Steven Heydemann
@stevenhyde.bsky.social
Ketcham Chair in Middle East Studies, Prof. of Gov, Smith College; Nonresident Senior Fellow CMEP, Brookings. Former VP, Center for Applied Research on Conflict, USIP.
https://smith.academia.edu/StevenHeydemann
https://smith.academia.edu/StevenHeydemann
so unfortunate on so many levels.
October 20, 2025 at 6:55 PM
so unfortunate on so many levels.
Northampton, MA showing up to say No Kings.
October 18, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Northampton, MA showing up to say No Kings.
The sheer gall of these guys is impressive. We're only rigging the maps cause that liberal Gavin Newsome isn't playing fair!
So confident in the stupidity of voters. If only that was wrong.
From Politico this morning.
So confident in the stupidity of voters. If only that was wrong.
From Politico this morning.
October 11, 2025 at 3:46 PM
The sheer gall of these guys is impressive. We're only rigging the maps cause that liberal Gavin Newsome isn't playing fair!
So confident in the stupidity of voters. If only that was wrong.
From Politico this morning.
So confident in the stupidity of voters. If only that was wrong.
From Politico this morning.
When you elect hatemongers and racists, the results are not a surprise. The protest vote for Trump among Arab communities in MI was understandable, but tragically misguided.
October 8, 2025 at 12:18 PM
When you elect hatemongers and racists, the results are not a surprise. The protest vote for Trump among Arab communities in MI was understandable, but tragically misguided.
Today's announcement stripping Syrians in the US of protected status is so profoundly dumb it beggars belief. It's safe for Syrians to return home and we want them out because Syria is a hotbed of terrorism. ?????
September 20, 2025 at 12:26 AM
Today's announcement stripping Syrians in the US of protected status is so profoundly dumb it beggars belief. It's safe for Syrians to return home and we want them out because Syria is a hotbed of terrorism. ?????
Smithsonian Museum of American History. Hall of Democracy. Legend posted at entry to exhibits. Sigh.
August 18, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Smithsonian Museum of American History. Hall of Democracy. Legend posted at entry to exhibits. Sigh.
On Trump and the lifting of Syria sanctions with some quotes from me.
July 4, 2025 at 6:21 PM
On Trump and the lifting of Syria sanctions with some quotes from me.
Are we supposed to take comfort in hearing that, for now at least, Trump opposes using a tactical nuclear weapon to take out Ferdow facility? WTF - how could that option even have been briefed!!
June 19, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Are we supposed to take comfort in hearing that, for now at least, Trump opposes using a tactical nuclear weapon to take out Ferdow facility? WTF - how could that option even have been briefed!!
Entryway of the New York Public Library.
June 18, 2025 at 2:04 AM
Entryway of the New York Public Library.
From Politico.
And what, pray tell, did Trump say to Putin after hearing this comment? Could he perhaps have made clear that the US will hold Russia accountable for any such actions? Impose sanctions? do anything?
And what, pray tell, did Trump say to Putin after hearing this comment? Could he perhaps have made clear that the US will hold Russia accountable for any such actions? Impose sanctions? do anything?
June 4, 2025 at 5:40 PM
From Politico.
And what, pray tell, did Trump say to Putin after hearing this comment? Could he perhaps have made clear that the US will hold Russia accountable for any such actions? Impose sanctions? do anything?
And what, pray tell, did Trump say to Putin after hearing this comment? Could he perhaps have made clear that the US will hold Russia accountable for any such actions? Impose sanctions? do anything?
In Today's NYT, Thomas Edsall quotes from a recent book, Ungoverning. The quote hits on an issue I've worried about for a long time. The prospect of a violently unhinged response from Trump as it becomes clear he is losing. A very real possibility.
April 29, 2025 at 3:17 PM
In Today's NYT, Thomas Edsall quotes from a recent book, Ungoverning. The quote hits on an issue I've worried about for a long time. The prospect of a violently unhinged response from Trump as it becomes clear he is losing. A very real possibility.
From R. Peterson's new book on war and (failed) state-building in Iraq, Death, Dominance, and State Building, p. 9. Clearly defines the dangers ahead for Syria.
April 22, 2025 at 9:57 PM
From R. Peterson's new book on war and (failed) state-building in Iraq, Death, Dominance, and State Building, p. 9. Clearly defines the dangers ahead for Syria.
The depth of the stupidity is just astonishing. Destruction of critical infrastructure with not even the concept of a plan. From today's NY Times.
April 9, 2025 at 7:23 AM
The depth of the stupidity is just astonishing. Destruction of critical infrastructure with not even the concept of a plan. From today's NY Times.
From The Economist, March 19. And, it seems that Putin kept Trump waiting an hour or two before picking up his call. Trump's abasement and humiliation can't be covered up by the flood of noxious rhetoric about a "win" from the White House lickspittles.
March 20, 2025 at 5:38 PM
From The Economist, March 19. And, it seems that Putin kept Trump waiting an hour or two before picking up his call. Trump's abasement and humiliation can't be covered up by the flood of noxious rhetoric about a "win" from the White House lickspittles.
A friend and former USIP colleague alerted me that USIP's website has been taken offline. I checked and got the same response she did.
March 20, 2025 at 2:04 PM
A friend and former USIP colleague alerted me that USIP's website has been taken offline. I checked and got the same response she did.
March 3, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Last week, NED announced that it is unable to access funds directly appropriated by Congress, that is, not foreign assistance. It is suspending most of its operations, including support for some 2000 grantees worldwide. It's statement makes clear, though, why Trump/Musk want to shut NED down.
March 3, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Last week, NED announced that it is unable to access funds directly appropriated by Congress, that is, not foreign assistance. It is suspending most of its operations, including support for some 2000 grantees worldwide. It's statement makes clear, though, why Trump/Musk want to shut NED down.
Centrists of every stripe have taken a pounding in Germany's elections. The AfD hit the 20% mark plus, as projected. The SPD was polling at 3% and outperformed, but still . . . The real news, I think, is the performance of De Linke. Impressive. Take votes from the Green party?
February 23, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Centrists of every stripe have taken a pounding in Germany's elections. The AfD hit the 20% mark plus, as projected. The SPD was polling at 3% and outperformed, but still . . . The real news, I think, is the performance of De Linke. Impressive. Take votes from the Green party?
I recall so fondly when the 25th amendment was actually a thing.
February 19, 2025 at 7:09 PM
I recall so fondly when the 25th amendment was actually a thing.
This is such a blatant violation of the emoluments clause that it should be low hanging fruit for lawsuits. LIV Golf is owned by the Saudis, the Public Investment Fund.
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/17/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/17/u...
February 17, 2025 at 9:10 PM
This is such a blatant violation of the emoluments clause that it should be low hanging fruit for lawsuits. LIV Golf is owned by the Saudis, the Public Investment Fund.
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/17/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/17/u...