europe are making decisions on migration laws on the basis of upcoming elections, rather than on the reality says @gonzalofanjul.bsky.social My report on Europe's changing asylum landscape on @theworld.org also f/t @migrationpolicy.bsky.social Listen: theworld.org/segments/202...
Europe's asylum landscape has transformed in 10 years - The World from PRX
Britain is preparing a sweeping overhaul of its asylum system, a shift reportedly modeled in part on Denmark, home to some of the EU’s toughest migration laws. The move comes as governments across Eur...
theworld.org
November 26, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Governments across Europe are making decisions on migration laws on the basis of upcoming elections, rather than on the reality says @gonzalofanjul.bsky.social My report on Europe's changing asylum landscape on @theworld.org also f/t @migrationpolicy.bsky.social Listen: theworld.org/segments/202...
Still plenty of reasons to be skeptical about the Trump administration's latest push for an end to the war in Ukraine. Thanks @ivodaalder.bsky.social and @michaelkofman.bsky.social for speaking with me -- theworld.org/segments/202...
Analysts skeptical about chance for Ukraine-Russia peace deal - The World from PRX
The White House says it’s making “tremendous progress” on a peace plan for Ukraine. And there might be a deal as soon as Thanksgiving Day. US and Ukrainian officials have been modifying a 28-point pea...
theworld.org
November 26, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Still plenty of reasons to be skeptical about the Trump administration's latest push for an end to the war in Ukraine. Thanks @ivodaalder.bsky.social and @michaelkofman.bsky.social for speaking with me -- theworld.org/segments/202...
Reposted by Matthew Bell
Thirteen people were killed in a fire that spread across seven high-rise apartment buildings in a Hong Kong housing complex, and others were still trapped, the city’s fire services said.
13 people killed in fire engulfing Hong Kong high-rise residential buildings, fire services say
Thirteen people were killed in a fire that spread across seven high-rise apartment buildings in a Hong Kong housing complex.
bit.ly
November 26, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Thirteen people were killed in a fire that spread across seven high-rise apartment buildings in a Hong Kong housing complex, and others were still trapped, the city’s fire services said.
Officials frame strikes as self-defense against violence, without naming aggressor, while Trump claims they’re to stop US overdose deaths www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
US justice department memo about boat strikes diverges from Trump narrative
Exclusive: Officials frame strikes as self-defense against violence, without naming aggressor, while Trump claims they’re to stop US overdose deaths
www.theguardian.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:34 AM
Officials frame strikes as self-defense against violence, without naming aggressor, while Trump claims they’re to stop US overdose deaths www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
‘Scraping for crumbs’: Americans squeezed by affordability crisis - “The sense in and around Bethlehem of a deepening affordability crisis is echoed in polling across the country — and comes as wider economic forces turn negative for many Americans.” on.ft.com/3JZ3H9n
‘Scraping for crumbs’: Americans squeezed by affordability crisis
Rising food, shelter and healthcare costs are hitting hard in Bethlehem and the surrounding Lehigh Valley
on.ft.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:59 AM
‘Scraping for crumbs’: Americans squeezed by affordability crisis - “The sense in and around Bethlehem of a deepening affordability crisis is echoed in polling across the country — and comes as wider economic forces turn negative for many Americans.” on.ft.com/3JZ3H9n
“History offers lessons about accommodating aggressors, and about following the principle that might makes right.”
economist.com/internationa...
economist.com/internationa...
The wrong sort of peace leads to the next war
Donald Trump’s approach to peacemaking ignores crucial lessons from history
economist.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:39 AM
“History offers lessons about accommodating aggressors, and about following the principle that might makes right.”
economist.com/internationa...
economist.com/internationa...
Reposted by Matthew Bell
Billionaire Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, pardoned by Donald Trump, has been accused of facilitating millions of dollars’ worth of payments to Hamas in the wake of its attack on Israel on October 7 2023. Zhao also financed the Trump family's entrance into the cryptocurrency market.
Binance founder Changpeng Zhao accused of facilitating payments to Hamas
Crypto tycoon pardoned by Donald Trump faces US court complaint from families of victims of October 7 attack
www.ft.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:06 AM
Billionaire Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, pardoned by Donald Trump, has been accused of facilitating millions of dollars’ worth of payments to Hamas in the wake of its attack on Israel on October 7 2023. Zhao also financed the Trump family's entrance into the cryptocurrency market.
Russia’s slow grind in 2025 has gained it less than an additional 1 percent of Ukrainian territory at a massive cost estimated at over 200,000 troops killed and wounded.
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
Russia’s tiny advances in 2025 sold Putin on inevitable victory in Ukraine
Grinding progress for Russia on the battlefield this year has resulted in thousands of casualties but enough progress for Putin to refuse any compromises in diplomacy.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:22 AM
Russia’s slow grind in 2025 has gained it less than an additional 1 percent of Ukrainian territory at a massive cost estimated at over 200,000 troops killed and wounded.
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
Why is the Trump White House pushing Ukraine to accept a Russian plan that paves the way for another war?
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Trump Has a Recipe for War and Corruption, Not Peace
Who would benefit from the White House’s 28-point proposal for Ukraine?
www.theatlantic.com
November 22, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Why is the Trump White House pushing Ukraine to accept a Russian plan that paves the way for another war?
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Reposted by Matthew Bell
This is not a peace plan. It is a proposal that weakens Ukraine and divides America from Europe, preparing the way for a larger war in the future. In the meantime, it benefits unnamed Russian and American investors, at the expense of everyone else.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Trump Has a Recipe for War and Corruption, Not Peace
Who would benefit from the White House’s 28-point proposal for Ukraine?
www.theatlantic.com
November 22, 2025 at 11:11 AM
This is not a peace plan. It is a proposal that weakens Ukraine and divides America from Europe, preparing the way for a larger war in the future. In the meantime, it benefits unnamed Russian and American investors, at the expense of everyone else.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Really interesting visual story in the FT about how we get our tuna. ig.ft.com/supermarket-...
The dark truth behind supermarket tuna
Major retailers are selling tuna from fisheries where crews say they are exploited and abused
ig.ft.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Really interesting visual story in the FT about how we get our tuna. ig.ft.com/supermarket-...
Lucky day. Most of those miles are from my commute to and from work.
November 21, 2025 at 2:50 AM
Lucky day. Most of those miles are from my commute to and from work.
Reposted by Matthew Bell
jab up, friends
www.npr.org/2025/11/19/n...
www.npr.org/2025/11/19/n...
Flu season could be nasty this winter
With a new flu virus variant circulating, scientists fear more sickness this winter. The vaccine may be slightly less effective, but doctors still urge getting one ASAP.
www.npr.org
November 20, 2025 at 2:24 PM
jab up, friends
www.npr.org/2025/11/19/n...
www.npr.org/2025/11/19/n...
Reposted by Matthew Bell
MIT's famous linguistic professor Noam Chomsky was in regular and close contact with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to a review of emails published by the U.S. House Oversight Committee. In the documents, Chomsky described Epstein as a "highly valued friend."
Epstein emails show close connection with MIT's Noam Chomsky
MIT's famous linguistic professor Noam Chomsky was in regular and close contact with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to a review of emails published by the U.S. House Oversight Committee. In t...
www.wbur.org
November 20, 2025 at 1:24 PM
MIT's famous linguistic professor Noam Chomsky was in regular and close contact with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to a review of emails published by the U.S. House Oversight Committee. In the documents, Chomsky described Epstein as a "highly valued friend."
Reposted by Matthew Bell
Most Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have no homes to return back to and many are living in tents. Joseph Belliveau, director of the aid group MedGlobal, speaks with The World's Host Carolyn Beeler about the current situation in Gaza, especially as winter approaches.
Palestinians in Gaza struggle to survive despite ceasefire, living in tents amid destroyed homes - The World from PRX
Most Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have no homes to return back to and many are living in tents. Joseph Belliveau, director of the aid group MedGlobal, speaks with The World's Host Carolyn Beeler abo...
theworld.org
November 20, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Most Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have no homes to return back to and many are living in tents. Joseph Belliveau, director of the aid group MedGlobal, speaks with The World's Host Carolyn Beeler about the current situation in Gaza, especially as winter approaches.
Reposted by Matthew Bell
As Indonesia’s capital physically continues to sink, authorities are embracing a passion project: building a new capital. Parts of this solar-powered, futuristic city are already operational.
Indonesia makes plans for a utopian future capital - The World from PRX
As Indonesia’s capital physically continues to sink, authorities are embracing a passion project: building a new capital. Parts of this solar-powered, futuristic city are already operational.
theworld.org
November 14, 2025 at 3:06 PM
As Indonesia’s capital physically continues to sink, authorities are embracing a passion project: building a new capital. Parts of this solar-powered, futuristic city are already operational.
“Authoritarian incompetence can be a profound mercy.” www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/o...
Opinion | The Comey Case Is a Comedy of Errors
www.nytimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:10 PM
“Authoritarian incompetence can be a profound mercy.” www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/o...
Three kids killed, 15 injured www.bbc.com/news/article...
Russian attack on Ternopil kills 25 in one of deadliest strikes on western Ukraine
Two blocks of flats were attacked in the western city of Ternopil. One was almost destroyed.
www.bbc.com
November 19, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Three kids killed, 15 injured www.bbc.com/news/article...
More excellent reporting from my colleague @shirinj.bsky.social for @theworld.org — theworld.org/segments/202...
Saudi crown prince visits White House for first time in 7 years - The World from PRX
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman met with US President Donald Trump today at the White House. MBS, as he is known, was sidelined seven years ago after the US intelligence community concluded tha...
theworld.org
November 19, 2025 at 1:26 PM
More excellent reporting from my colleague @shirinj.bsky.social for @theworld.org — theworld.org/segments/202...
Reposted by Matthew Bell
Sports in the Winter Olympics have to be contested on either snow or ice. It's actually a rule! Still, one of the sports gaining momentum to be added to the winter lineup doesn't have either.
XC!
Why add this muddy sport to the mix? My latest for @theworld.org:
theworld.org/segments/202...
XC!
Why add this muddy sport to the mix? My latest for @theworld.org:
theworld.org/segments/202...
November 19, 2025 at 12:01 AM
Sports in the Winter Olympics have to be contested on either snow or ice. It's actually a rule! Still, one of the sports gaining momentum to be added to the winter lineup doesn't have either.
XC!
Why add this muddy sport to the mix? My latest for @theworld.org:
theworld.org/segments/202...
XC!
Why add this muddy sport to the mix? My latest for @theworld.org:
theworld.org/segments/202...
Israel struggles to curb West Bank violence as settlers ramp up attacks www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
Israel struggles to curb West Bank violence as settlers ramp up attacks
A former general and an Israeli opposition leader both blamed the government for helping foster what they described as “Jewish terrorism.”
www.washingtonpost.com
November 19, 2025 at 11:34 AM
Israel struggles to curb West Bank violence as settlers ramp up attacks www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
Orthodox Church Pews Are Overflowing With Converts www.nytimes.com/2025/11/19/u...
Orthodox Church Pews Are Overflowing With Converts
www.nytimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Orthodox Church Pews Are Overflowing With Converts www.nytimes.com/2025/11/19/u...
Reposted by Matthew Bell
I will never forget having to edit Jamal’s final, posthumous piece for the Washington Post, after he was murdered.
He was calling for free expression in the Arab world. You can read it here :
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/glo...
He was calling for free expression in the Arab world. You can read it here :
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/glo...
Opinion | Jamal Khashoggi: What the Arab world needs most is free expression
The Arab world needs a modern version of the old transnational media so citizens can be informed about global events.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:48 PM
I will never forget having to edit Jamal’s final, posthumous piece for the Washington Post, after he was murdered.
He was calling for free expression in the Arab world. You can read it here :
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/glo...
He was calling for free expression in the Arab world. You can read it here :
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/glo...
Britain's MI5 spy service warns lawmakers of Chinese spy risk - www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-...
www.reuters.com
November 18, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Britain's MI5 spy service warns lawmakers of Chinese spy risk - www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-...
