Liz Sly
@lizsly.bsky.social
Journalist. Ex-Washington Post Mideast bureau chief. Also based in China, Africa, Afghanistan, Iraq, India, Italy, US.
Also worth noting that Trump’s 60-day deadline for Iran to reach a nuclear deal expired on Wednesday. If there’s no deal by then, “there will be bombing” Trump said back in April. He didn’t say it would be US bombing.
The US has authorized the departure of dependents & non-essential personnel from embassies and bases within striking distance of Iran amid fears that Israel will soon attack Iran. “We think it’s more serious than any time in the past” a diplomat told the Post www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
U.S. shrinks presence in Middle East amid fears of Israeli strike on Iran
U.S. embassies and military bases across the Middle East are on high alert, as fears grow about an Israeli strike on Iran.
www.washingtonpost.com
June 12, 2025 at 1:09 AM
Also worth noting that Trump’s 60-day deadline for Iran to reach a nuclear deal expired on Wednesday. If there’s no deal by then, “there will be bombing” Trump said back in April. He didn’t say it would be US bombing.
The US has authorized the departure of dependents & non-essential personnel from embassies and bases within striking distance of Iran amid fears that Israel will soon attack Iran. “We think it’s more serious than any time in the past” a diplomat told the Post www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
U.S. shrinks presence in Middle East amid fears of Israeli strike on Iran
U.S. embassies and military bases across the Middle East are on high alert, as fears grow about an Israeli strike on Iran.
www.washingtonpost.com
June 11, 2025 at 11:58 PM
The US has authorized the departure of dependents & non-essential personnel from embassies and bases within striking distance of Iran amid fears that Israel will soon attack Iran. “We think it’s more serious than any time in the past” a diplomat told the Post www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Reposted by Liz Sly
UPDATE:
• US evacuating personnel in Iraq
• Pentagon authorizing departure of military dependents ACROSS Middle East
• < 24hrs after Iran threat to hit US bases
• Trump losing confidence in deal
• Israel-Yemen escalation
• Talks in Oman Sunday www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
• US evacuating personnel in Iraq
• Pentagon authorizing departure of military dependents ACROSS Middle East
• < 24hrs after Iran threat to hit US bases
• Trump losing confidence in deal
• Israel-Yemen escalation
• Talks in Oman Sunday www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
US to evacuate personnel from Iraq following Iran threats
A State Department official said the US “will reduce the footprint of [its] mission in Iraq” to ensure the safety of American personnel.
www.al-monitor.com
June 11, 2025 at 7:29 PM
UPDATE:
• US evacuating personnel in Iraq
• Pentagon authorizing departure of military dependents ACROSS Middle East
• < 24hrs after Iran threat to hit US bases
• Trump losing confidence in deal
• Israel-Yemen escalation
• Talks in Oman Sunday www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
• US evacuating personnel in Iraq
• Pentagon authorizing departure of military dependents ACROSS Middle East
• < 24hrs after Iran threat to hit US bases
• Trump losing confidence in deal
• Israel-Yemen escalation
• Talks in Oman Sunday www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Reposted by Liz Sly
One-stop-shop article by @lizsly.bsky.social on #Lebanon and #Hezbollah very much worth reading. ⬇️
via @economist.com.
www.economist.com/1843/2025/05...
via @economist.com.
www.economist.com/1843/2025/05...
The rise, fall and contested future of Hizbullah
Lebanon has spent years under the militant group’s dominance. Could it be coming to an end?
www.economist.com
May 31, 2025 at 9:23 AM
One-stop-shop article by @lizsly.bsky.social on #Lebanon and #Hezbollah very much worth reading. ⬇️
via @economist.com.
www.economist.com/1843/2025/05...
via @economist.com.
www.economist.com/1843/2025/05...
Reposted by Liz Sly
Great article by @lizsly.bsky.social covering the rise, fall and transformation of Hizbullah
www.economist.com/1843/2025/05...
www.economist.com/1843/2025/05...
The rise, fall and contested future of Hizbullah
Lebanon has spent years under the militant group’s dominance. Could it be coming to an end?
www.economist.com
May 21, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Great article by @lizsly.bsky.social covering the rise, fall and transformation of Hizbullah
www.economist.com/1843/2025/05...
www.economist.com/1843/2025/05...
My long read on the rise, fall & contested future of Hezbollah, and what it all means for Lebanon. With huge thanks to @abbiefs.bsky.social
www.economist.com/1843/2025/05...
www.economist.com/1843/2025/05...
The rise, fall and contested future of Hizbullah
Lebanon has spent years under the militant group’s dominance. Could it be coming to an end?
www.economist.com
May 19, 2025 at 11:35 AM
My long read on the rise, fall & contested future of Hezbollah, and what it all means for Lebanon. With huge thanks to @abbiefs.bsky.social
www.economist.com/1843/2025/05...
www.economist.com/1843/2025/05...
Reposted by Liz Sly
The Daily Mail complaining that immigrants have not the English too well.
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
May 18, 2025 at 7:56 AM
The Daily Mail complaining that immigrants have not the English too well.
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Liz Sly
If you want something absolutely horrifying to read on a Sunday morning, this is it. I think crypto is a scam, but when criminal gangs get involved and target family members it should be alarming for everyone.
May 18, 2025 at 9:06 AM
If you want something absolutely horrifying to read on a Sunday morning, this is it. I think crypto is a scam, but when criminal gangs get involved and target family members it should be alarming for everyone.
Reposted by Liz Sly
"Hizbullah gaslit us!" Supporters are cursing it, opponents sense an opportunity. @lizsly.bsky.social profiles the most successful militia in the world as it hits an existential crossroad www.economist.com/1843/2025/05...
The rise, fall and contested future of Hizbullah
Lebanon has spent years under the militant group’s dominance. Could it be coming to an end?
www.economist.com
May 16, 2025 at 12:57 PM
"Hizbullah gaslit us!" Supporters are cursing it, opponents sense an opportunity. @lizsly.bsky.social profiles the most successful militia in the world as it hits an existential crossroad www.economist.com/1843/2025/05...
Incredible scenes in Syria as people celebrate the surprise lifting of US sanctions, the chief impediment to recovery after the fall of Assad. “There were fireworks over Damascus, and people danced in the streets.” Over to the Syrians. By @leloveluck www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
Syrians rejoice after Trump pledge to lift crippling sanctions
For more than a decade, U.S. restrictions have barred nearly all trade with Syria. Now, Syrians are daring to hope for better lives.
www.washingtonpost.com
May 14, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Incredible scenes in Syria as people celebrate the surprise lifting of US sanctions, the chief impediment to recovery after the fall of Assad. “There were fireworks over Damascus, and people danced in the streets.” Over to the Syrians. By @leloveluck www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
Three months after Assad’s fall Syrians are still unearthing new horrors. The latest: bodies in the basements of buildings in towns reconquered by the regime. Chilling reporting by @leloveluck & Zakaria Zakaria with amazing photos by @salwangeorges www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
Syrians unearth horrors of the Assad years in their basements
Syrians had remained silent about the bodies dumped in countless basements by Assad’s forces. Rescue teams now are moving from home to home excavating remains.
www.washingtonpost.com
March 5, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Three months after Assad’s fall Syrians are still unearthing new horrors. The latest: bodies in the basements of buildings in towns reconquered by the regime. Chilling reporting by @leloveluck & Zakaria Zakaria with amazing photos by @salwangeorges www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
Debra Tice says Trump’s team has already reached out to offer help to find her son Austin, missing in Syria since 2012. “I haven’t experienced that for the last four years” she told journalists in Damascus, a dig at Biden. By @leloveluck www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
Mother of journalist Austin Tice visits Syria for clues to son’s fate
Debra Tice’s visit to Syria was the latest leg in her long quest to learn the fate of her son Austin.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 20, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Debra Tice says Trump’s team has already reached out to offer help to find her son Austin, missing in Syria since 2012. “I haven’t experienced that for the last four years” she told journalists in Damascus, a dig at Biden. By @leloveluck www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
Debra Tice, mother of missing U.S. journalist Austin Tice, has arrived in Beirut en route to Syria to join in the search for him. Let’s hope that he will soon be found now that Assad has gone
January 15, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Debra Tice, mother of missing U.S. journalist Austin Tice, has arrived in Beirut en route to Syria to join in the search for him. Let’s hope that he will soon be found now that Assad has gone
Danish officials are being warned by Trump advisers & allies that he is “much more serious” about acquiring Greenland than he was in his first term. This time, the threat can’t be dismissed https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/08/politics/danish-officials-trump-greenland/index.html
January 9, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Danish officials are being warned by Trump advisers & allies that he is “much more serious” about acquiring Greenland than he was in his first term. This time, the threat can’t be dismissed https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/08/politics/danish-officials-trump-greenland/index.html
Israel says it needs to prepare for a potential war with Turkey & sees the new Sunni government in Syria as potentially a “greater threat” than Iran. Israel needs a policy of “eliminating threats entirely and maximising response”. Setting up the region for endless wars
Turkey-backed Syria may be bigger threat than Iran, says Israeli government panel
Government committee warns a direct clash between Turkey and Israel may be possible in Syria in the future
www.middleeasteye.net
January 8, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Israel says it needs to prepare for a potential war with Turkey & sees the new Sunni government in Syria as potentially a “greater threat” than Iran. Israel needs a policy of “eliminating threats entirely and maximising response”. Setting up the region for endless wars
Reposted by Liz Sly
Reflections from Syria. Very briefly, for now. Lots more to come in the days/weeks ahead.
Three things are happening at once:
1/ The joy, relief, and miracle of it all.
2/ The huge grief and horror.
3/ The uncertainty, complexity, and huge work ahead.
Three things are happening at once:
1/ The joy, relief, and miracle of it all.
2/ The huge grief and horror.
3/ The uncertainty, complexity, and huge work ahead.
December 21, 2024 at 8:53 AM
Reflections from Syria. Very briefly, for now. Lots more to come in the days/weeks ahead.
Three things are happening at once:
1/ The joy, relief, and miracle of it all.
2/ The huge grief and horror.
3/ The uncertainty, complexity, and huge work ahead.
Three things are happening at once:
1/ The joy, relief, and miracle of it all.
2/ The huge grief and horror.
3/ The uncertainty, complexity, and huge work ahead.
Reposted by Liz Sly
It's been two weeks since the Assad regime fell, and in Syria, the scale and pace of the change has been dizzying. Here's a thread of some of our @washingtonpost.com coverage: 🧵
December 22, 2024 at 3:32 PM
It's been two weeks since the Assad regime fell, and in Syria, the scale and pace of the change has been dizzying. Here's a thread of some of our @washingtonpost.com coverage: 🧵
Reposted by Liz Sly
@lizsly.bsky.social on the dangers of growing outsider posturing to have a say in Syria's future wapo.st/4ffuszH
Foreign powers jockey for control in Syria, risking new conflict
In the days since the collapse of the Assad regime, multiple countries have bombed targets in Syria, as the power vacuum unleashes a battle for the heart of the Middle East.
wapo.st
December 16, 2024 at 10:06 AM
@lizsly.bsky.social on the dangers of growing outsider posturing to have a say in Syria's future wapo.st/4ffuszH
Reposted by Liz Sly
"That he had survived all this time under the terrible conditions only to be killed at the very end is one of the hardest things for his friends to bear... [But] he died a hero"
Sarah Afshar on death of Syrian activist Mazen al-Hamada.
By @lizsly.bsky.social:
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/1...
Sarah Afshar on death of Syrian activist Mazen al-Hamada.
By @lizsly.bsky.social:
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/1...
Mazen al-Hamada, symbol of Syrian regime’s brutality, confirmed dead
His body was found with about 40 others wrapped in bloody sheets and dumped at a military hospital outside Damascus.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 11, 2024 at 12:33 PM
"That he had survived all this time under the terrible conditions only to be killed at the very end is one of the hardest things for his friends to bear... [But] he died a hero"
Sarah Afshar on death of Syrian activist Mazen al-Hamada.
By @lizsly.bsky.social:
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/1...
Sarah Afshar on death of Syrian activist Mazen al-Hamada.
By @lizsly.bsky.social:
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/1...
Reposted by Liz Sly
The joy felt by millions of Syrians at Assad’s departure has been tempered by the realization that most of the estimated 100,000 people who went missing in the gulag of his prison system will probably never return. — @lizsly.bsky.social www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/1...
Mazen al-Hamada, symbol of Syrian regime’s brutality, confirmed dead
His body was found with about 40 others wrapped in bloody sheets and dumped at a military hospital outside Damascus.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 11, 2024 at 1:13 AM
The joy felt by millions of Syrians at Assad’s departure has been tempered by the realization that most of the estimated 100,000 people who went missing in the gulag of his prison system will probably never return. — @lizsly.bsky.social www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/1...
Mazen al-Hamada told the world about the horrors of
Assad’s prisons & the torture he suffered. No one listened & now he is dead, under torture in the last hours of Assad’s regime www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/1...
Assad’s prisons & the torture he suffered. No one listened & now he is dead, under torture in the last hours of Assad’s regime www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/1...
Mazen al-Hamada, symbol of Syrian regime’s brutality, confirmed dead
His body was found with about 40 others wrapped in bloody sheets and dumped at a military hospital outside Damascus.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 11, 2024 at 2:34 AM
Mazen al-Hamada told the world about the horrors of
Assad’s prisons & the torture he suffered. No one listened & now he is dead, under torture in the last hours of Assad’s regime www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/1...
Assad’s prisons & the torture he suffered. No one listened & now he is dead, under torture in the last hours of Assad’s regime www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/1...
Reposted by Liz Sly
I assume lots of reporters will be in Syria soon. There will be lots of interest in stories about people released from Assad's torture houses. Hacks: Please consider the extreme trauma such people have gone through. Talk to trauma specialists before you go. Don't add to trauma to fill your quota.
December 9, 2024 at 12:59 AM
I assume lots of reporters will be in Syria soon. There will be lots of interest in stories about people released from Assad's torture houses. Hacks: Please consider the extreme trauma such people have gone through. Talk to trauma specialists before you go. Don't add to trauma to fill your quota.
Assad’s fall was swift & unexpected, stunning a world that had come to accept his survival. But with hindsight it wasn’t so surprising. He miscalculated, refused to compromise and relied solely on brute force to survive (plus Russia & Iran) www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/1...
Assad’s fall was swift and unexpected. But the signs were always there.
Assad missed multiple opportunities to reconcile with his opponents and the international community, and failed to address his country’s economic suffering.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 9, 2024 at 1:00 AM
Assad’s fall was swift & unexpected, stunning a world that had come to accept his survival. But with hindsight it wasn’t so surprising. He miscalculated, refused to compromise and relied solely on brute force to survive (plus Russia & Iran) www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/1...
There’s only one way to wrap up today’s momentous events:
-The rebels have reached Damascus
-Government soldiers are abandoning their posts
-The Assad regime is effectively gone, it can only be a matter of hours
-A new Syria is being born, for better or worse
-The rebels have reached Damascus
-Government soldiers are abandoning their posts
-The Assad regime is effectively gone, it can only be a matter of hours
-A new Syria is being born, for better or worse
December 8, 2024 at 1:55 AM
There’s only one way to wrap up today’s momentous events:
-The rebels have reached Damascus
-Government soldiers are abandoning their posts
-The Assad regime is effectively gone, it can only be a matter of hours
-A new Syria is being born, for better or worse
-The rebels have reached Damascus
-Government soldiers are abandoning their posts
-The Assad regime is effectively gone, it can only be a matter of hours
-A new Syria is being born, for better or worse
Iran has begun evacuating its military personnel from Syria. “We cannot fight as an advisory and support force if Syria’s army itself does not want to fight.” Even Assad’s staunchest ally is giving up on him www.nytimes.com/2024/12/06/w...
Iran Begins to Evacuate Military Officials and Personnel From Syria
The withdrawals by one of President Bashar al-Assad’s key backers comes amid a resurgent rebel offensive.
www.nytimes.com
December 7, 2024 at 1:14 AM
Iran has begun evacuating its military personnel from Syria. “We cannot fight as an advisory and support force if Syria’s army itself does not want to fight.” Even Assad’s staunchest ally is giving up on him www.nytimes.com/2024/12/06/w...