Taavi Sundell
@taavis.bsky.social
Postdoctoral researcher at Project MIGDIA (funded by Kone Foundation, hosted by the Finnish Institute in the Middle East & University of Helsinki). Political economy, education & Lebanon.
“As global #education funding faces steep cuts, an estimated 6 million additional children could be out of school by the end of 2026, around one-third of them in humanitarian settings… #ODA for education is projected to fall by US$3.2 billion”
www.unicef.org/press-releas...
www.unicef.org/press-releas...
Global funding cuts could force 6 million more children out of school in the coming year – UNICEF
Education funding faces US$3.2 billion decline by 2026, placing millions of children’s futures at risk
www.unicef.org
September 3, 2025 at 7:54 AM
“As global #education funding faces steep cuts, an estimated 6 million additional children could be out of school by the end of 2026, around one-third of them in humanitarian settings… #ODA for education is projected to fall by US$3.2 billion”
www.unicef.org/press-releas...
www.unicef.org/press-releas...
Kids in Lebanese public schools will have for the third consecutive year a four-day school week as the government can’t afford a five-day week. #RightToEducation
today.lorientlejour.com/article/1474...
today.lorientlejour.com/article/1474...
Four-day public school week divides parents and teachers
today.lorientlejour.com
August 21, 2025 at 9:28 AM
Kids in Lebanese public schools will have for the third consecutive year a four-day school week as the government can’t afford a five-day week. #RightToEducation
today.lorientlejour.com/article/1474...
today.lorientlejour.com/article/1474...
"Those in the world trying to recognize a Palestinian state will get an answer from us on the ground”
#Israel to okay plan splitting West Bank in two to 'bury the idea of a Palestinian state' www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
#Israel to okay plan splitting West Bank in two to 'bury the idea of a Palestinian state' www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
Israel to okay plan splitting West Bank in two to 'bury the idea of a Palestinian state'
***
www.haaretz.com
August 14, 2025 at 6:23 PM
"Those in the world trying to recognize a Palestinian state will get an answer from us on the ground”
#Israel to okay plan splitting West Bank in two to 'bury the idea of a Palestinian state' www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
#Israel to okay plan splitting West Bank in two to 'bury the idea of a Palestinian state' www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
Reposted by Taavi Sundell
Haku opiskelijakurssille "Matkalla globaaliksi toimijaksi: kurkistus Arabiemiraatteihin" on avattu!
Dubaissa ja Sharjah’ssa 25.10.–31.10.2025 järjestettävällä opiskelijakurssilla tutustutaan laajasti Arabiemiraattien yhteiskuntaan. Lue lisää ja ilmoittaudu kurssille FIMEn nettisivuilta!
Dubaissa ja Sharjah’ssa 25.10.–31.10.2025 järjestettävällä opiskelijakurssilla tutustutaan laajasti Arabiemiraattien yhteiskuntaan. Lue lisää ja ilmoittaudu kurssille FIMEn nettisivuilta!
Hae opiskelijakurssille Arabiemiraatteihin – Suomen Lähi-idän instituutti
FIMEn syksyn opiskelijakurssin ”Matkalla globaaliksi toimijaksi – kurkistus Arabiemiraatteihin” haku on nyt avattu. Dubaissa ja Sharjah’ssa 25.–31. lokakuuta 2025 […]
www.fime.fi
August 13, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Haku opiskelijakurssille "Matkalla globaaliksi toimijaksi: kurkistus Arabiemiraatteihin" on avattu!
Dubaissa ja Sharjah’ssa 25.10.–31.10.2025 järjestettävällä opiskelijakurssilla tutustutaan laajasti Arabiemiraattien yhteiskuntaan. Lue lisää ja ilmoittaudu kurssille FIMEn nettisivuilta!
Dubaissa ja Sharjah’ssa 25.10.–31.10.2025 järjestettävällä opiskelijakurssilla tutustutaan laajasti Arabiemiraattien yhteiskuntaan. Lue lisää ja ilmoittaudu kurssille FIMEn nettisivuilta!
Reposted by Taavi Sundell
Survivors of the pager attack are easily identifiable, with missing eyes, faces laced with scars, hands with missing fingers. The AP interviewed six of them — offering a rare glimpse into the human cost of the attack
Powerful work by @bmroue.bsky.social @seldeeb.bsky.social @hassanammar.bsky.social
Powerful work by @bmroue.bsky.social @seldeeb.bsky.social @hassanammar.bsky.social
August 6, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Survivors of the pager attack are easily identifiable, with missing eyes, faces laced with scars, hands with missing fingers. The AP interviewed six of them — offering a rare glimpse into the human cost of the attack
Powerful work by @bmroue.bsky.social @seldeeb.bsky.social @hassanammar.bsky.social
Powerful work by @bmroue.bsky.social @seldeeb.bsky.social @hassanammar.bsky.social
Reposted by Taavi Sundell
The deadly port explosion of August 4, 2020, destroyed lives across Beirut.
Five years later and the state has yet to hold anyone accountable.
Five years later and the state has yet to hold anyone accountable.
August 4, 2025 at 11:36 AM
The deadly port explosion of August 4, 2020, destroyed lives across Beirut.
Five years later and the state has yet to hold anyone accountable.
Five years later and the state has yet to hold anyone accountable.
”U.S. states and cities that boycott Israeli companies will be denied federal aid for natural disaster preparedness, the Trump administration has announced”
www.reuters.com/world/us/us-...
www.reuters.com/world/us/us-...
US links $1.9 billion in state disaster funds to Israel boycott stance
The Trump administration said states and cities will not receive funding to prepare for natural disasters if they choose to boycott Israeli companies, according to an agency statement.
www.reuters.com
August 4, 2025 at 5:02 PM
”U.S. states and cities that boycott Israeli companies will be denied federal aid for natural disaster preparedness, the Trump administration has announced”
www.reuters.com/world/us/us-...
www.reuters.com/world/us/us-...
”Columbia’s capitulation has turned a university that was once a site of free inquiry and learning into a shadow of its former self, an anti-university, a gated security zone with electronic entry controls, a place of fear and loathing”
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
I spent decades at Columbia. I’m withdrawing my fall course due to its deal with Trump | Rashid Khalidi
The university’s draconian policies and new definition of antisemitism make much teaching impossible
www.theguardian.com
August 1, 2025 at 8:05 PM
”Columbia’s capitulation has turned a university that was once a site of free inquiry and learning into a shadow of its former self, an anti-university, a gated security zone with electronic entry controls, a place of fear and loathing”
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
President of #Finland came out in support of Finland recognising the state of #Palestine but the PM’s not having it. Prefers to wait for the ever elusive moment when it would have an ”real impact”.
www.hs.fi/politiikka/a...
www.hs.fi/politiikka/a...
Pääministeri | Petteri Orpo: Hallitus ei valmistele juuri nyt esitystä Palestiinan tunnustamisesta
Orpo piti tiedotustilaisuuden perjantaina. Pääministerin mukaan ”symbolinen tunnustaminen ei asiaa ratkaise”.
www.hs.fi
August 1, 2025 at 11:01 AM
President of #Finland came out in support of Finland recognising the state of #Palestine but the PM’s not having it. Prefers to wait for the ever elusive moment when it would have an ”real impact”.
www.hs.fi/politiikka/a...
www.hs.fi/politiikka/a...
I lead a top Israeli human rights group. Our country is committing genocide | Yuli Novak
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
I lead a top Israeli human rights group. Our country is committing genocide | Yuli Novak
My generation was raised wondering how ordinary people could countenance an atrocity. In a grotesque twist, the question has circled back to us
www.theguardian.com
July 31, 2025 at 6:22 PM
I lead a top Israeli human rights group. Our country is committing genocide | Yuli Novak
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Taavi Sundell
British doctor comes back from Gaza and confirms two things we knew: 1- the Israelis *specifically* confiscate formula feed to starve children 2- there is a clear pattern in gun shot wounds pointing to the fact that IDF soldiers are playing games hunting humans.
www.instagram.com/reel/DMm03Kp...
www.instagram.com/reel/DMm03Kp...
July 27, 2025 at 3:18 PM
British doctor comes back from Gaza and confirms two things we knew: 1- the Israelis *specifically* confiscate formula feed to starve children 2- there is a clear pattern in gun shot wounds pointing to the fact that IDF soldiers are playing games hunting humans.
www.instagram.com/reel/DMm03Kp...
www.instagram.com/reel/DMm03Kp...
Reposted by Taavi Sundell
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will recognize Palestine as a state, amid snowballing global anger over people starving in Gaza.
French President Macron says France will recognize Palestine as a state
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will recognize Palestine as a state, amid snowballing global anger over people starving in Gaza.
bit.ly
July 24, 2025 at 7:40 PM
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will recognize Palestine as a state, amid snowballing global anger over people starving in Gaza.
’Tony Blair Institute participated in a project to develop a postwar Gaza plan that envisaged kick-starting the enclave’s economy with a “Trump Riviera” and an “Elon Musk Smart Manufacturing Zone”’
on.ft.com/44De8pm Tony Blair’s staff took part in ‘Gaza Riviera’ project with BCG
on.ft.com/44De8pm Tony Blair’s staff took part in ‘Gaza Riviera’ project with BCG
Tony Blair’s staff took part in ‘Gaza Riviera’ project with BCG
Former UK prime minister’s institute participated in meetings on plan to turn shattered enclave into trading hub
on.ft.com
July 6, 2025 at 6:24 PM
’Tony Blair Institute participated in a project to develop a postwar Gaza plan that envisaged kick-starting the enclave’s economy with a “Trump Riviera” and an “Elon Musk Smart Manufacturing Zone”’
on.ft.com/44De8pm Tony Blair’s staff took part in ‘Gaza Riviera’ project with BCG
on.ft.com/44De8pm Tony Blair’s staff took part in ‘Gaza Riviera’ project with BCG
”U.S. contractors…said they were coming forward because they were disturbed by what they considered dangerous and irresponsible practices…security staff hired were often unqualified, unvetted, heavily armed and seemed to have an open license to do whatever they wished’
apnews.com/article/pale...
apnews.com/article/pale...
US contractors say their colleagues are firing live ammo as Palestinians seek food in Gaza
American contractors guarding aid distribution sites in Gaza are using live ammunition and stun grenades as hungry Palestinians scramble for food, according to accounts and videos obtained by The Asso...
apnews.com
July 3, 2025 at 7:21 PM
”U.S. contractors…said they were coming forward because they were disturbed by what they considered dangerous and irresponsible practices…security staff hired were often unqualified, unvetted, heavily armed and seemed to have an open license to do whatever they wished’
apnews.com/article/pale...
apnews.com/article/pale...
”IDF officers and soldiers told Haaretz they were ordered to fire at unarmed crowds near food distribution sites in Gaza, even when no threat was present”
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
IDF soldiers ordered to shoot deliberately at unarmed Gazans waiting for humanitarian aid
***
www.haaretz.com
June 27, 2025 at 10:39 AM
”IDF officers and soldiers told Haaretz they were ordered to fire at unarmed crowds near food distribution sites in Gaza, even when no threat was present”
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
”At least eight people were killed and hundreds were injured in #Kenya on Wednesday, rights groups said, as thousands faced off with the police amid nationwide protests that laid bare the anger at President William Ruto’s government.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/25/w...
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/25/w...
At Least 8 Killed as Protesters Battle Police in Kenya
www.nytimes.com
June 25, 2025 at 6:50 PM
”At least eight people were killed and hundreds were injured in #Kenya on Wednesday, rights groups said, as thousands faced off with the police amid nationwide protests that laid bare the anger at President William Ruto’s government.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/25/w...
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/25/w...
”In the document, the Hamas leaders apologized profusely to Nasrallah for not informing him in advance and begged him to join the war effort.”
www.jpost.com/middle-east/...
www.jpost.com/middle-east/...
Hamas leaders sent letter on October 7 to Hassan Nasrallah | The Jerusalem Post
This document by top Hamas leaders offers insight into the mood before the attack, the relationship between Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, and Hamas's strategy for destroying Israel.
www.jpost.com
June 25, 2025 at 4:02 PM
”In the document, the Hamas leaders apologized profusely to Nasrallah for not informing him in advance and begged him to join the war effort.”
www.jpost.com/middle-east/...
www.jpost.com/middle-east/...
Täällä Keniassa nk. Gen Z-protestien vuosipäivä. Stubbin Kenian vierailun yhteydessä presidentti Ruto vakuutti, että virkavallan vuoden takaiset väärinkäytökset eivät tule toistumaan. Tänään CNN raportoi, että poliisi on tehnyt kaupungin keskustasta jälleen ”sotatantereen”.
June 25, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Täällä Keniassa nk. Gen Z-protestien vuosipäivä. Stubbin Kenian vierailun yhteydessä presidentti Ruto vakuutti, että virkavallan vuoden takaiset väärinkäytökset eivät tule toistumaan. Tänään CNN raportoi, että poliisi on tehnyt kaupungin keskustasta jälleen ”sotatantereen”.
Meseret Hailu's case "is the first in Lebanese legal history to invoke charges of slavery, slave trading, torture, and racial and gender discrimination under the country’s widely criticized Kafala sponsorship system."
soas.lau.edu.lb/news/2025/06...
soas.lau.edu.lb/news/2025/06...
A Legal First or a Lone Victory? The Precedent and Pitfalls of Lebanon’s First Migrant Slavery Case | The LAU School of Arts and Sciences
soas.lau.edu.lb
June 25, 2025 at 8:59 AM
Meseret Hailu's case "is the first in Lebanese legal history to invoke charges of slavery, slave trading, torture, and racial and gender discrimination under the country’s widely criticized Kafala sponsorship system."
soas.lau.edu.lb/news/2025/06...
soas.lau.edu.lb/news/2025/06...
Reposted by Taavi Sundell
Lebanese army announces military intelligence detains Lebanese citizen commander of IS in Lebanon, confiscates assorted materiel: www.lebarmy.gov.lb/ar/content/%...
توقيف أحد أبرز قياديي تنظيم داعش الإرهابي
صدر عن قيادة الجيش - مديرية التوجيه البيان الآتي: بعد سلسلة عمليات رصد ومتابعة أمنية، أوقفت مديرية المخابرات المواطن (ر.ف.)، الملقب بـ"قسورة"، وهو أحد أبرز قياديي تنظيم داعش الإرهابي، كما شارك في التخ...
www.lebarmy.gov.lb
June 25, 2025 at 7:38 AM
Lebanese army announces military intelligence detains Lebanese citizen commander of IS in Lebanon, confiscates assorted materiel: www.lebarmy.gov.lb/ar/content/%...
”The US military strikes on three of Iran’s nuclear facilities last weekend did not destroy the core components of the country’s nuclear program and likely only set it back by months”
edition.cnn.com/2025/06/24/p...
edition.cnn.com/2025/06/24/p...
Exclusive: Early US intel assessment suggests strikes on Iran did not destroy nuclear sites, sources say | CNN Politics
The US military strikes on three of Iran’s nuclear facilities last weekend did not destroy the core components of the country’s nuclear program and likely only set it back by months, according to an e...
edition.cnn.com
June 24, 2025 at 6:58 PM
”The US military strikes on three of Iran’s nuclear facilities last weekend did not destroy the core components of the country’s nuclear program and likely only set it back by months”
edition.cnn.com/2025/06/24/p...
edition.cnn.com/2025/06/24/p...
Middle East analysis à la the Belgian PM: ““Without Iran, there wouldn’t have been a Hamas. Without a Hamas, not a 7th of October. Without the 7th of October, not a war in Gaza…So it’s a hard regime to feel sorry for.”
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
U.S. air strikes on Iran did not break international law, NATO’s Rutte says
The alliance’s top civilian official made the remarks Monday ahead of a summit, adding that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons
www.theglobeandmail.com
June 24, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Middle East analysis à la the Belgian PM: ““Without Iran, there wouldn’t have been a Hamas. Without a Hamas, not a 7th of October. Without the 7th of October, not a war in Gaza…So it’s a hard regime to feel sorry for.”
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
President of the United States of America: ”The two countries “don’t know what the fuck they’re doing”, he said, adding: “I’m going to see if I can stop it.””
www.ft.com/content/f440...
www.ft.com/content/f440...
Israel-Iran latest: Donald Trump warns Israel to hold fire against Iran
US president says both sides violated ceasefire
www.ft.com
June 24, 2025 at 11:18 AM
President of the United States of America: ”The two countries “don’t know what the fuck they’re doing”, he said, adding: “I’m going to see if I can stop it.””
www.ft.com/content/f440...
www.ft.com/content/f440...
Reposted by Taavi Sundell
Professional stuff aside...man, what a time to be alive.
June 24, 2025 at 11:08 AM
Professional stuff aside...man, what a time to be alive.