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mideastpolicy.bsky.social
Middle East Policy Council
@mideastpolicy.bsky.social
170 followers 70 following 160 posts
MEPC provides credible, comprehensive information & analysis on political, economic, and cultural issues pertaining to U.S.-Middle East relations. mepc.org
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mideastpolicy.bsky.social
Middle East Policy Council @mideastpolicy.bsky.social · 20h
Gaza 20-point plan says “technocratic” transition will be run by Donald Trump and Tony Blair. But Yagil Levy, in our new special issue, The October 7 Emergencies, argues Palestinians must be allowed “full humanity, political agency, and right to self-determination.” Open access!
t.co/3bmuF4IObG
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/toc/10.1111/(ISSN)1475-4967.oct7-emergencies
t.co
mideastpolicy.bsky.social
Middle East Policy Council @mideastpolicy.bsky.social · 20h
Gaza 20-point plan says “technocratic” transition will be run by Donald Trump and Tony Blair. But Yagil Levy, in our new special issue, The October 7 Emergencies, argues Palestinians must be allowed “full humanity, political agency, and right to self-determination.” Open access!
t.co/3bmuF4IObG
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/toc/10.1111/(ISSN)1475-4967.oct7-emergencies
t.co
Reposted by Middle East Policy Council
banafshkeynoush.bsky.social
Banafsheh Keynoush بنفشه کی نوش @banafshkeynoush.bsky.social · 1d
It is October 7, and my new article @mideastpolicy.bsky.social reviews what it means in terms of the #Trump administration's nuclear policy on #Iran and #Israel: "Perils of Nuclear Talks After The US-Israel War on Iran": lnkd.in/gEbVygy3
1
Reposted by Middle East Policy Council
mideastpolicy.bsky.social
Middle East Policy Council @mideastpolicy.bsky.social · 2d
Middle East Policy marks October 7 with a special issue providing insights into which aspects of Trump 20-point plan have any chance. Featuring @banafshkeynoush.bsky.social
@ianlustick.bsky.social
@zivguy.bsky.social
Chas W. Freeman Jr.
and many others

onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/toc/10.1...
The October 7 Emergencies: Middle East Policy
Click on the title to browse this issue
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
3 2
mideastpolicy.bsky.social
Middle East Policy Council @mideastpolicy.bsky.social · 2d
Middle East Policy marks October 7 with a special issue providing insights into which aspects of Trump 20-point plan have any chance. Featuring @banafshkeynoush.bsky.social
@ianlustick.bsky.social
@zivguy.bsky.social
Chas W. Freeman Jr.
and many others

onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/toc/10.1...
The October 7 Emergencies: Middle East Policy
Click on the title to browse this issue
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
3 2
mideastpolicy.bsky.social
Middle East Policy Council @mideastpolicy.bsky.social · 5d
A new analysis in the Fall 2025 issue of Middle East Policy features interviews with a forgotten group of mercenaries who defended the Assad regime in Syria: fighters attempting to revive the cause of Arab nationalism.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
1
mideastpolicy.bsky.social
Middle East Policy Council @mideastpolicy.bsky.social · 12d
The authors provide clear visualization of their data as they trace the connections between firms within states and across states, and they identify the directors who serve as nodes in the growing pan-Arab corporatism.
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mideastpolicy.bsky.social
Middle East Policy Council @mideastpolicy.bsky.social · 12d
New open-access analysis in a sneak peek of our fall issue: @hannesbaumann.bsky.social and Alice Hooper trace the development of a pan-Arab corporate elite shifting demands on regimes toward “further neoliberal restructuring and regional economic integration.”
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
The Development and Political Effects Of a Pan‐Arab Corporate Elite
Gulf investment across the Arab states has skyrocketed since the 2000s. Such activity not only links corporate entities but also weaves new connections between business leaders. We take a birds-eye v...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
1 1 2
Reposted by Middle East Policy Council
banafshkeynoush.bsky.social
Banafsheh Keynoush بنفشه کی نوش @banafshkeynoush.bsky.social · 14d
Iran's Pezeshkian says UN General Assembly, his country does not seek to weaponize. To see if an inward-looking regime is more likely to seek to build nuclear weapons, read my latest analysis for @mideastpolicy.bsky.social : "The Perils of Nuclear Talks"
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
The Perils of Nuclear Talks After the US‐Israel War on Iran
In June 2025, Israel bombed Iranian nuclear facilities, military commanders and scientists, and civilian areas, with assistance from the United States—Washington's first foray into conventional warfa...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
1
Reposted by Middle East Policy Council
banafshkeynoush.bsky.social
Banafsheh Keynoush بنفشه کی نوش @banafshkeynoush.bsky.social · 14d
I argue for
@mideastpolicy.bsky.social

Iran is unable to autonomously shape the debate to build a #nuclear #weapon, due to lack of #elite consensus on the issue. In similar fashion, to maintain elite consensus, a requirement for regime survival, it will retain the option to weaponize.
banafshkeynoush.bsky.social
Banafsheh Keynoush بنفشه کی نوش @banafshkeynoush.bsky.social · 14d
Iran's Pezeshkian says UN General Assembly, his country does not seek to weaponize. To see if an inward-looking regime is more likely to seek to build nuclear weapons, read my latest analysis for @mideastpolicy.bsky.social : "The Perils of Nuclear Talks"
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
The Perils of Nuclear Talks After the US‐Israel War on Iran
In June 2025, Israel bombed Iranian nuclear facilities, military commanders and scientists, and civilian areas, with assistance from the United States—Washington's first foray into conventional warfa...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
1
Reposted by Middle East Policy Council
banafshkeynoush.bsky.social
Banafsheh Keynoush بنفشه کی نوش @banafshkeynoush.bsky.social · 16d
Over 70 Iranian MoPs call for revising supreme leader's fatwa banning use of nuclear #weapons. They urge for building the weapon. For history of the fatwa & debates leading by 1998 to building nuclear weapons knowhow, see my article @mideastpolicy.bsky.social
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
The Perils of Nuclear Talks After the US‐Israel War on Iran
In June 2025, Israel bombed Iranian nuclear facilities, military commanders and scientists, and civilian areas, with assistance from the United States—Washington's first foray into conventional warfa....
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
1
Reposted by Middle East Policy Council
mideastpolicy.bsky.social
Middle East Policy Council @mideastpolicy.bsky.social · 19d
As Russia negotiates with Syria to preserve access to its naval base, an open-access article explores how the fall of Assad dealt a threefold blow to Moscow: strategic, reputational, and domestic. Early view of our fall issue!
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
After Assad: How Russia Is Losing the Middle East
Russia's military and diplomatic victories in Syria once appeared to cement its status as a dominant power in the Middle East. However, the swift collapse of the Assad regime exposed cracks in Moscow...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
2 2
mideastpolicy.bsky.social
Middle East Policy Council @mideastpolicy.bsky.social · 19d
As Russia negotiates with Syria to preserve access to its naval base, an open-access article explores how the fall of Assad dealt a threefold blow to Moscow: strategic, reputational, and domestic. Early view of our fall issue!
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
After Assad: How Russia Is Losing the Middle East
Russia's military and diplomatic victories in Syria once appeared to cement its status as a dominant power in the Middle East. However, the swift collapse of the Assad regime exposed cracks in Moscow...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
2 2
Reposted by Middle East Policy Council
banafshkeynoush.bsky.social
Banafsheh Keynoush بنفشه کی نوش @banafshkeynoush.bsky.social · 20d
"In June, #Israel launched a preventive war against Iran. While Benjamin #Netanyahu declared his intention as destroying Tehran’s nuclear & ballistic-missile capabilities, the war aim began to shift toward regime change"-my piece @mideastpolicy.bsky.social
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/1475...
Middle East Policy
Click on the title to browse this journal
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
1
Reposted by Middle East Policy Council
abuaardvark.bsky.social
Abu Aardvark’s Ghost @abuaardvark.bsky.social · 21d
I find it impossible to stomach college or university presidents who today … speak out in favor of hosting “controversial” speakers on campus after spending the last two years shutting down speakers and panels about Gaza.”

abuaardvarkghost.ghost.io/the-straight...
The straight line from Gaza to Kirk
The crackdown on Gaza protests paved the way to today’s full on assault on free speech. Abu Aardvark's MENA Academy depends on support from readers – become a core supporter today Join the MENA Acad...
abuaardvarkghost.ghost.io
1 5 19
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banafshkeynoush.bsky.social
Banafsheh Keynoush بنفشه کی نوش @banafshkeynoush.bsky.social · 22d
Writing @mideastpolicy.bsky.social I show how Tehran's "end of time" ideology drives a #nuclear program: "Mahdi represents a utopian quest for justice, if need be thru a nuclear program, even if it means persistent struggles in earthly dealings with the US".
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
The Perils of Nuclear Talks After the US‐Israel War on Iran
In June 2025, Israel bombed Iranian nuclear facilities, military commanders and scientists, and civilian areas, with assistance from the United States—Washington's first foray into conventional warfa...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
1 1
Reposted by Middle East Policy Council
banafshkeynoush.bsky.social
Banafsheh Keynoush بنفشه کی نوش @banafshkeynoush.bsky.social · 23d
US Energy Sec Wright says at the IAEA Iran's enrichment program must be completely dismantled. My piece published @mideastpolicy.bsky.social explains root cause of why Iran ignores the demand, "The Perils of Nuclear Talks":
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...

www.reuters.com/world/china/...
The Perils of Nuclear Talks After the US‐Israel War on Iran
In June 2025, Israel bombed Iranian nuclear facilities, military commanders and scientists, and civilian areas, with assistance from the United States—Washington's first foray into conventional warfa...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
1
Reposted by Middle East Policy Council
banafshkeynoush.bsky.social
Banafsheh Keynoush بنفشه کی نوش @banafshkeynoush.bsky.social · 23d
US @secrubio.govpeeps.us says at press conf with PM Netanyahu max pressure on Iran continues till it changes behavior. My piece published @mideastpolicy.bsky.social
shows why & how Iran will respond to change America's position: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
www.state.gov/releases/202...
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a Joint Press Availability - United States Department of State
PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU:  Mr. Secretary, Marco, your visit to our eternal and undivided capital, Jerusalem, is a powerful, powerful affirmation of a powerful bond.  We stand in a time of immense chal...
www.state.gov
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mideastpolicy.bsky.social
Middle East Policy Council @mideastpolicy.bsky.social · 23d
Early View of Fall 2025 issue examines dehumanization in Gaza, what’s next after the US-Israel war on Iran, pan-Arab corporate elite, regional trade and conflict. Analyses by Yagil Levy, @banafshkeynoush.bsky.social, @hannesbaumann.bsky.social, many others.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/14754967...
Middle East Policy: Vol 0, No 0
Click on the title to browse this issue
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
4 3
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mideastpolicy.bsky.social
Middle East Policy Council @mideastpolicy.bsky.social · 28d
Gaza Catastrophe by Gilbert Achcar lays bare “Israel’s path toward maximalist aims, alleged war crimes, and perpetual conflict,” says our review. Achcar differs with @erikskare.no’s Road to October 7 on Hamas’s rationality. Early view:
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Gaza Catastrophe: The Genocide in World‐Historical Perspective  By Gilbert Achcar. University of California Press, 2025. 256 pages. $22.95, paper.Road to October 7: A Brief History of Palestinian Islamism  By Erik Skare. Verso, 2025. 240 pages. $24.95, paper.
Click on the article title to read more.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
5 2
Reposted by Middle East Policy Council
mepeditor.bsky.social
mepeditor.bsky.social @mepeditor.bsky.social · 28d
My review compares Achcar's Gaza Catastrophe to @erikskare.no's Road to October 7. Skare offers a compelling list of Hamas's reasons. Achcar is adamant that Hamas's Islamism has led it to adopt irrational strategies, not just in launching al-Aqsa Flood but in many actions after taking power in Gaza.
mideastpolicy.bsky.social
Middle East Policy Council @mideastpolicy.bsky.social · 28d
Gaza Catastrophe by Gilbert Achcar lays bare “Israel’s path toward maximalist aims, alleged war crimes, and perpetual conflict,” says our review. Achcar differs with @erikskare.no’s Road to October 7 on Hamas’s rationality. Early view:
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Gaza Catastrophe: The Genocide in World‐Historical Perspective  By Gilbert Achcar. University of California Press, 2025. 256 pages. $22.95, paper.Road to October 7: A Brief History of Palestinian Islamism  By Erik Skare. Verso, 2025. 240 pages. $24.95, paper.
Click on the article title to read more.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
5 7
mideastpolicy.bsky.social
Middle East Policy Council @mideastpolicy.bsky.social · 28d
Gaza Catastrophe by Gilbert Achcar lays bare “Israel’s path toward maximalist aims, alleged war crimes, and perpetual conflict,” says our review. Achcar differs with @erikskare.no’s Road to October 7 on Hamas’s rationality. Early view:
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Gaza Catastrophe: The Genocide in World‐Historical Perspective  By Gilbert Achcar. University of California Press, 2025. 256 pages. $22.95, paper.Road to October 7: A Brief History of Palestinian Islamism  By Erik Skare. Verso, 2025. 240 pages. $24.95, paper.
Click on the article title to read more.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
5 2
Reposted by Middle East Policy Council
banafshkeynoush.bsky.social
Banafsheh Keynoush بنفشه کی نوش @banafshkeynoush.bsky.social · 29d
The new "modalities" deal b/w Iran-hashtag#IAEA remains vague and loose. Iran says it will break the deal if attacked. My forthcoming piece @mideastpolicy.bsky.social details what's at the root of the problem, entitled:
"Perils of Nuclear Talks with Iran after the US-Israel War"
lnkd.in/g7gXk24Q
LinkedIn
This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn
lnkd.in
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Reposted by Middle East Policy Council
erikskare.no
Erik Skare @erikskare.no · 28d
A really thorough review of Road to October 7 (@versobooks.bsky.social) in Middle East Policy (@mideastpolicy.bsky.social) , and I appreciate the comparison of my analysis with that of Gilbert Achcar: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
3 2
Reposted by Middle East Policy Council
abuaardvark.bsky.social
Abu Aardvark’s Ghost @abuaardvark.bsky.social · 29d
Fun fact: Qatar, whose capital Israel just bombed, is a “major non-NATO ally” of the United States.
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mideastpolicy.bsky.social
Middle East Policy Council @mideastpolicy.bsky.social · 29d
Amid reports of explosions in #Doha, this analysis by Ariel Admoni explains the state’s relationship with Israel and its objections to the Abraham Accords. Qatar has consistently opposed annexation of the West Bank.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Peace Is Relative: Qatar and Agreements with Israel
The normalization of relations between Israel and the UAE and Bahrain had a major impact on other entities in the Middle East. One of the important players was the Al Thani administration in Qatar. T...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
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