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Joyce Karam
@joycekaram.bsky.social
5.9K followers 150 following 500 posts
Senior News Editor, AL-Monitor | Professor, GWU
https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/china-middle-east-briefing-7305587918826319872/
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · Nov 9
Hi all, still in exploration mode of Blue Sky, taking it easy and slow. If you’re here and we know/follow each other, drop a hi. Still don’t know how to find DMs here 😶‍🌫️. ☕️ ☀️
joycekaram.bsky.social
UPDATE: #Somaliland - Somalia
• Netanyahu meets Trump soon
• Somalia President ✈️ Turkey
• Protests in Mogadishu against Israel’s recognition; rallies support in SL
• Somalia assumes UNSC pres. Thu.
• UNSC meeting today
• EU, most Arab states reject www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Somalia’s president heads to Turkey as Israel’s Somaliland recognition rattles region
The Somali leader’s visit comes amid a heightened Turkish-Israeli rivalry, fueled by Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, in the region and beyond.
www.al-monitor.com
December 29, 2025 at 6:10 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
Israel-Turkey rivalry all over map:

• Israel recognizes Somaliland
• Netanyahu trilateral w Greece, Cyprus
• Turkey left out from latest Gaza talks
• Turkey deploying radars in Syria: JP
• Israel arming Syrian Druze; trying to block F-35s for Turkey www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Israel becomes first country to recognize Somaliland in slight to Turkey
As Somaliland wins diplomatic recognition from Israel, the move could upset Turkey’s interests in Somalia and the Horn of Africa.
www.al-monitor.com
December 26, 2025 at 6:30 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
🚨EXCLUSIVE: We obtained details of second #Lebanon - Israel meeting. France got sidelined, US pressured Israel and Beirut asking for Litani acknowledgement. More ➡️ www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Second Lebanon-Israel meeting sidelined France, saw US pressure on Netanyahu
Differences over the so-called economic zone and the high civilian toll from Israeli strikes capped the second meeting between Lebanese and Israeli officials on Friday.
www.al-monitor.com
December 22, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Reposted by Joyce Karam
heissenstat.bsky.social
Fascinating conversation on Saudi-UAE relations with @amberinzaman.bsky.social and @joycekaram.bsky.social

open.spotify.com/episode/1Rhu...
The Saudi-UAE clash: The regional stakes and what Trump can do
open.spotify.com
December 17, 2025 at 10:23 AM
joycekaram.bsky.social
📻 From Yemen to Sudan, the UAE–Saudi rivalry is on full display. Once close allies, ties have grown so strained that the issue surfaced during MBS’s visit to Trump. I spoke with @amberinzaman about why this is happening—and what comes next ➡️ www.al-monitor.com/podcasts/sau...
The Saudi-UAE clash: The regional stakes and what Trump can do
Tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE are escalating anew in Yemen. Al-Monitor senior editor Joyce Karam says the clash is real, leaving the Trump administration torn between its top regional alli...
www.al-monitor.com
December 16, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Reposted by Joyce Karam
al-monitor.bsky.social
Ahmed al-Ahmed, Syrian-Australian who fought off Hanukkah attackers, recovering from surgery
www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
www.al-monitor.com
December 15, 2025 at 4:22 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
🧵 Today’s attack in #Syria killing 2 US troops + interpreter should give Washington a hard pause:

• Extremist elements are very much present in new security force. Doesn’t mean US can’t support but should be gradual and incremental

• Foreign fighters, vetting of forces are major challenges
December 13, 2025 at 11:26 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
NEW: #China's big play in Middle East
• Military drills with UAE
• Wang Yi on ✈️to Gulf, Jordan
• $100 M humanitarian aid to Gaza
• As US cuts aid, Beijing comes in with a new approach to reserve a seat at table in post-war Gaza. More www.al-monitor.com/newsletter/2...
Behind China’s $100M Gaza donation
Since China did not play a major role in ending the fighting, stepping up humanitarian aid is a useful bridge to the next stage: post‑conflict reconstruction.
www.al-monitor.com
December 11, 2025 at 4:00 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
NEWS: #Lebanon's FM @YoussefRaggi snubs Iran, declines visit to Tehran...a first from Beirut: www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Lebanon's FM snubs Iran, turns down invitation to visit Tehran: What to know
Youssef Rajji on Wednesday declined an invitation from his Iranian counterpart to visit Tehran indicating that "the appropriate conditions for such a visit were not present.”
www.al-monitor.com
December 10, 2025 at 3:04 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
NEW: China-Iran nexus enduring despite new US sanctions
• Highest level of Iran dark fleet oil at sea in 2.5 yrs
• New Chinese import quota
• First SCO military drills in Iran
• Ru-Ch-Ir letter to UNSC on nuclear program www.al-monitor.com/newsletter/2...
China and Iran: It’s business as usual
Less than six months after the Israeli and US airstrikes inside Iranian territory, Beijing’s ties with Tehran have not wavered despite Iran’s nuclear and economic setbacks from the war.
www.al-monitor.com
December 4, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Reposted by Joyce Karam
al-monitor.bsky.social
In this week's China-Middle East newsletter, @joycekaram.bsky.social explores how Beijing and Tehran are quietly deepening energy, diplomatic and military ties despite the shocks of the Israel–US strikes and Iran’s mounting wartime setbacks. www.al-monitor.com/newsletter/2...
China and Iran: It’s business as usual
Less than six months after the Israeli and US airstrikes inside Iranian territory, Beijing’s ties with Tehran have not wavered despite Iran’s nuclear and economic setbacks from the war.
www.al-monitor.com
December 4, 2025 at 3:36 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
BIG: Israel & Lebanon held first direct civilian talks since 1991
• First since Madrid
• US' Ortagus chaired
• Veteran diplo Simon Karam from Lebanon
• Resnik from Israeli side
• Greenlit by Prez. Aoun
• Threat of war still looms www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Lebanon and Israel hold first direct talks in decades: What to know
Lebanon and Israel sent civilian representatives to the latest US-led meeting of the committee overseeing the ceasefire, aiming to break the stalemate between the two countries as Israel intensifies i...
www.al-monitor.com
December 3, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Reposted by Joyce Karam
al-monitor.bsky.social
Lebanese first lady Nehmat Aoun takes center stage during Pope's visit www.al-monitor.com/originals/20... via @beatricefarhat.bsky.social
Lebanese first lady Nehmat Aoun takes center stage during Pope's visit
Lebanon’s first lady, Nehmat Aoun, attended nearly all gatherings and visits of Pope Leo during his three-day trip to Beirut, highlighting her active involvement in social and humanitarian issues.
www.al-monitor.com
December 2, 2025 at 4:53 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
📸Pope Leo is Getting Rock Star's Reception in #Lebanon. That's how embracing Beirut is, clinging to message of hope and better life that he brings. Details + photos: www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Pope Leo gets rock star's reception in Lebanon, drawing cheers, celebrations
Pope Leo began his second day in crisis-hit Lebanon with visits to notable Christian shrines in the country and an interfaith meeting in the capital, Beirut.
www.al-monitor.com
December 1, 2025 at 5:06 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
Israel’s strike inside Beirut underscores difficult choices for #Lebanon:

• It can’t rein in Hezbollah
• It can’t stop Israel
• It isn’t ready to make peace w Israel
• It isn’t ready to disarm Hezbollah

Unless one of variables shifts, current cycle will be hard to break
November 24, 2025 at 1:29 AM
joycekaram.bsky.social
📻 Great to be on @npr.org ‘s 1A
this morning to discuss MBS visit, Gaza, Ukraine-Russia, Trump’s options on Venezuela! Full episode here the1a.org/segments/tru...
The News Roundup - International
MBS goes to Washington. Maduro says he'd talk.
the1a.org
November 21, 2025 at 5:59 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
NEW: Ignore the lazy/lousy takes on #Saudi Arabia, here is why MBS lavish US visit is not a realignment away from China... www.al-monitor.com/newsletter/2...
Why MBS' lavish US visit is not Saudi realignment away from China
For Riyadh, engagement with Beijing is not merely transactional — it is part of a multipolar strategy that enhances Saudi leverage, accelerates Vision 2030 ambitions and reduces its exposure to the un...
www.al-monitor.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Reposted by Joyce Karam
al-monitor.bsky.social
NEW China-Middle East newsletter: Why MBS' lavish US visit is not Saudi realignment away from China

For Riyadh, engagement with Beijing is part of a multipolar strategy that enhances Saudi leverage, @joycekaram.bsky.social & @roscarroll.bsky.social write.
www.al-monitor.com/newsletter/2...
Why MBS' lavish US visit is not Saudi realignment away from China
For Riyadh, engagement with Beijing is not merely transactional — it is part of a multipolar strategy that enhances Saudi leverage, accelerates Vision 2030 ambitions and reduces its exposure to the…
www.al-monitor.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:26 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
UPDATE: #Trump hosts Saudi Arabia's MBS
• Horses, jets, trumpets
• Saudi to get F-35s ✈️ 'pretty similar' to Israel's
• Up to $1 trillion in investment
• Trump: MBS did "incredible" on human rights
• MBS: 'We want to be part of Abraham Accords' but.. www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Trump gives MBS red-carpet welcome, touts F-35 deal, $1T Saudi investment
Trump is hosting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House in a high-profile visit aimed at resetting US-Saudi ties and securing major defense, nuclear and investment deals.
www.al-monitor.com
November 18, 2025 at 8:14 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
NEW: US canceled visit of head of #Lebanon army, @al-monitor.bsky.social confirmed. Haykal was due to arrive today but tension with Congress, differences over Hezbollah botched the trip... www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
US cancels Lebanon army chief visit amid frustration over Hezbollah: What to know
Washington canceled a planned visit by Lebanon’s army commander Gen. Rodolphe Haykal, signaling growing US frustration over Lebanon’s delay in disarming Hezbollah.
www.al-monitor.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:22 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
Here we go: Trump will sell Saudi Arabia F-35 jets, making it [if acquired] first Arab country to have the fighters www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Trump says US will sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia, first Arab country to acquire jets
The deal could hurt Washington's ties with Israel and would not likely be approved by Congress unless conditioned on Saudi normalization of ties with Israel.
www.al-monitor.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:20 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
UPDATE:
• Germany lifts Israel arms freeze
• Syria FM in China
• MBS ✈️ US, meets Trump tom.
• UNSC vote on Gaza today
• Egypt may cancel elex results
• Iraq official results expected today
• UAE order 65 Boeings www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Germany lifts Israel arms embargo: What changed in Berlin?
With the ceasefire in place, even though violated at times, Berlin decided to lift the partial arms embargo it imposed on Israel.
www.al-monitor.com
November 17, 2025 at 4:08 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
Heartbreaking to see cancer rates in #Lebanon at highest globally. Smoking, pollution, wars, port explosion and some in Europe using it as waste dump have inflicted heavy toll on Beirut: www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Why Lebanon now leads the world in rising cancer rates
A recent study found that Lebanon has the world’s fastest-rising cases of cancer and cancer-related deaths. Ali Mokdad, co-author of the study, says tobacco is the main culprit.
www.al-monitor.com
November 15, 2025 at 3:51 PM
joycekaram.bsky.social
NEW: China's mixed bag from Sharaa-Trump meeting
• Beijing lukewarm toward Sharaa
• Only abstention at UN
• Syria sanctions relief helps 🇨🇳
• Foreign fighters, TIP big issue for China, not resolved in meeting www.al-monitor.com/newsletter/2...
Sharaa-Trump meeting a mixed bag for China
The Syrian president's meeting with President Donald Trump underscored Damascus' formal shift toward Washington after decades of being allied with the Soviet Union and then Iran’s "Axis of Resistance"...
www.al-monitor.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Reposted by Joyce Karam
snmrrw.bsky.social
Jeffrey Epstein advised Steve Bannon that the lawyers representing Brett Kavanaugh in his confirmation hearing should accuse Christine Blasey Ford of being on medications that cause false memories or memory loss.
Sender: e:jeeitunes@gmail.com Time: 09/29/18 05:44:30 AM (559917870) Flags: 1150981 Is Read: No Is Invitation: No GUID: 1F755C6D-AFFB-4541-8599-FDC11EF05647 Message: Sender: e:jeeitunes@gmail.com Time: 09/30/18 04:41:49 AM (560000509) Flags: 1085445 Is Read: No Is Invitation: No GUID: E46497CA-E1F7-4836-AFF2-019A5EDE8AF9 Message: i delayed my trip a day. so im still around. tell burke they should make sure they ask ford about her medications , what type and for how long. . my guess is that katz won't let her answer Sender: Time: 09/30/18 04:49:01 AM (560000941) Flags: 1060865 Is Read: Yes Is Invitation: No GUID: 97454E15-953A-490B-A0C2-38D17ECA1541 HOUSE OVERSIGHT 027436 Message: Roger Sender: e:jeeitunes@gmail.com Time: 09/30/18 05:23:07 AM (560002987) Flags: 1150981 Is Read: No Is Invitation: No GUID: C824FCC2-13CF-4192-AD8F-DE22B94E3ED5 Message: https://www.pharmacytimes.com/news/8-medications-that-may-cause-memory-loss Sender: Time: 09/30/18 05:29:44 AM (560003384) Flags: 1060865 Is Read: Yes Is Invitation: No GUID: 08AACCED-20FB-4CD5-AB60-0F2D519E3503 Message: Is this a hint Sender: e:jeeitunes@gmail.com Time: 09/30/18 05:36:49 AM (560003809) Flags: 1085445 Is Read: No Is Invitation: No GUID: B83D7125-7359-42BF-9612-72F8CE3A3CCF Message: duh Sender: e:jeeitunes@gmail.com Time: 09/30/18 05:50:08 AM (560004608) Flags: 1150981 Is Read: No Is Invitation: No GUID: 60E73416-0013-4BD4-91DF-2E97344992A4 Message: ttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/321089419 False memories in social anxiety diso _ _ _ _ _ _ rder Sender: e:jeeitunes@gmail.com Time: 09/30/18 06:08:30 AM (560005710) Flags: 1085445 Is Read: No Is Invitation: No GUID: D6C0F382-87BC-4B71-AD7D-1518D4BA8A08 Message: she couldn't recall if the lie detector was given the same day as her mothers funeral or the next day.? MEDS Sender: Time: 09/30/18 06:12:55 AM () Flags: 1060865 Is Read: Yes Is Invitation: No Message: Oh I get it now
November 12, 2025 at 10:50 PM