Natasha Hall
@natashahall.bsky.social
Senior Fellow, Center for Strategic and International Studies; Former mediator, humanitarian, government official
All views my own
#Conflict #Regimesurvival #Environment #Governance
All views my own
#Conflict #Regimesurvival #Environment #Governance
Pinned
The Gaza Deal Is Not Too Big to Fail
How Israel’s military dominance could undermine America’s quest for regional peace.
www.foreignaffairs.com
My piece with @joosthiltermann.bsky.social in @foreignaffairs.com
“If the U.S.-led world order is a geopolitical game of Jenga, it could well be Israel that ends up pulling the final piece….Trump has made the first step in reversing course on this trend” www.foreignaffairs.com/israel/gaza-...
“If the U.S.-led world order is a geopolitical game of Jenga, it could well be Israel that ends up pulling the final piece….Trump has made the first step in reversing course on this trend” www.foreignaffairs.com/israel/gaza-...
My piece with @joosthiltermann.bsky.social in @foreignaffairs.com
“If the U.S.-led world order is a geopolitical game of Jenga, it could well be Israel that ends up pulling the final piece….Trump has made the first step in reversing course on this trend” www.foreignaffairs.com/israel/gaza-...
“If the U.S.-led world order is a geopolitical game of Jenga, it could well be Israel that ends up pulling the final piece….Trump has made the first step in reversing course on this trend” www.foreignaffairs.com/israel/gaza-...
The Gaza Deal Is Not Too Big to Fail
How Israel’s military dominance could undermine America’s quest for regional peace.
www.foreignaffairs.com
October 22, 2025 at 4:21 PM
My piece with @joosthiltermann.bsky.social in @foreignaffairs.com
“If the U.S.-led world order is a geopolitical game of Jenga, it could well be Israel that ends up pulling the final piece….Trump has made the first step in reversing course on this trend” www.foreignaffairs.com/israel/gaza-...
“If the U.S.-led world order is a geopolitical game of Jenga, it could well be Israel that ends up pulling the final piece….Trump has made the first step in reversing course on this trend” www.foreignaffairs.com/israel/gaza-...
Reposted by Natasha Hall
Read @joosthiltermann.bsky.social and @natashahall.bsky.social on how Israel has continually upended the Trump administration’s policies—and how the new cease-fire deal could “turn into yet another failed U.S.-led peace initiative.”
The Gaza Deal Is Not Too Big to Fail
How Israel’s military dominance could undermine America’s quest for regional peace.
www.foreignaffairs.com
October 21, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Read @joosthiltermann.bsky.social and @natashahall.bsky.social on how Israel has continually upended the Trump administration’s policies—and how the new cease-fire deal could “turn into yet another failed U.S.-led peace initiative.”
Spoke w/ @bloomberg.com this afternoon on Vance's visit to Israel, MBS' upcoming visit to DC, and what's left of the ceasefire. In short, the US will need to stay deeply involved to keep the ceasefire in Gaza intact and to move both sides to the next phase. www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNbX...
Vance Visit Previews Long Road Ahead for Israel, Hamas Ceasefire
YouTube video by Bloomberg Podcasts
www.youtube.com
October 21, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Spoke w/ @bloomberg.com this afternoon on Vance's visit to Israel, MBS' upcoming visit to DC, and what's left of the ceasefire. In short, the US will need to stay deeply involved to keep the ceasefire in Gaza intact and to move both sides to the next phase. www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNbX...
I wrote about the reasons for the durability of authoritarianism in the Middle East with @joosthiltermann.bsky.social. Spoiler alert: we don't think it's Islam or "culture."
cihrs-rowaq.org/views-the-we...
cihrs-rowaq.org/views-the-we...
Views: The West’s Enduring Stability Paradigm for the Arab Region - Rowaq Arabi Journal
Citation: Natasha Hall and Joost Hiltermann. 2025. “Views: The West’s Enduring Stability Paradigm for the Arab Region.” Rowaq Arabi 30 (3): 14-21, https://doi.org/10.53833/JZYZ5485. Predicting the sta...
cihrs-rowaq.org
October 17, 2025 at 1:15 PM
I wrote about the reasons for the durability of authoritarianism in the Middle East with @joosthiltermann.bsky.social. Spoiler alert: we don't think it's Islam or "culture."
cihrs-rowaq.org/views-the-we...
cihrs-rowaq.org/views-the-we...
Reposted by Natasha Hall
“To appease his right flank and ensure his own political survival, Netanyahu might be tempted to resume the war on Hamas once the hostages are freed and obstruct meaningful humanitarian aid once again,” write @joosthiltermann.bsky.social and @natashahall.bsky.social.
The Gaza Deal Is Not Too Big to Fail
How Israel’s military dominance could undermine America’s quest for regional peace.
www.foreignaffairs.com
October 9, 2025 at 9:10 PM
“To appease his right flank and ensure his own political survival, Netanyahu might be tempted to resume the war on Hamas once the hostages are freed and obstruct meaningful humanitarian aid once again,” write @joosthiltermann.bsky.social and @natashahall.bsky.social.
“if we can’t even get a deal on humanitarian aid flowing unimpeded back into Gaza, I’m pretty pessimistic” Chatting w/ @kaileyleinz & @JMathieuReports @BloombergTV about Gaza, Iran, Israel and ceasefire talks m.youtube.com/watch?v=ICj4...
Trump Stresses Need for Gaza Deal Ahead of Netanyahu Visit
YouTube video by Bloomberg Podcasts
m.youtube.com
July 7, 2025 at 9:26 PM
“if we can’t even get a deal on humanitarian aid flowing unimpeded back into Gaza, I’m pretty pessimistic” Chatting w/ @kaileyleinz & @JMathieuReports @BloombergTV about Gaza, Iran, Israel and ceasefire talks m.youtube.com/watch?v=ICj4...
Reposted by Natasha Hall
"President Trump’s recent announcement to lift sanctions on Syria is an important first step, but it’s not enough," write @natashahall.bsky.social and Ninar Fawal.
Read more in @foreignaffairs.com on Syria's recovery:
Read more in @foreignaffairs.com on Syria's recovery:
Can Syria Recover? Why Sanctions Relief Is Not Enough
President Trump’s recent announcement to lift sanctions on Syria is an important first step, but it’s not enough. The United States and Syria’s other partners now need to clear the remaining…
www.csis.org
May 29, 2025 at 7:00 PM
"President Trump’s recent announcement to lift sanctions on Syria is an important first step, but it’s not enough," write @natashahall.bsky.social and Ninar Fawal.
Read more in @foreignaffairs.com on Syria's recovery:
Read more in @foreignaffairs.com on Syria's recovery:
My latest with colleague Ninar Fawal on the next steps for Syria in @foreignaffairs.com
In short, clear the path of spoilers to allow Syria to recover. The announcement of sanctions relief is an incredible first step but it isn't the only one.
www.foreignaffairs.com/syria/can-sy...
In short, clear the path of spoilers to allow Syria to recover. The announcement of sanctions relief is an incredible first step but it isn't the only one.
www.foreignaffairs.com/syria/can-sy...
Can Syria Recover?
Sanctions relief is not enough.
www.foreignaffairs.com
May 27, 2025 at 5:58 PM
My latest with colleague Ninar Fawal on the next steps for Syria in @foreignaffairs.com
In short, clear the path of spoilers to allow Syria to recover. The announcement of sanctions relief is an incredible first step but it isn't the only one.
www.foreignaffairs.com/syria/can-sy...
In short, clear the path of spoilers to allow Syria to recover. The announcement of sanctions relief is an incredible first step but it isn't the only one.
www.foreignaffairs.com/syria/can-sy...
Reposted by Natasha Hall
After a dry winter, Syria adds a severe water crisis in the capital to its many troubles, report @apnews.com’s Omar Sanadiki and Ghaith al-Sayed.
apnews.com/article/syri...
apnews.com/article/syri...
Syria's driest winter in nearly 7 decades triggers a severe water crisis in Damascus
Syria's capital, Damascus, is suffering from its worst water shortages in years as a result of the lowest rainfall in more than six decades.
apnews.com
May 20, 2025 at 5:45 AM
After a dry winter, Syria adds a severe water crisis in the capital to its many troubles, report @apnews.com’s Omar Sanadiki and Ghaith al-Sayed.
apnews.com/article/syri...
apnews.com/article/syri...
“This is the historic statement and peace offering that we’ve been waiting for to meet the historic moment of the end of the house of Assad”
My thoughts w/ @dwnews on #Syria #SaudiArabia and @realDonaldTrump announcement on sanctions m.youtube.com/watch?v=qAVa...
My thoughts w/ @dwnews on #Syria #SaudiArabia and @realDonaldTrump announcement on sanctions m.youtube.com/watch?v=qAVa...
Trump says US will remove all sanctions on Syria | DW News
YouTube video by DW News
m.youtube.com
May 14, 2025 at 4:21 AM
“This is the historic statement and peace offering that we’ve been waiting for to meet the historic moment of the end of the house of Assad”
My thoughts w/ @dwnews on #Syria #SaudiArabia and @realDonaldTrump announcement on sanctions m.youtube.com/watch?v=qAVa...
My thoughts w/ @dwnews on #Syria #SaudiArabia and @realDonaldTrump announcement on sanctions m.youtube.com/watch?v=qAVa...
“How much influence do you think the US president has over Netanyahu?”
….my thoughts on Gaza, Israel, and expectations for Trump’s Gulf trip youtu.be/zEasfTLc63k?...
….my thoughts on Gaza, Israel, and expectations for Trump’s Gulf trip youtu.be/zEasfTLc63k?...
Could Israel’s new military operation in Gaza eliminate Hamas and free hostages? | DW News
YouTube video by DW News
youtu.be
May 7, 2025 at 6:31 PM
“How much influence do you think the US president has over Netanyahu?”
….my thoughts on Gaza, Israel, and expectations for Trump’s Gulf trip youtu.be/zEasfTLc63k?...
….my thoughts on Gaza, Israel, and expectations for Trump’s Gulf trip youtu.be/zEasfTLc63k?...
From the @FinancialTimes editorial board www.ft.com/content/f5fd...
The west’s shameful silence on Gaza
The US and European allies should do more to restrain Benjamin Netanyahu
www.ft.com
May 7, 2025 at 4:20 AM
From the @FinancialTimes editorial board www.ft.com/content/f5fd...
Reposted by Natasha Hall
"The trends are clear: By 2050, every single country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) will live under extremely high water stress," warns @mideast.csis.org expert @natashahall.bsky.social
Learn more:
Learn more:
The Thirst for Power
The Middle East has battled water insecurity for centuries, but today, the region is on a razor’s edge. Tackling the politics and power dynamics that have exacerbated scarcity is the only way to…
www.csis.org
April 22, 2025 at 6:00 PM
"The trends are clear: By 2050, every single country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) will live under extremely high water stress," warns @mideast.csis.org expert @natashahall.bsky.social
Learn more:
Learn more:
“There is so much assistance that is desperately needed to accomplish any of these things [that the White House is demanding] and to secure the country, let alone begin any kind of development...Time is running out.” #Syria
spoke to @jmalsin.bsky.social @wsj.com www.wsj.com/world/middle...
spoke to @jmalsin.bsky.social @wsj.com www.wsj.com/world/middle...
U.S. Toughens Demands on Syria’s New Islamist-Led Leadership
The Trump administration wants Damascus to crack down on extremists and expel Palestinian militants in return for a limited easing of sanctions.
www.wsj.com
April 19, 2025 at 11:24 AM
“There is so much assistance that is desperately needed to accomplish any of these things [that the White House is demanding] and to secure the country, let alone begin any kind of development...Time is running out.” #Syria
spoke to @jmalsin.bsky.social @wsj.com www.wsj.com/world/middle...
spoke to @jmalsin.bsky.social @wsj.com www.wsj.com/world/middle...
My latest in the @nytimes.com on Syria. Don’t let a once in a lifetime opportunity for US foreign policy slip away
For the NYT, @natashahall.bsky.social argues "the smartest way to steer [Syria] toward a peaceful future is to engage with this government on concrete steps that steer the country toward recovery, security and a society that serves Syria’s people, not its rulers." www.nytimes.com/2025/04/02/o...
Opinion | Syria Is Trying to Rebuild Without Humanitarian Aid or Sanction Relief
Trying to rebuild a war-ravaged country without humanitarian aid or sanction relief is like trying to get up with a boot on your neck.
www.nytimes.com
April 2, 2025 at 4:10 PM
My latest in the @nytimes.com on Syria. Don’t let a once in a lifetime opportunity for US foreign policy slip away
Reposted by Natasha Hall
"There is no way this government survives" without sanctions relief, argues @natashahall.bsky.social to Arab News about the challenges facing #Syria's new government.
Read her recent comments below 👇
Read her recent comments below 👇
US should give Syria the chance to get back on its feet
Get the latest breaking news and headlines from the largest Arab News website. Get world news, sport news, business news, entertainment, lifestyle, video and photos.
www.arabnews.com
March 24, 2025 at 1:38 PM
"There is no way this government survives" without sanctions relief, argues @natashahall.bsky.social to Arab News about the challenges facing #Syria's new government.
Read her recent comments below 👇
Read her recent comments below 👇
Reposted by Natasha Hall
"Every country in the Middle East and North Africa will experience extreme water stress by 2050, meaning that all will be using at least 80% of their available water supplies," warns @mideast.csis.org expert @natashahall.bsky.social
More on the politics of water insecurity:
More on the politics of water insecurity:
Tipping Point: The Politics of Water Insecurity in the Middle East
While parts of the Middle East are inherently water scarce, tensions in the region and governance issues have brought the region to a tipping point. There is an urgent need to address the politics of…
cs.is
March 19, 2025 at 12:30 PM
"Every country in the Middle East and North Africa will experience extreme water stress by 2050, meaning that all will be using at least 80% of their available water supplies," warns @mideast.csis.org expert @natashahall.bsky.social
More on the politics of water insecurity:
More on the politics of water insecurity:
Reposted by Natasha Hall
"The Middle East is no stranger to water scarcity and violence, but the region is now at a tipping point," warns @mideast.csis.org expert @natashahall.bsky.social
Learn more about the politics of water insecurity in the Middle East:
Learn more about the politics of water insecurity in the Middle East:
Tipping Point: The Politics of Water Insecurity in the Middle East
While parts of the Middle East are inherently water scarce, tensions in the region and governance issues have brought the region to a tipping point. There is an urgent need to address the politics of…
www.csis.org
March 16, 2025 at 9:00 PM
"The Middle East is no stranger to water scarcity and violence, but the region is now at a tipping point," warns @mideast.csis.org expert @natashahall.bsky.social
Learn more about the politics of water insecurity in the Middle East:
Learn more about the politics of water insecurity in the Middle East:
The Israelis just hit the building next to my aunt’s house in Syria. 6 people died. She’s in shock. This has to stop. news.sky.com/video/syrias...
Syria's capital Damascus has been hit by Israeli air strikes
Israel's defence minister said the air strike was part of an anti-terrorist operation in Damascus.
news.sky.com
March 13, 2025 at 2:45 PM
The Israelis just hit the building next to my aunt’s house in Syria. 6 people died. She’s in shock. This has to stop. news.sky.com/video/syrias...
Reposted by Natasha Hall
"Qatar is set to supply Syria with gas via Jordan to improve the nation's meager power supply, three people familiar with the matter said, in a move that a U.S. official said had Washington's approval."
Timour Azhari & Andrew Mills, @reuters.com
www.reuters.com/business/ene...
Timour Azhari & Andrew Mills, @reuters.com
www.reuters.com/business/ene...
Exclusive: Qatar to supply gas to Syria via Jordan with a US nod, sources say
Qatar is set to supply Syria with gas via Jordan to improve the nation's meager power supply, three people familiar with the matter said, in a move that a U.S. official said had Washington's approval.
www.reuters.com
March 13, 2025 at 11:44 AM
"Qatar is set to supply Syria with gas via Jordan to improve the nation's meager power supply, three people familiar with the matter said, in a move that a U.S. official said had Washington's approval."
Timour Azhari & Andrew Mills, @reuters.com
www.reuters.com/business/ene...
Timour Azhari & Andrew Mills, @reuters.com
www.reuters.com/business/ene...
On the SDF-govt deal “Sharaa is reeling from the weekend’s violence…He is looking for wins w/ the intl community, knowing that Kurds have good relations w/ the US & even perhaps Israel. He’s playing a strategic game by signing the agreement.” www.cnn.com/2025/03/10/m...
Syria’s new government strikes deal to integrate powerful Kurdish rival in landmark agreement | CNN
Syria’s interim government says it has reached a landmark agreement with Kurdish-led forces to integrate them into state institutions as it tries to unify the country’s diverse communities after a dec...
www.cnn.com
March 11, 2025 at 8:19 PM
On the SDF-govt deal “Sharaa is reeling from the weekend’s violence…He is looking for wins w/ the intl community, knowing that Kurds have good relations w/ the US & even perhaps Israel. He’s playing a strategic game by signing the agreement.” www.cnn.com/2025/03/10/m...
Reposted by Natasha Hall
While parts of the Middle East are inherently water scarce, tensions in the region and governance issues have brought the region to a tipping point. @natashahall.bsky.social stresses urgency in addressing the politics of water insecurity.
More from @mideast.csis.org ⤵️
More from @mideast.csis.org ⤵️
cs.is
March 10, 2025 at 3:00 PM
While parts of the Middle East are inherently water scarce, tensions in the region and governance issues have brought the region to a tipping point. @natashahall.bsky.social stresses urgency in addressing the politics of water insecurity.
More from @mideast.csis.org ⤵️
More from @mideast.csis.org ⤵️
Reposted by Natasha Hall
Happening Tomorrow | @natashahall.bsky.social hosts a panel of experts to discuss a new CSIS report on the politics of water scarcity in the Middle East.
🕔 10:00 - 11:00AM ET
📆 March 11, 2025
📍 Online
Register here:
🕔 10:00 - 11:00AM ET
📆 March 11, 2025
📍 Online
Register here:
The Thirst for Power: Overcoming the Politics of Water in the Middle East | CSIS Events
The CSIS Middle East Program launches its new report on water politics in the Middle East, edited by Natasha Hall. Hall will be joined by five regional experts to discuss water insecurity, aid cuts,…
buff.ly
March 10, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Happening Tomorrow | @natashahall.bsky.social hosts a panel of experts to discuss a new CSIS report on the politics of water scarcity in the Middle East.
🕔 10:00 - 11:00AM ET
📆 March 11, 2025
📍 Online
Register here:
🕔 10:00 - 11:00AM ET
📆 March 11, 2025
📍 Online
Register here:
NEW report: The Thirst for Power: Overcoming the Politics of Water in the Middle East
“water can no longer be put on hold in the region. The choice is stark. Either change course or face far greater challenges in the future.” #Iraq #Syria #Yemen #Jordan #Gaza #WestBank
www.csis.org/analysis/tip...
“water can no longer be put on hold in the region. The choice is stark. Either change course or face far greater challenges in the future.” #Iraq #Syria #Yemen #Jordan #Gaza #WestBank
www.csis.org/analysis/tip...
Tipping Point: The Politics of Water Insecurity in the Middle East
While parts of the Middle East are inherently water scarce, tensions in the region and governance issues have brought the region to a tipping point. There is an urgent need to address the politics of ...
www.csis.org
March 10, 2025 at 2:06 PM