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mideastpolicy.bsky.social
Middle East Policy Council
@mideastpolicy.bsky.social
170 followers 70 following 170 posts
MEPC provides credible, comprehensive information & analysis on political, economic, and cultural issues pertaining to U.S.-Middle East relations.

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Middle East Policy Council @mideastpolicy.bsky.social · 13d
Ian Lustick in our special issue: The two-state solution begs the question of whether its rationale, achieving a “stable and peaceful end to the Arab-Israeli dispute...has vanished from inside Israeli political life.” Read his analysis for free:
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Abandoning the Iron Wall: Israel and“The Middle Eastern Muck”
Click on the article title to read more.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Reposted by Middle East Policy Council
mideastpolicy.bsky.social
Ian Lustick in our special issue: The two-state solution begs the question of whether its rationale, achieving a “stable and peaceful end to the Arab-Israeli dispute...has vanished from inside Israeli political life.” Read his analysis for free:
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Abandoning the Iron Wall: Israel and“The Middle Eastern Muck”
Click on the article title to read more.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
October 28, 2025 at 1:33 PM
mideastpolicy.bsky.social
Ian Lustick in our special issue: The two-state solution begs the question of whether its rationale, achieving a “stable and peaceful end to the Arab-Israeli dispute...has vanished from inside Israeli political life.” Read his analysis for free:
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Abandoning the Iron Wall: Israel and“The Middle Eastern Muck”
Click on the article title to read more.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
October 28, 2025 at 1:33 PM
mideastpolicy.bsky.social
Free to read in our special issue: Unconditionally backing Israel, Chas Freeman writes, “has enabled egregiously contemptuous...ingratitude and disrespect for us from Israel itself.” Does that change with the Gaza war’s end?
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Responding to Failure: Reorganizing U.S. Policies in the Middle East
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onlinelibrary.wiley.com
October 13, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Reposted by Middle East Policy Council
mideastpolicy.bsky.social
In this early phase of the Gaza war agreement, @zivguy.bsky.social highlights the role of military reservists in pushing Netanyahu to end the conflict. This free article is part of our special issue, The October 7 Emergencies.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Military Reservists and the Resistance To Netanyahu's Legal Overhaul
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onlinelibrary.wiley.com
October 9, 2025 at 7:06 PM
mideastpolicy.bsky.social
Read our interview with the man who won a Nobel in part for an Arab-Israeli deal: Jimmy Carter. If there is progress on the 20-point plan, Trump could be considered another time. Carter waited over 20 years after Camp David.
mepc.org/commentaries...
Our Interview with President Jimmy Carter - Middle East Policy Council
Jimmy Carter, 1924 - 2024 Read our interview with the 39th president of the United States, who offers a clear-eyed but hopeful analysis of what it would take to build a wider peace in the Middle East. In January 1984, the predecessor of Middle East Policy, the quarterly journal American-Arab Affairs, interviewed former President Jimmy
mepc.org
October 10, 2025 at 12:34 PM
mideastpolicy.bsky.social
In this early phase of the Gaza war agreement, @zivguy.bsky.social highlights the role of military reservists in pushing Netanyahu to end the conflict. This free article is part of our special issue, The October 7 Emergencies.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Military Reservists and the Resistance To Netanyahu's Legal Overhaul
You have to enable JavaScript in your browser's settings in order to use the eReader.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
October 9, 2025 at 7:06 PM
mideastpolicy.bsky.social
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
October 8, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Reposted by Middle East Policy Council
banafshkeynoush.bsky.social
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
October 7, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Reposted by Middle East Policy Council
mideastpolicy.bsky.social
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
October 7, 2025 at 4:13 AM
mideastpolicy.bsky.social
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
October 7, 2025 at 4:13 AM
mideastpolicy.bsky.social
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
October 3, 2025 at 12:44 PM
mideastpolicy.bsky.social
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
September 26, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Reposted by Middle East Policy Council
banafshkeynoush.bsky.social
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
September 24, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Reposted by Middle East Policy Council
banafshkeynoush.bsky.social
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.
September 24, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Reposted by Middle East Policy Council
banafshkeynoush.bsky.social
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
September 22, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Reposted by Middle East Policy Council
mideastpolicy.bsky.social
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
September 19, 2025 at 12:50 PM
mideastpolicy.bsky.social
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
September 19, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Reposted by Middle East Policy Council
banafshkeynoush.bsky.social
"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
September 18, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Reposted by Middle East Policy Council
abuaardvark.bsky.social
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
September 17, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Reposted by Middle East Policy Council
banafshkeynoush.bsky.social
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
September 16, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Reposted by Middle East Policy Council
banafshkeynoush.bsky.social
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
September 15, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Reposted by Middle East Policy Council
banafshkeynoush.bsky.social
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
September 15, 2025 at 10:02 PM
mideastpolicy.bsky.social
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
September 15, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Reposted by Middle East Policy Council
mideastpolicy.bsky.social
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
September 10, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Reposted by Middle East Policy Council
mepeditor.bsky.social
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.
September 11, 2025 at 12:21 AM