Mai El-Sadany
@maitelsadany.bsky.social
Human Rights Lawyer | Executive Director at TIMEP @timep.bsky.social
If you're in town today, drop by anytime between 5:45 and 8:45 pm to escape the cold and spend some time with some good people (@timep.bsky.social and friends included!)
Let us know you're coming with a quick RSVP and bring your friends: www.eventbrite.com/e/mena-socia...
Let us know you're coming with a quick RSVP and bring your friends: www.eventbrite.com/e/mena-socia...
🌟 Join us in Washington, DC at Exiles today from 5:45 to 8:45 PM for our MENA Social Night: an evening of food, drink, and community with the TIMEP team and MENA professionals from around the DMV!
It’s not too late to RSVP. Bring your friends along! www.eventbrite.com/e/mena-socia...
It’s not too late to RSVP. Bring your friends along! www.eventbrite.com/e/mena-socia...
February 4, 2026 at 9:48 PM
If you're in town today, drop by anytime between 5:45 and 8:45 pm to escape the cold and spend some time with some good people (@timep.bsky.social and friends included!)
Let us know you're coming with a quick RSVP and bring your friends: www.eventbrite.com/e/mena-socia...
Let us know you're coming with a quick RSVP and bring your friends: www.eventbrite.com/e/mena-socia...
Reposted by Mai El-Sadany
Can’t think of any reason why you would need reporters covering the Middle East, Ukraine and China right now.
February 4, 2026 at 9:16 PM
Can’t think of any reason why you would need reporters covering the Middle East, Ukraine and China right now.
I'd love to know how the @washingtonpost.com thinks it can prioritize national security coverage without ground-up reporting from the MENA region (and other regions).
February 4, 2026 at 9:40 PM
I'd love to know how the @washingtonpost.com thinks it can prioritize national security coverage without ground-up reporting from the MENA region (and other regions).
There's going to be a lot of talent (especially, but not solely foreign correspondents with deep ties to the regions they cover) entering the job market today. I hope we can do our part to stand with them, honor their contributions, find them places to land that appreciate them.
February 4, 2026 at 4:01 PM
There's going to be a lot of talent (especially, but not solely foreign correspondents with deep ties to the regions they cover) entering the job market today. I hope we can do our part to stand with them, honor their contributions, find them places to land that appreciate them.
Today is a dark day, first for those losing their jobs, and for the media industry at-large, and for those of us who rely on that coverage -- whether it's to be informed citizens capable of holding our governments to account or to be able to do our work in policy and advocacy.
February 4, 2026 at 4:01 PM
Today is a dark day, first for those losing their jobs, and for the media industry at-large, and for those of us who rely on that coverage -- whether it's to be informed citizens capable of holding our governments to account or to be able to do our work in policy and advocacy.
We cannot make solid policy decisions without facts. That includes decisions on national security which the
@washingtonpost.com says it will now prioritize. Journalists (alongside civil society) in-region play an important role in the ecosystem working to make those facts available.
@washingtonpost.com says it will now prioritize. Journalists (alongside civil society) in-region play an important role in the ecosystem working to make those facts available.
February 4, 2026 at 4:00 PM
We cannot make solid policy decisions without facts. That includes decisions on national security which the
@washingtonpost.com says it will now prioritize. Journalists (alongside civil society) in-region play an important role in the ecosystem working to make those facts available.
@washingtonpost.com says it will now prioritize. Journalists (alongside civil society) in-region play an important role in the ecosystem working to make those facts available.
The @washingtonpost.com's cuts should matter to all of us. At a time of high levels of misinformation and disinformation, social media algorithms that make it difficult to get news, and govt officials that obscure the truth, it's more important than ever to have access to ground-up reporting.
February 4, 2026 at 4:00 PM
The @washingtonpost.com's cuts should matter to all of us. At a time of high levels of misinformation and disinformation, social media algorithms that make it difficult to get news, and govt officials that obscure the truth, it's more important than ever to have access to ground-up reporting.
Solidarity with all of the talented journalists and media workers losing their jobs at the @washingtonpost.com today. As someone who leads a MENA policy organization, I cannot do my work without the nuanced and in-depth coverage of the region that foreign correspondents deliver.
February 4, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Solidarity with all of the talented journalists and media workers losing their jobs at the @washingtonpost.com today. As someone who leads a MENA policy organization, I cannot do my work without the nuanced and in-depth coverage of the region that foreign correspondents deliver.
Reposted by Mai El-Sadany
WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington Post says one-third of its staff across all departments, not just the newsroom, is being laid off.
February 4, 2026 at 2:54 PM
WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington Post says one-third of its staff across all departments, not just the newsroom, is being laid off.
Reposted by Mai El-Sadany
WaPo laying off entire Middle East team
February 4, 2026 at 3:01 PM
WaPo laying off entire Middle East team
Reposted by Mai El-Sadany
New: Washington Post Executive Editor Matt Murray and HR Chief Wayne Connell tell employees to stay home for a zoom webinar ahead of “significant actions across the company.” Widely expected layoffs are scheduled to begin today.
February 4, 2026 at 11:13 AM
New: Washington Post Executive Editor Matt Murray and HR Chief Wayne Connell tell employees to stay home for a zoom webinar ahead of “significant actions across the company.” Widely expected layoffs are scheduled to begin today.
The decision of HRW's new leadership to pull a report on the right of return for Palestinian refugees after it had been signed off on (including by legal) and prepped for publication raises serious questions that beg answering.
HRW's response thus far has been inadequate.
HRW's response thus far has been inadequate.
Two HRW employees that make up the entirety of the organization's Israel and Palestine program are stepping down after the leadership blocked a report that deems Israel’s denial of Palestinian refugees the right of return a "crime against humanity." www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
Human Rights Watch researchers resign after report on Palestinian right of return blocked
The organization claims the report, which finds Israel’s denial of the right of return is a crime against humanity, is ‘paused pending further analysis and research’
www.theguardian.com
February 3, 2026 at 7:27 PM
The decision of HRW's new leadership to pull a report on the right of return for Palestinian refugees after it had been signed off on (including by legal) and prepped for publication raises serious questions that beg answering.
HRW's response thus far has been inadequate.
HRW's response thus far has been inadequate.
"On November 8, 2025, I crossed into Syria for the first time in 14 years with my one-year-old, Raya. This is a dream I never thought would happen for myself, let alone my daughter."
If you read one thing this week, let it be this beautiful piece on return by Basma Alloush for @timep.bsky.social.
If you read one thing this week, let it be this beautiful piece on return by Basma Alloush for @timep.bsky.social.
NEW: Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, hundreds of thousands of Syrians have returned and visited home. Basma Alloush shares her story on returning to Syria after fourteen long years, a trip marked by memory, loss, and possibility: timep.org/2026/02/03/m...
February 3, 2026 at 6:40 PM
"On November 8, 2025, I crossed into Syria for the first time in 14 years with my one-year-old, Raya. This is a dream I never thought would happen for myself, let alone my daughter."
If you read one thing this week, let it be this beautiful piece on return by Basma Alloush for @timep.bsky.social.
If you read one thing this week, let it be this beautiful piece on return by Basma Alloush for @timep.bsky.social.
Two HRW employees that make up the entirety of the organization's Israel and Palestine program are stepping down after the leadership blocked a report that deems Israel’s denial of Palestinian refugees the right of return a "crime against humanity." www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
Human Rights Watch researchers resign after report on Palestinian right of return blocked
The organization claims the report, which finds Israel’s denial of the right of return is a crime against humanity, is ‘paused pending further analysis and research’
www.theguardian.com
February 3, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Two HRW employees that make up the entirety of the organization's Israel and Palestine program are stepping down after the leadership blocked a report that deems Israel’s denial of Palestinian refugees the right of return a "crime against humanity." www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
Reposted by Mai El-Sadany
HUGE. A victory for more than a quarter million Haitians with Temporary Protected Status. A significant majority of them entered the United States legally and have never been out of status since.
Even the Trump admin isn't saying Haiti is a safe country for them to go back to.
Even the Trump admin isn't saying Haiti is a safe country for them to go back to.
BREAKING: Judge Ana Reyes, in DC, issues a stay of DHS Sec. Noem’s decision to end Haiti’s temporary protected status (TPS) designation, a decision that was to go into effect on Tuesday and could have ended legal status for up to 350,000 people overnight. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
February 3, 2026 at 12:46 AM
HUGE. A victory for more than a quarter million Haitians with Temporary Protected Status. A significant majority of them entered the United States legally and have never been out of status since.
Even the Trump admin isn't saying Haiti is a safe country for them to go back to.
Even the Trump admin isn't saying Haiti is a safe country for them to go back to.
The Trump admin justifies the ban by claiming it's meant to prevent the migration of those who "become public charges."
But the suit argues this is illegal--given Congress has never authorized categorical bans, wealth tests, or nationality-based presumptions regarding public charge risk.
But the suit argues this is illegal--given Congress has never authorized categorical bans, wealth tests, or nationality-based presumptions regarding public charge risk.
February 3, 2026 at 12:55 AM
The Trump admin justifies the ban by claiming it's meant to prevent the migration of those who "become public charges."
But the suit argues this is illegal--given Congress has never authorized categorical bans, wealth tests, or nationality-based presumptions regarding public charge risk.
But the suit argues this is illegal--given Congress has never authorized categorical bans, wealth tests, or nationality-based presumptions regarding public charge risk.
A group of US citizens, immigration nonprofits, and legal orgs have filed a lawsuit challenging Trump's visa ban which suspended the approval of visas for people from 75 countries and which attempts to “eviscerate decades of settled immigration law.” www.nytimes.com/2026/02/02/n...
Trump Administration Sued Over Ban on Immigration From 75 Countries
www.nytimes.com
February 3, 2026 at 12:47 AM
A group of US citizens, immigration nonprofits, and legal orgs have filed a lawsuit challenging Trump's visa ban which suspended the approval of visas for people from 75 countries and which attempts to “eviscerate decades of settled immigration law.” www.nytimes.com/2026/02/02/n...
Tomorrow, February 3, there's a @helsinkicomm.bsky.social hearing, titled "Securing Syria’s Transformation by Diminishing Russia’s Influence," to examine "the legacy of Russia’s support for Assad and the feasibility of evicting Russia from Syria."
More here: www.csce.gov/hearings/sec...
More here: www.csce.gov/hearings/sec...
Securing Syria’s Transformation by Diminishing Russia’s Influence - CSCE
With the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Syria and its partners have a historic opportunity to degrade Russia’s ability to project force across the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and Africa. Syria […]
www.csce.gov
February 3, 2026 at 12:22 AM
Tomorrow, February 3, there's a @helsinkicomm.bsky.social hearing, titled "Securing Syria’s Transformation by Diminishing Russia’s Influence," to examine "the legacy of Russia’s support for Assad and the feasibility of evicting Russia from Syria."
More here: www.csce.gov/hearings/sec...
More here: www.csce.gov/hearings/sec...
🚨 🚨🚨 It's a super exciting day at @timep.bsky.social today, where we've just launched our call for nonresident fellowship applications!
Don't miss the chance to become a part of this unique program to develop the skills and tools you need to tackle the MENA region's top policy challenges.
Don't miss the chance to become a part of this unique program to develop the skills and tools you need to tackle the MENA region's top policy challenges.
📢 We're thrilled to announce our open call for applications to TIMEP's 2026-2027 Nonresident Fellowship program!
If you're an early or mid-career advocate keen on engaging in the MENA policy space, don't miss this unique opportunity. Apply by Feb 27: timep.org/2026/02/02/o...
If you're an early or mid-career advocate keen on engaging in the MENA policy space, don't miss this unique opportunity. Apply by Feb 27: timep.org/2026/02/02/o...
February 2, 2026 at 4:22 PM
🚨 🚨🚨 It's a super exciting day at @timep.bsky.social today, where we've just launched our call for nonresident fellowship applications!
Don't miss the chance to become a part of this unique program to develop the skills and tools you need to tackle the MENA region's top policy challenges.
Don't miss the chance to become a part of this unique program to develop the skills and tools you need to tackle the MENA region's top policy challenges.
Reposted by Mai El-Sadany
Bad Bunny condemns ICE during his #GRAMMYs speech for Best Música Urbana Album:
“Before I say thanks to god, I’m going to say, ICE out. We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we are humans and we are Americans.”
“Before I say thanks to god, I’m going to say, ICE out. We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we are humans and we are Americans.”
February 2, 2026 at 2:20 AM
Bad Bunny condemns ICE during his #GRAMMYs speech for Best Música Urbana Album:
“Before I say thanks to god, I’m going to say, ICE out. We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we are humans and we are Americans.”
“Before I say thanks to god, I’m going to say, ICE out. We’re not savages, we’re not animals, we are humans and we are Americans.”
Al-Masry fans stormed the stadium with knives, machetes, and other weapons. Police stood to the side watching and refusing to intervene or open the gates. Ahly fans were left inside. Many believe the massacre was allowed to occur to punish Ultras for participating in Jan 25. #JFT74
February 1, 2026 at 11:54 PM
Al-Masry fans stormed the stadium with knives, machetes, and other weapons. Police stood to the side watching and refusing to intervene or open the gates. Ahly fans were left inside. Many believe the massacre was allowed to occur to punish Ultras for participating in Jan 25. #JFT74
Fourteen years ago today in Egypt, on February 1, 2012, 74 soccer fans, many of whom had been members of the Ultras Ahlawy, never came home after they were killed in what came to be known as the Port Said Stadium Massacre. #JFT74
February 1, 2026 at 11:53 PM
Fourteen years ago today in Egypt, on February 1, 2012, 74 soccer fans, many of whom had been members of the Ultras Ahlawy, never came home after they were killed in what came to be known as the Port Said Stadium Massacre. #JFT74
Reposted by Mai El-Sadany
A note from our editors:
February 1, 2026 at 9:10 PM
A note from our editors:
Reposted by Mai El-Sadany
BREAKING: The two federal immigration agents who fired on Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti are identified in government records as Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raymundo Gutierrez.
Two CBP Agents Identified in Alex Pretti Shooting
The two federal immigration agents who fired on Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti are identified in government records as Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raym...
www.propublica.org
February 1, 2026 at 9:10 PM
BREAKING: The two federal immigration agents who fired on Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti are identified in government records as Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raymundo Gutierrez.
There's quite a lot of coverage on the role of the UAE in the war in Sudan, but much less coverage on other foreign actors.
New @nytimes.com coverage uncovers the role of a secret Egyptian airbase and Baykar drones exported from Turkey in the fight www.nytimes.com/2026/02/01/w...
New @nytimes.com coverage uncovers the role of a secret Egyptian airbase and Baykar drones exported from Turkey in the fight www.nytimes.com/2026/02/01/w...
The Secret Egyptian Air Base Behind Sudan’s Drone War
www.nytimes.com
February 1, 2026 at 10:24 PM
There's quite a lot of coverage on the role of the UAE in the war in Sudan, but much less coverage on other foreign actors.
New @nytimes.com coverage uncovers the role of a secret Egyptian airbase and Baykar drones exported from Turkey in the fight www.nytimes.com/2026/02/01/w...
New @nytimes.com coverage uncovers the role of a secret Egyptian airbase and Baykar drones exported from Turkey in the fight www.nytimes.com/2026/02/01/w...