Ruth Michaelson
@ruthmichaelson.com
Observer Middle East correspondent based in Turkey.
Bylines @theobserveruk.bsky.social & seen in @theguardian.com, sometimes others.
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.ruthmichaelson.com
Bylines @theobserveruk.bsky.social & seen in @theguardian.com, sometimes others.
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.ruthmichaelson.com
Even some in Iran's religious community have voiced their discontent with the regime – and protests grew in the Mashhad, a pilgrimage site + hometown of supreme leader Khamenei.
But Mashhad hasn't been spared the brutal crackdown even with its holy status. My piece for @theobserveruk.bsky.social
But Mashhad hasn't been spared the brutal crackdown even with its holy status. My piece for @theobserveruk.bsky.social
Street protests against Iranian regime reach holy city of...
The wave of protests across the country has now hit Mashhad, the supreme leader’s home town, known for being religious and conservative. The fact that deeply religious people are now entering the fray...
observer.co.uk
January 12, 2026 at 1:15 PM
Even some in Iran's religious community have voiced their discontent with the regime – and protests grew in the Mashhad, a pilgrimage site + hometown of supreme leader Khamenei.
But Mashhad hasn't been spared the brutal crackdown even with its holy status. My piece for @theobserveruk.bsky.social
But Mashhad hasn't been spared the brutal crackdown even with its holy status. My piece for @theobserveruk.bsky.social
Before the Internet was shut off, cutting off Iran from the outside world, one protestor in Rasht told me “I am ready to pay a price to bring down this regime, even if that price is my death.”
Those taking to the streets have "nothing left to lose," he said.
My piece @theobserveruk.bsky.social
Those taking to the streets have "nothing left to lose," he said.
My piece @theobserveruk.bsky.social
‘There’s nothing left to lose’: defiance burns on the str...
What began as protests about the slow-motion collapse of Iran’s economy has morphed into demands for the end of the Islamic Republic
observer.co.uk
January 11, 2026 at 12:51 PM
Before the Internet was shut off, cutting off Iran from the outside world, one protestor in Rasht told me “I am ready to pay a price to bring down this regime, even if that price is my death.”
Those taking to the streets have "nothing left to lose," he said.
My piece @theobserveruk.bsky.social
Those taking to the streets have "nothing left to lose," he said.
My piece @theobserveruk.bsky.social
Polymarket is refusing to pay out millions - notably including $400,000 in winnings for one single anonymous trader - due to disputes over whether the US “invaded” Venezuela in order to capture Maduro. It will only pay out if the US captures territory, they said.
Polymarket refuses to pay bets that US would ‘invade’ Venezuela
[FREE TO READ] Prediction market disputes US raid amounted to an invasion in fight over more than $10.5mn in wagers
www.ft.com
January 7, 2026 at 12:59 PM
Polymarket is refusing to pay out millions - notably including $400,000 in winnings for one single anonymous trader - due to disputes over whether the US “invaded” Venezuela in order to capture Maduro. It will only pay out if the US captures territory, they said.
Reposted by Ruth Michaelson
When U.S. forces captured Maduro, Chinese social media lit up.
People with nationalist views asked: Why can’t Beijing do the same in Taiwan?
On the other side of the political spectrum, people cheered the downfall of a dictator.
by Li Yuan
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/06/b...
People with nationalist views asked: Why can’t Beijing do the same in Taiwan?
On the other side of the political spectrum, people cheered the downfall of a dictator.
by Li Yuan
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/06/b...
In China, a Debate About Political Power Ignites After Maduro’s Capture
www.nytimes.com
January 6, 2026 at 7:11 AM
When U.S. forces captured Maduro, Chinese social media lit up.
People with nationalist views asked: Why can’t Beijing do the same in Taiwan?
On the other side of the political spectrum, people cheered the downfall of a dictator.
by Li Yuan
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/06/b...
People with nationalist views asked: Why can’t Beijing do the same in Taiwan?
On the other side of the political spectrum, people cheered the downfall of a dictator.
by Li Yuan
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/06/b...
Reposted by Ruth Michaelson
WH sources say Venezuela's opposition leader committed the "ultimate sin": She accepted the Nobel Peace prize.
“If she had turned it down and said, ‘I can’t accept it because it’s Donald Trump’s,’ she’d be the president of Venezuela today,” one said.
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
“If she had turned it down and said, ‘I can’t accept it because it’s Donald Trump’s,’ she’d be the president of Venezuela today,” one said.
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
January 5, 2026 at 3:02 AM
WH sources say Venezuela's opposition leader committed the "ultimate sin": She accepted the Nobel Peace prize.
“If she had turned it down and said, ‘I can’t accept it because it’s Donald Trump’s,’ she’d be the president of Venezuela today,” one said.
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
“If she had turned it down and said, ‘I can’t accept it because it’s Donald Trump’s,’ she’d be the president of Venezuela today,” one said.
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
“Replacing the man at the top will not dismantle the web of bosses, private loyalties, corrupt practices and institutional ruins that have replaced public life here.”
Opinion | This Is What Venezuelans Really Want
www.nytimes.com
January 5, 2026 at 8:21 AM
“Replacing the man at the top will not dismantle the web of bosses, private loyalties, corrupt practices and institutional ruins that have replaced public life here.”
Reposted by Ruth Michaelson
Rights group says at least 16 dead in Iran during week of protests reut.rs/4spQnMw
Rights group says at least 16 dead in Iran during week of protests
At least 16 people have been killed during a week of unrest in Iran, rights groups said on Sunday, as protests over soaring inflation spread across the country prompting violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
reut.rs
January 4, 2026 at 11:25 AM
Rights group says at least 16 dead in Iran during week of protests reut.rs/4spQnMw
“Mr. Maduro in late December rejected an ultimatum from President Trump to leave office and go into a gilded exile in Turkey, according to several Americans and Venezuelans involved in transition talks.”
Sounds like Trump made this offer without buy-in from Ankara…?
Sounds like Trump made this offer without buy-in from Ankara…?
How Trump Fixed On a Maduro Loyalist as Venezuela’s New Leader
www.nytimes.com
January 4, 2026 at 11:15 AM
“Mr. Maduro in late December rejected an ultimatum from President Trump to leave office and go into a gilded exile in Turkey, according to several Americans and Venezuelans involved in transition talks.”
Sounds like Trump made this offer without buy-in from Ankara…?
Sounds like Trump made this offer without buy-in from Ankara…?
“For more than a decade, real power in Venezuela has been held by a small circle of senior officials. Analysts and officials say though that the system depends on a sprawling web of loyalists and security organs, fueled by corruption and surveillance.” - @reuters.com
Maduro is out but his top allies still hold power in Venezuela
Under Venezuela's constitution, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez becomes acting president in Maduro's absence.
www.reuters.com
January 4, 2026 at 10:34 AM
“For more than a decade, real power in Venezuela has been held by a small circle of senior officials. Analysts and officials say though that the system depends on a sprawling web of loyalists and security organs, fueled by corruption and surveillance.” - @reuters.com
Reposted by Ruth Michaelson
Marco Rubio is reportedly saying Maduro will stand trial in US courts.
Which means it’s now the US administration’s position that US courts can hold foreign presidents, but not the US president, accountable for crimes.
Which means it’s now the US administration’s position that US courts can hold foreign presidents, but not the US president, accountable for crimes.
January 3, 2026 at 10:52 AM
Marco Rubio is reportedly saying Maduro will stand trial in US courts.
Which means it’s now the US administration’s position that US courts can hold foreign presidents, but not the US president, accountable for crimes.
Which means it’s now the US administration’s position that US courts can hold foreign presidents, but not the US president, accountable for crimes.
Reposted by Ruth Michaelson
Ex-Meta chief AI scientist Yann LeCun has Lunch with the FT and in one of those instances so rare that you know he didn't sign an NDA, says exactly why as.ft.com/r/e503690d-8...
January 2, 2026 at 1:32 PM
Ex-Meta chief AI scientist Yann LeCun has Lunch with the FT and in one of those instances so rare that you know he didn't sign an NDA, says exactly why as.ft.com/r/e503690d-8...
“He can be judged by the dignity and steadfastness with which he has fought for freedom – both the Egyptian people’s and his own. Maybe they could even trust that they did the right thing in the first place.”
@naomiaklein.bsky.social on the British right’s attacks on Alaa.
@naomiaklein.bsky.social on the British right’s attacks on Alaa.
Alaa Abd el-Fattah’s tweets were wrong, but he is no ‘anti-white Islamist’. Why does the British right want you to believe he is? | Naomi Klein
I have no interest in defending his social media posts, but calls to strip the newly freed activist of British citizenship pile torment on top of torture, says Naomi Klein, Guardian US columnist and c...
www.theguardian.com
December 31, 2025 at 8:10 AM
“He can be judged by the dignity and steadfastness with which he has fought for freedom – both the Egyptian people’s and his own. Maybe they could even trust that they did the right thing in the first place.”
@naomiaklein.bsky.social on the British right’s attacks on Alaa.
@naomiaklein.bsky.social on the British right’s attacks on Alaa.
Reposted by Ruth Michaelson
“You are not entitled to a response from us, or anyone, ever,” is what a US Education Department spokesperson wrote to one of our reporters, @megomatz.bsky.social, after she repeatedly tried to get comment from the department and its officials. My column on the condemnation of good journalism.
Our Reporters Reached Out for Comment. They Were Accused of Stalking and Intimidation.
Our journalists reach out to people they’re writing about to ensure fairness. But in this environment, they’ve found their efforts to do so are more likely to be vilified than appreciated.
www.propublica.org
December 29, 2025 at 2:58 PM
“You are not entitled to a response from us, or anyone, ever,” is what a US Education Department spokesperson wrote to one of our reporters, @megomatz.bsky.social, after she repeatedly tried to get comment from the department and its officials. My column on the condemnation of good journalism.
Leaving prison after spending most of the past 12 years incarcerated did not mean freedom for Alaa Abd el-Fattah, until he could finally travel.
The British government needs to do more to combat the harms of travel bans wielded by authoritarian regimes.
My piece for @theobserveruk.bsky.social
The British government needs to do more to combat the harms of travel bans wielded by authoritarian regimes.
My piece for @theobserveruk.bsky.social
British-Egyptian activist reunited with family in UK as travel ban lifted bit.ly/4qsv9M2
British-Egyptian activist reunited with family in UK as t...
Alaa Abd el-Fattah has finally been allowed to leave Egypt and rejoin his son following his release from prison
bit.ly
December 28, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Leaving prison after spending most of the past 12 years incarcerated did not mean freedom for Alaa Abd el-Fattah, until he could finally travel.
The British government needs to do more to combat the harms of travel bans wielded by authoritarian regimes.
My piece for @theobserveruk.bsky.social
The British government needs to do more to combat the harms of travel bans wielded by authoritarian regimes.
My piece for @theobserveruk.bsky.social
Rishi Sunak personally promised Abd el-Fattah’s sisters he would act to free him from Egyptian prison. In writing, in 2022.
It’s shameful that Alaa’s welcome to the U.K. has been marred by this racist campaign.
It’s shameful that Alaa’s welcome to the U.K. has been marred by this racist campaign.
This was the government's position on "human rights defender" Abd El-Fattah in 2023, while Robert Jenrick sat in cabinet, Cleverly was Foreign Sec, and Sunak was PM - a position confirmed no fewer than ten times on the floor of both the Commons and the Lords.
Did Bob object back then? Thought not.
Did Bob object back then? Thought not.
December 28, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Rishi Sunak personally promised Abd el-Fattah’s sisters he would act to free him from Egyptian prison. In writing, in 2022.
It’s shameful that Alaa’s welcome to the U.K. has been marred by this racist campaign.
It’s shameful that Alaa’s welcome to the U.K. has been marred by this racist campaign.
Reposted by Ruth Michaelson
Too many Egyptian political prisoners are released from custody only to continue facing asset freezes and travel bans that leave them unable to rebuild their lives -- unable to be truly free.
Today, we celebrate Alaa Abdel Fattah's travel as a symbol of him being finally free.
🤍🤍🤍
Today, we celebrate Alaa Abdel Fattah's travel as a symbol of him being finally free.
🤍🤍🤍
December 26, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Too many Egyptian political prisoners are released from custody only to continue facing asset freezes and travel bans that leave them unable to rebuild their lives -- unable to be truly free.
Today, we celebrate Alaa Abdel Fattah's travel as a symbol of him being finally free.
🤍🤍🤍
Today, we celebrate Alaa Abdel Fattah's travel as a symbol of him being finally free.
🤍🤍🤍
This by @parkermolloy.com is worth reading to the end: "The entire history of adversarial journalism depends on the premise that reporters can publish true, well-sourced information even when the subjects of that information would prefer they didn’t. What Weiss has done is abandon that premise."
I wrote about Bari Weiss, 60 Minutes, CBS News, and what all of this says about the state of mainstream media. www.readtpa.com/p/the-kill-s...
The Kill Switch
How Bari Weiss handed the Trump administration a veto over CBS News
www.readtpa.com
December 22, 2025 at 6:03 PM
This by @parkermolloy.com is worth reading to the end: "The entire history of adversarial journalism depends on the premise that reporters can publish true, well-sourced information even when the subjects of that information would prefer they didn’t. What Weiss has done is abandon that premise."
Given that Kristi Noem already filmed an appalling video inside CECOT prison, what would getting "the principles on the record and on camera," add to the reporting that is so essential?
NEW: Bari Weiss addresses her decision to hold last night's CECOT story on the CBS News morning editorial call: "Our viewers come first, not a listing schedule or anything else..."
December 22, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Given that Kristi Noem already filmed an appalling video inside CECOT prison, what would getting "the principles on the record and on camera," add to the reporting that is so essential?
“Thousands of newcomers with little to no computing capacity today are hoping to claim a piece of the AI infrastructure gold rush.”
🚨NEW: AI Data Center Gold Rush Driven by Thousands of Newcomers🚨
We analyzed thousands of data center operators. We found that newcomers are driving the AI gold rush - and it could have global economic consequences.
🎁: www.bloomberg.com/graphics/202...
We analyzed thousands of data center operators. We found that newcomers are driving the AI gold rush - and it could have global economic consequences.
🎁: www.bloomberg.com/graphics/202...
AI Data Center Gold Rush Driven by Thousands of Newcomers
The growing field of data center developers are catering to the tech industry’s ravenous demand for computing power to build better and more widely adopted AI systems. New faces are behind the mega-ca...
www.bloomberg.com
December 22, 2025 at 1:16 PM
“Thousands of newcomers with little to no computing capacity today are hoping to claim a piece of the AI infrastructure gold rush.”
The use of AI for translations of artwork overlooks something key: Quality translation is also an art form! Never mind also that the AI doing the translation had to be trained on something (i.e. the work of translators).
Hard no to this: French publisher Harlequin has told translators that their work will now be done by AI. They can ‘revise’ AI translations at much lower rate. It’s a subsidiary of Harper Collins so treat this as a test for rollout elsewhere
"Bradage de la traduction, plan social invisible : Harlequin passe à l’IA"
Faites tourner, parce qu'il va falloir se battre encore plus. :/
#traduction #IA #Harlequin #ATLF
Faites tourner, parce qu'il va falloir se battre encore plus. :/
#traduction #IA #Harlequin #ATLF
December 19, 2025 at 12:09 PM
The use of AI for translations of artwork overlooks something key: Quality translation is also an art form! Never mind also that the AI doing the translation had to be trained on something (i.e. the work of translators).
Reposted by Ruth Michaelson
Colombian mercenaries in Sudan ‘recruited by UK-registered firms’
Colombian mercenaries in Sudan ‘recruited by UK-registered firms’
Exclusive Guardian investigation finds companies set up by people sanctioned by US hired Colombian fighters for Rapid Support Forces, widely suspected of war crimes in Sudan
Close to Tottenham Hotspur’s shiny football stadium in London is a squat, nondescript block of flats. It holds a grim secret beyond the unremarkable beige brickwork – a cramped, second-floor apartment in the British capital, linked to murderous atrocities unfolding 3,000 miles south.
The one-bedroom flat off north London’s Creighton Road is, according to UK government records, tied to a transnational network of companies involved in the mass recruitment of mercenaries to fight in Sudan alongside paramilitaries accused of myriad war crimes and genocide. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
December 19, 2025 at 6:08 AM
Colombian mercenaries in Sudan ‘recruited by UK-registered firms’
Reposted by Ruth Michaelson
Today the city appears eerily silent. Seen from the sky, once bustling markets are empty and overgrown with vegetation. The streets are devoid of traffic, except for vehicles known to be used by the RSF. Water points, too, appear deserted:
www.economist.com/interactive/...
www.economist.com/interactive/...
Seen from above, el-Fasher is a ghost town
Satellite imagery reveals how North Darfur’s capital has been abandoned after its fall
www.economist.com
December 18, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Today the city appears eerily silent. Seen from the sky, once bustling markets are empty and overgrown with vegetation. The streets are devoid of traffic, except for vehicles known to be used by the RSF. Water points, too, appear deserted:
www.economist.com/interactive/...
www.economist.com/interactive/...
Reposted by Ruth Michaelson
When the Trump administration took away her family’s food this summer, Rose Natabo had to choose which of her three sons to care for — who ate and who didn’t.
This is her story... and the story of too many others.
New, @propublica.org
This is her story... and the story of too many others.
New, @propublica.org
The Summer of Starvation: Amid Trump’s Foreign Aid Cuts, a Mother Struggles to Keep Her Sons Alive
After the Trump administration cut off food from the third-largest refugee camp in the world, thousands of families faced impossible choices as their children starved.
www.propublica.org
December 17, 2025 at 1:58 PM
When the Trump administration took away her family’s food this summer, Rose Natabo had to choose which of her three sons to care for — who ate and who didn’t.
This is her story... and the story of too many others.
New, @propublica.org
This is her story... and the story of too many others.
New, @propublica.org
Reposted by Ruth Michaelson
In late 2020 a Chinese man called Guan Heng travelled to Xinjiang with our BuzzFeed map of detention facilities to provide ground truth for our work - he provided the first corroborating evidence for many sites.
He escaped to the US - then ICE detained him.
www.wsj.com/world/china/...
He escaped to the US - then ICE detained him.
www.wsj.com/world/china/...
ICE Holding Chinese Man Who Documented Uyghur Camps
Heng Guan is awaiting an immigration hearing on Monday that could lead to his removal from the U.S. and ultimately land him back in China, according to his lawyer and a New York-based activist group.
www.wsj.com
December 13, 2025 at 3:17 PM
In late 2020 a Chinese man called Guan Heng travelled to Xinjiang with our BuzzFeed map of detention facilities to provide ground truth for our work - he provided the first corroborating evidence for many sites.
He escaped to the US - then ICE detained him.
www.wsj.com/world/china/...
He escaped to the US - then ICE detained him.
www.wsj.com/world/china/...
Reposted by Ruth Michaelson
I guess it's fitting that it's a reimagined, worse version of someone else's artwork
December 12, 2025 at 4:00 AM
I guess it's fitting that it's a reimagined, worse version of someone else's artwork