ف
@rrahfa.bsky.social
arab woman, us citizen, europa resident, poli sci phd. xenophobes, racists, misogynists, fascists, & associated haters are strongly encouraged to move along.
Pinned
if you aren't seeking to be ambushed by christian evangelical propaganda, don't watch that new series The Pendragon Cycle. In my naïve innocence, I thought it was standard fantasy fare about Merlin and Arthur etc., but nope. surprise! it's about jesus. 👎🏽
January 26, 2026 at 9:26 AM
if you aren't seeking to be ambushed by christian evangelical propaganda, don't watch that new series The Pendragon Cycle. In my naïve innocence, I thought it was standard fantasy fare about Merlin and Arthur etc., but nope. surprise! it's about jesus. 👎🏽
Reposted by ف
Belgium joins Spain in banning aircraft carrying weapons and military equipment to Israel from using the country's airspace or making technical stops, making it the second EU state to do so after Slovenia.
Belgium imposes arms embargo on Israel
Foreign Ministry confirms decision to Anadolu, which aims to prevent transportation of arms, military goods to Israel - Anadolu Ajansı
www.aa.com.tr
January 24, 2026 at 6:55 AM
Belgium joins Spain in banning aircraft carrying weapons and military equipment to Israel from using the country's airspace or making technical stops, making it the second EU state to do so after Slovenia.
Reposted by ف
the most extraordinary piece of reporting: a year inside the FBI (and yes there are implications here for British security- the Five Eyes bit is bonkers) www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Kash Patel’s FBI Is Making America Less Safe, Current and Former Employees Say
Forty-five current and former employees on the changes they say are undermining the agency and making America less safe.
www.nytimes.com
January 22, 2026 at 11:29 PM
the most extraordinary piece of reporting: a year inside the FBI (and yes there are implications here for British security- the Five Eyes bit is bonkers) www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Reposted by ف
Forty years in the Siberian wilderness: the Old Believers who time forgot
Forty years in the Siberian wilderness: the Old Believers who time forgot
The long read: In 1978, Soviet scientists stumbled upon a family living in a remote part of Russia. They hadn’t interacted with outsiders for decades. Almost half a century later, one of them is still there
www.theguardian.com
January 22, 2026 at 7:47 AM
Forty years in the Siberian wilderness: the Old Believers who time forgot
Reposted by ف
Join us
Book Launch: Egypt's New Authoritarian Republic
Virtual event | Feb. 13, 10:00 am PT
cddrl.fsi.stanford.edu
January 22, 2026 at 6:23 AM
Join us
Reposted by ف
That’s because VERY few campaigns actively engage immigrant voters or understand how digital disinfo and narrative manipulation work in non-English social media. Mamdani didn’t just win because of his messaging, he engaged immigrant communities in in-language media and spoke directly with them.
There are a lot of people like this in first and second generation communities and BlueSky is often very uncomfortable acknowledging this.
Incredible quote here from a Somali small business owner in Minneapolis who voted for Trump. minnesotareformer.com/2026/01/19/a...
January 20, 2026 at 11:08 PM
That’s because VERY few campaigns actively engage immigrant voters or understand how digital disinfo and narrative manipulation work in non-English social media. Mamdani didn’t just win because of his messaging, he engaged immigrant communities in in-language media and spoke directly with them.
Reposted by ف
Thinking again, as someone who grew up in the South surrounded by Lost Cause Robert E. Lee nobility crap, that Lincoln's biggest mistake was not hanging more Confederate officers
January 21, 2026 at 10:02 PM
Thinking again, as someone who grew up in the South surrounded by Lost Cause Robert E. Lee nobility crap, that Lincoln's biggest mistake was not hanging more Confederate officers
Reposted by ف
Al Gore loudly booing a US Commerce Secretary at a bankers’ forum should be a Futurama joke instead of real life.
January 21, 2026 at 1:46 PM
Al Gore loudly booing a US Commerce Secretary at a bankers’ forum should be a Futurama joke instead of real life.
Reposted by ف
Welcome to our Spring 2026 season!
To join any or all, remember to join our mailing list: mailchi.mp/fe045331c9c7...
To join any or all, remember to join our mailing list: mailchi.mp/fe045331c9c7...
January 19, 2026 at 12:19 PM
Welcome to our Spring 2026 season!
To join any or all, remember to join our mailing list: mailchi.mp/fe045331c9c7...
To join any or all, remember to join our mailing list: mailchi.mp/fe045331c9c7...
and those bastards at Palantir have rented out the closest villa to the Davos meetings; what could possibly go wrong? 🤦🏻♀️😭🤬🤬🤬🖕
Capital ❤️ Trump: "Like [Davos], which finessed its agenda to please the president, many Davos-goers appear to be willing to do what it takes to protect and advance their interests in his new world of radical uncertainty."
www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
Why Trump's Chaos Has Turned Davos Into 'Survival of the Richest'
A record crowd pursues the US president to the annual conclave as he shakes up trade and alliances
www.bloomberg.com
January 19, 2026 at 12:36 PM
and those bastards at Palantir have rented out the closest villa to the Davos meetings; what could possibly go wrong? 🤦🏻♀️😭🤬🤬🤬🖕
Reposted by ف
Satellites just needed an eye exam. A new analysis reveals NOAA’s "increasing" snow trend was actually just improved sensors spotting thinner dustings. The reality: autumn snow is shrinking, confirming the Arctic’s reflective heat shield is dissolving faster than the data previously admitted.
Atmospheric physicists find error in widely cited Arctic snow cover observations
For decades, the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has offered a snapshot of the planet's changing climate—but University of Toronto researchers have found that some of the underlying data underrepresents a key driver of Arctic warming.
phys.org
January 18, 2026 at 6:08 AM
Satellites just needed an eye exam. A new analysis reveals NOAA’s "increasing" snow trend was actually just improved sensors spotting thinner dustings. The reality: autumn snow is shrinking, confirming the Arctic’s reflective heat shield is dissolving faster than the data previously admitted.
Reposted by ف
#StreetArt by VALE - STENCIL 2025. #Paris 13th
January 18, 2026 at 9:20 AM
#StreetArt by VALE - STENCIL 2025. #Paris 13th
Reposted by ف
that’s right
Spanberger ends relationship between ICE and Virginia State Police
“This is an absolutely huge first step because it sends a message that she cares about the trust that the community has with the government, not just law enforcement,” immigration advocate Luis Aguila...
www.wvtf.org
January 17, 2026 at 8:33 PM
that’s right
yet another absolutely infuriating, maddening, disgusting decision. Tony fucking Blair, again! this corrupt useless racist piece of shit. 🤬🤮 can't he just continue amassing his riches and meddling from behind the scenes; why must this slimy opportunistic war criminal be foisted upon us all again?!🖕🖕
🇵🇸 US President Donald Trump gives a key role in post-war Gaza to former British prime minister Tony Blair and appoints a US officer to lead a nascent security force.
➡️ u.afp.com/SBZN
➡️ u.afp.com/SBZN
January 17, 2026 at 10:29 AM
yet another absolutely infuriating, maddening, disgusting decision. Tony fucking Blair, again! this corrupt useless racist piece of shit. 🤬🤮 can't he just continue amassing his riches and meddling from behind the scenes; why must this slimy opportunistic war criminal be foisted upon us all again?!🖕🖕
gee, plane tickets to amrika from Switzerland have rarely been so cheap...no one wants to visit? can't imagine why! 🤦🏻♀️
January 15, 2026 at 8:48 AM
gee, plane tickets to amrika from Switzerland have rarely been so cheap...no one wants to visit? can't imagine why! 🤦🏻♀️
Reposted by ف
“The destruction of Gaza’s health infrastructure, combined with restrictions on food and medical supplies including baby formula, has created an environment in which the fundamental biological processes of reproduction and survival have been systematically destroyed…”
A devastating new report detailing the intersection of starvation crimes and reproductive and obstetric violence in Gaza.
By Physicians for Human Rights and the Global Human Rights Clinic at the University of Chicago Law School.
phr.org/our-work/res...
By Physicians for Human Rights and the Global Human Rights Clinic at the University of Chicago Law School.
phr.org/our-work/res...
Destroying Hope for the Future: Reproductive Violence in Gaza - PHR
Executive Summary After Hamas’ brutal October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, subsequent Israeli military operations in Gaza have caused devastation and displacement. Beginning early in the conflict, humani...
phr.org
January 14, 2026 at 10:32 PM
“The destruction of Gaza’s health infrastructure, combined with restrictions on food and medical supplies including baby formula, has created an environment in which the fundamental biological processes of reproduction and survival have been systematically destroyed…”
so i read this and I was like, "nah, surely that's not real" - but it is, because i just did this three times from two different browsers and it automatically redirects to DHS website. Who made that happen, DHS itself or someone against them trying to make a point? Could be either one & that's bad.
If you type nazis.us in your browser look where it takes you wtaf
Home | Homeland Security
U.S. Department of Homeland Security: With honor and integrity, we will safeguard the American people, our homeland, and our values.
nazis.us
January 15, 2026 at 8:33 AM
so i read this and I was like, "nah, surely that's not real" - but it is, because i just did this three times from two different browsers and it automatically redirects to DHS website. Who made that happen, DHS itself or someone against them trying to make a point? Could be either one & that's bad.
Reposted by ف
This is not a hollow call. This is business!
#MinnesotaStrike
“Unions and community orgs are calling for a Minnesota-wide shutdown in 10 days to protest the ferocious assault by federal immigration agents.”
No Work
No School
No Shopping
Businesses should shutter.
#MinnesotaStrike
“Unions and community orgs are calling for a Minnesota-wide shutdown in 10 days to protest the ferocious assault by federal immigration agents.”
No Work
No School
No Shopping
Businesses should shutter.
Unions and community orgs are calling for a Minnesota-wide shutdown in 10 days to protest the ferocious assault by federal immigration agents. They're saying on Jan 23, no work, no school, no shopping. SEIU Local 26, UNITE HERE Local 17, & others are supporting, w/ more to join. By me, Amie Stager
“We Are Facing a Tsunami of Hate”: Amid ICE Crackdown, Unions and Community Groups Call for Minnesota Shutdown in 10 Days
Following the ICE murder of Renee Good and an assault on the state by federal immigration forces, a labor-community coalition is calling for residents to refuse to work, shop or go to school on Januar...
inthesetimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 1:58 AM
This is not a hollow call. This is business!
#MinnesotaStrike
“Unions and community orgs are calling for a Minnesota-wide shutdown in 10 days to protest the ferocious assault by federal immigration agents.”
No Work
No School
No Shopping
Businesses should shutter.
#MinnesotaStrike
“Unions and community orgs are calling for a Minnesota-wide shutdown in 10 days to protest the ferocious assault by federal immigration agents.”
No Work
No School
No Shopping
Businesses should shutter.
somehow I assumed that being an "expert" on authoritarianism, IR, & conflict would be an advantage during the resurgence of militarised fascism, but instead I'm just constantly horrified by each daily outrage. I guess understanding why things happen doesn't always help in figuring out what tf to do🤦🏻♀️
January 13, 2026 at 9:03 AM
somehow I assumed that being an "expert" on authoritarianism, IR, & conflict would be an advantage during the resurgence of militarised fascism, but instead I'm just constantly horrified by each daily outrage. I guess understanding why things happen doesn't always help in figuring out what tf to do🤦🏻♀️
Reposted by ف
In the new @dissentmag.bsky.social issue, out today, @yguichaoua.bsky.social and I diagnose the crisis of conflict studies in a piece that is part intellectual history, part personal experience.
What was conflict studies for? And what can its travails tell us about how wars have changed?
What was conflict studies for? And what can its travails tell us about how wars have changed?
The Demise of Conflict Studies - Dissent Magazine
An entire industry specializing in mediation, peacekeeping, disarmament, and transitional justice has become largely obsolete.
dissentmagazine.org
January 12, 2026 at 5:54 PM
In the new @dissentmag.bsky.social issue, out today, @yguichaoua.bsky.social and I diagnose the crisis of conflict studies in a piece that is part intellectual history, part personal experience.
What was conflict studies for? And what can its travails tell us about how wars have changed?
What was conflict studies for? And what can its travails tell us about how wars have changed?
Reposted by ف
4th Amendment RIP ; John Adams would be so mad
A video of ICE agents conducting door-to-door searches today in Minneapolis
The homeowner requests a warrant repeatedly, is told they don't require one, then is told they're getting it, then the agents storm in anyway
They also point a taser at her to try and disrupt filming
The homeowner requests a warrant repeatedly, is told they don't require one, then is told they're getting it, then the agents storm in anyway
They also point a taser at her to try and disrupt filming
January 12, 2026 at 3:45 PM
4th Amendment RIP ; John Adams would be so mad
Reposted by ف
Defence jobs boom as Germany’s arms companies go on hiring spree
Defence jobs boom as Germany’s arms companies go on hiring spree
Data from selection of companies and start-ups suggests limited success in hiring from embattled auto sector
www.ft.com
January 12, 2026 at 5:54 AM
Defence jobs boom as Germany’s arms companies go on hiring spree
Reposted by ف
I think analysts specifically, and society more broadly, underestimate how much white supremacy and belief in conquest and racial hierarchy motivate the decisions of this administration. Like yes its "neo-royalism," yes its oil, but also its white supremacy.
January 6, 2026 at 8:59 PM
I think analysts specifically, and society more broadly, underestimate how much white supremacy and belief in conquest and racial hierarchy motivate the decisions of this administration. Like yes its "neo-royalism," yes its oil, but also its white supremacy.
Reposted by ف
A major newspaper did a piece seeking to analyze the symbology and significance of NYC’s new First Lady’s fabulous coat at inauguration, and I think ppl just don’t know about Syrian women.
January 6, 2026 at 4:08 PM
A major newspaper did a piece seeking to analyze the symbology and significance of NYC’s new First Lady’s fabulous coat at inauguration, and I think ppl just don’t know about Syrian women.
if you are saturated with bad news and political bullshit, you can watch these nice short videos by The Local Show, about different architectural sites in Egypt - at least that's fascinating and not gonna add new things to be depressed about. youtube.com/@thelocalsho...
The Local Show
About The Local Show
The Local Show (TLS) is a YouTube-based docu-series by Egyptian-American designer Ramzi Makram-Ebeid, directed by Sherif Nakhla. The show spotlights local architectural landmarks...
youtube.com
January 6, 2026 at 2:58 PM
if you are saturated with bad news and political bullshit, you can watch these nice short videos by The Local Show, about different architectural sites in Egypt - at least that's fascinating and not gonna add new things to be depressed about. youtube.com/@thelocalsho...