Curtis Ryan
@curtisryan.bsky.social
Professor of Political Science, Appalachian State University. IR. Middle East politics. Music fanatic. A bit too obsessed with Jordan and with Arab and Middle East alliances and politics.
Section Chair, APSA Middle East and North African Politics section.
Section Chair, APSA Middle East and North African Politics section.
Reposted by Curtis Ryan
A great opportunity for Middle East scholars looking to workshop their first book.
September 8, 2025 at 1:21 PM
A great opportunity for Middle East scholars looking to workshop their first book.
Reposted by Curtis Ryan
Apply now for the Spring 2026 POMEPS Virtual Research Workshops! The deadline to apply is October 15, 2025. For more information on how to apply, visit:
pomeps.org/call-for-app...
pomeps.org/call-for-app...
Call for Applications: Spring 2026 Virtual Research Workshops - Project on Middle East Political Science
The POMEPS Spring Virtual Research Workshop convenes online discussions of groups of three thematically linked journal article-length papers focusing on topics/cases in the MENA region. To provide fee...
pomeps.org
September 4, 2025 at 11:13 PM
Apply now for the Spring 2026 POMEPS Virtual Research Workshops! The deadline to apply is October 15, 2025. For more information on how to apply, visit:
pomeps.org/call-for-app...
pomeps.org/call-for-app...
Today is the last day to vote in Apsa Mena officer elections. Please vote if you haven’t already. And if you have, thanks for voting!
Section members - Reminder about our elections! Only a few days left to get your vote in. You should have received an email (hint: search for 'Survey Research' in your inbox), or you can find the ballot on @apsa.bsky.social Connect. Get your votes in for your new elected representatives!
#menasky
#menasky
August 28, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Today is the last day to vote in Apsa Mena officer elections. Please vote if you haven’t already. And if you have, thanks for voting!
Reposted by Curtis Ryan
Section members - Reminder about our elections! Only a few days left to get your vote in. You should have received an email (hint: search for 'Survey Research' in your inbox), or you can find the ballot on @apsa.bsky.social Connect. Get your votes in for your new elected representatives!
#menasky
#menasky
August 25, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Section members - Reminder about our elections! Only a few days left to get your vote in. You should have received an email (hint: search for 'Survey Research' in your inbox), or you can find the ballot on @apsa.bsky.social Connect. Get your votes in for your new elected representatives!
#menasky
#menasky
Dear colleagues in the APSA MENA section: We have one more week of online voting for 3 executive committee positions: chair, treasurer, and at-large member. Pls see the link in your email from APSA and please vote!
August 22, 2025 at 7:43 PM
Dear colleagues in the APSA MENA section: We have one more week of online voting for 3 executive committee positions: chair, treasurer, and at-large member. Pls see the link in your email from APSA and please vote!
Reposted by Curtis Ryan
Famine confirmed for first time in Gaza
FAO, UNICEF, WFP & WHO reiterate call for immediate ceasefire & unhindered humanitarian access to curb deaths from hunger & malnutrition.
FAO, UNICEF, WFP & WHO reiterate call for immediate ceasefire & unhindered humanitarian access to curb deaths from hunger & malnutrition.
August 22, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Famine confirmed for first time in Gaza
FAO, UNICEF, WFP & WHO reiterate call for immediate ceasefire & unhindered humanitarian access to curb deaths from hunger & malnutrition.
FAO, UNICEF, WFP & WHO reiterate call for immediate ceasefire & unhindered humanitarian access to curb deaths from hunger & malnutrition.
Reposted by Curtis Ryan
Revealed: Israeli military’s own data indicates civilian death rate of 83% in Gaza war www.theguardian.com/world/ng-int...
Revealed: Israeli military’s own data indicates civilian death rate of 83% in Gaza war
Figures from classified IDF database listed 8,900 named fighters as dead or probably dead in May, as overall death toll reached 53,000
www.theguardian.com
August 21, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Revealed: Israeli military’s own data indicates civilian death rate of 83% in Gaza war www.theguardian.com/world/ng-int...
Reposted by Curtis Ryan
The destruction of #Gaza by Israel continues, with nearly 200.000 structures damaged or destroyed, according to the latest @UNOSAT / @UNHABITAT analysis. With over 60 million tons of rubble, and most of the agricultural land gone, Gaza is made unhabitable
unhabitat.org/sites/defaul...
unhabitat.org/sites/defaul...
August 19, 2025 at 11:57 AM
The destruction of #Gaza by Israel continues, with nearly 200.000 structures damaged or destroyed, according to the latest @UNOSAT / @UNHABITAT analysis. With over 60 million tons of rubble, and most of the agricultural land gone, Gaza is made unhabitable
unhabitat.org/sites/defaul...
unhabitat.org/sites/defaul...
Reposted by Curtis Ryan
NEW PODCAST: The MERIP Roundtable "On Recognition"
@jdryan08.bsky.social is joined by EdCommers @lisahajjar.bsky.social, @seanyom.bsky.social, and Jacob Mundy to discuss genocide recognition by Israeli figures and institutions, and UK/Canada recognition for a Palestinian state.
buff.ly/IZuBpDI
@jdryan08.bsky.social is joined by EdCommers @lisahajjar.bsky.social, @seanyom.bsky.social, and Jacob Mundy to discuss genocide recognition by Israeli figures and institutions, and UK/Canada recognition for a Palestinian state.
buff.ly/IZuBpDI
Episode 6: The MERIP Roundtable, "On Recognition" | The MERIP Podcast
Listen to Episode 6: The MERIP Roundtable, "On Recognition" from The MERIP Podcast. The MERIP Roundtable is a new format for the MERIP podcast featuring conversation on urgent issues in the Middle…
shows.acast.com
August 13, 2025 at 4:37 PM
NEW PODCAST: The MERIP Roundtable "On Recognition"
@jdryan08.bsky.social is joined by EdCommers @lisahajjar.bsky.social, @seanyom.bsky.social, and Jacob Mundy to discuss genocide recognition by Israeli figures and institutions, and UK/Canada recognition for a Palestinian state.
buff.ly/IZuBpDI
@jdryan08.bsky.social is joined by EdCommers @lisahajjar.bsky.social, @seanyom.bsky.social, and Jacob Mundy to discuss genocide recognition by Israeli figures and institutions, and UK/Canada recognition for a Palestinian state.
buff.ly/IZuBpDI
Reposted by Curtis Ryan
Everyone now agrees that Gaza is at least close to genocide, but instead of acting to stop it the US and too many others are normalizing it. My new piece asks what that means for Gaza, Israel, regional order… and IR theory.
abuaardvarkghost.ghost.io/normalizing-...
abuaardvarkghost.ghost.io/normalizing-...
Normalizing Gaza's genocide
And other big questions about the direction of Middle Eastern politics.
Thank you so much for subscribing to Abu Aardvark's Ghost and the MENA Academy (sounds like a killer indy band, right?). Moving...
abuaardvarkghost.ghost.io
August 14, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Everyone now agrees that Gaza is at least close to genocide, but instead of acting to stop it the US and too many others are normalizing it. My new piece asks what that means for Gaza, Israel, regional order… and IR theory.
abuaardvarkghost.ghost.io/normalizing-...
abuaardvarkghost.ghost.io/normalizing-...
Reposted by Curtis Ryan
TODAY 1PM EST: Syria at the Crossroads: Unpacking Sectarianism and the Crisis in Suweida
w/ Sara Ajlyakin, Sana Mustafa and Yasser Munif
Co-sponsored by MERIP and @journalspectre.bsky.social
w/ Sara Ajlyakin, Sana Mustafa and Yasser Munif
Co-sponsored by MERIP and @journalspectre.bsky.social
Syria at the Crossroads: Unpacking Sectarianism and the Crisis in Suweida - MERIP
Join MERIP and Spectre Journal in the third installment of our Syria at the Crossroads conversation series. This conversation will center on the recent sectarian clashes in Suweida and further […]
buff.ly
August 14, 2025 at 2:03 PM
TODAY 1PM EST: Syria at the Crossroads: Unpacking Sectarianism and the Crisis in Suweida
w/ Sara Ajlyakin, Sana Mustafa and Yasser Munif
Co-sponsored by MERIP and @journalspectre.bsky.social
w/ Sara Ajlyakin, Sana Mustafa and Yasser Munif
Co-sponsored by MERIP and @journalspectre.bsky.social
Reposted by Curtis Ryan
The start of a new semester is the perfect time to become a core supporter of Abu Aardvark’s Ghost and the MENA Academy. For the next three weeks I’m offering 25% off annual subscriptions - please consider joining up and helping me to keep the blog going!
abuaardvarkghost.ghost.io/new-semester...
abuaardvarkghost.ghost.io/new-semester...
The Ghost of Abu Aardvark
Middle East Politics and the Academy
abuaardvarkghost.ghost.io
August 9, 2025 at 7:36 PM
The start of a new semester is the perfect time to become a core supporter of Abu Aardvark’s Ghost and the MENA Academy. For the next three weeks I’m offering 25% off annual subscriptions - please consider joining up and helping me to keep the blog going!
abuaardvarkghost.ghost.io/new-semester...
abuaardvarkghost.ghost.io/new-semester...
Reposted by Curtis Ryan
‘Can you tell us how he died?’: Mohamed Salah criticises UEFA over tribute to ‘Palestinian Pelé’
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
‘Can you tell us how he died?’: Mohamed Salah criticises Uefa over tribute to ‘Palestinian Pelé’
Footballer Suleiman al-Obeid was killed in an Israeli attack in southern Gaza last week, according to Palestine Football Association
www.theguardian.com
August 10, 2025 at 1:15 PM
‘Can you tell us how he died?’: Mohamed Salah criticises UEFA over tribute to ‘Palestinian Pelé’
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Reposted by Curtis Ryan
Better read this by @byjordangreen.bsky.social about "a strain of white power violence known as “militant accelerationism.” Its adherents promote a militant vanguard committed to terrorism and insurrection as a means of bringing about a white ethno-state."
I’ve Seen How the Neo-Nazi Movement Is Escalating. You Should Worry | After he committed to unmasking extremist groups in North Carolina and beyond, reporter @byjordangreen.bsky.social got a first-hand look at how a movement known as ‘militant accelerationism’ operates. @theassemblync.bsky.social
I’ve Seen How the Neo-Nazi Movement Is Escalating. You Should Worry.
After unmasking extremist groups, reporter Jordan Green got a first-hand look at how the ‘militant accelerationism’ movement operates.
tinyurl.com
August 10, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Better read this by @byjordangreen.bsky.social about "a strain of white power violence known as “militant accelerationism.” Its adherents promote a militant vanguard committed to terrorism and insurrection as a means of bringing about a white ethno-state."
The newest issue of Middle East Report is now out: New Gender Frontlines. Open access and available here:
OUT NOW: Middle East Report 314, "New Gender Frontlines"
Our Spring Issue delves into the gender dynamics of the political forces shaping the Middle East in our present -- from Women, Life, Freedom to revolutionary Syria and the genocide in Gaza.
Read, Teach, Share!
buff.ly/XB8cxtW
Our Spring Issue delves into the gender dynamics of the political forces shaping the Middle East in our present -- from Women, Life, Freedom to revolutionary Syria and the genocide in Gaza.
Read, Teach, Share!
buff.ly/XB8cxtW
June 26, 2025 at 3:32 PM
The newest issue of Middle East Report is now out: New Gender Frontlines. Open access and available here:
Coming up soon: Today's launch event for the Gender Frontlines issue of Middle East Report. Details:
TODAY: New Gender Frontlines Launch Event featuring Sabiha Allouche, Rahaf Aldoughli, Paniz Musawi Natanzi, and Hala Shoman. 12PM EST on Zoom, register below.
buff.ly/uOS3v1E
buff.ly/uOS3v1E
June 26, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Coming up soon: Today's launch event for the Gender Frontlines issue of Middle East Report. Details:
Reposted by Curtis Ryan
“Both Israel and the US will almost certainly come to rue their embrace of might makes right as they reach the limits of their military capabilities and find themselves alone in a world without allies or sympathy.” New piece just dropped.
abuaardvarkghost.ghost.io/yep-trump-go...
abuaardvarkghost.ghost.io/yep-trump-go...
Yep, Trump got rolled
An incompetent administration leaps without looking into a new phase of regional war
There was a brief moment last week when it looked like Donald Trump had come to his senses. After signaling that h...
abuaardvarkghost.ghost.io
June 23, 2025 at 2:18 PM
“Both Israel and the US will almost certainly come to rue their embrace of might makes right as they reach the limits of their military capabilities and find themselves alone in a world without allies or sympathy.” New piece just dropped.
abuaardvarkghost.ghost.io/yep-trump-go...
abuaardvarkghost.ghost.io/yep-trump-go...
Reposted by Curtis Ryan
The Iranian parliament has voted to close the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz in the wake of US attacks, presaging major spikes in oil prices and disruptions to global energy security.
Iranian parliament moves to close Strait of Hormuz after US aggression: Lawmaker
In a decisive response to the US aggression against Iran
www.presstv.ir
June 22, 2025 at 3:24 PM
The Iranian parliament has voted to close the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz in the wake of US attacks, presaging major spikes in oil prices and disruptions to global energy security.
Reposted by Curtis Ryan
Erdogan announced plans this week to step up Turkey’s missile production. Some see it as a sign that the Israel-Iran war could trigger an arms race in the region, with countries aiming to build deterrence and preempt future conflicts
Via @suzanfraser.bsky.social
apnews.com/article/turk...
Via @suzanfraser.bsky.social
apnews.com/article/turk...
Erdogan vows to boost Turkey's missile production as Israel-Iran war escalates
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey will strengthen its deterrence capabilities so that no country would dare attack it.
apnews.com
June 20, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Erdogan announced plans this week to step up Turkey’s missile production. Some see it as a sign that the Israel-Iran war could trigger an arms race in the region, with countries aiming to build deterrence and preempt future conflicts
Via @suzanfraser.bsky.social
apnews.com/article/turk...
Via @suzanfraser.bsky.social
apnews.com/article/turk...
Reposted by Curtis Ryan
"The incident was the latest in nearly daily mass deaths of Palestinians who were seeking aid in past weeks, including near sites operated by the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation."
WHO receiving reports of another mass casualty event in Gaza near food site reut.rs/3FSQAEC
WHO receiving reports of another mass casualty event in Gaza near food site
World Health Organization officials said that initial reports point to at least 20 fatalities.
reut.rs
June 17, 2025 at 10:14 AM
"The incident was the latest in nearly daily mass deaths of Palestinians who were seeking aid in past weeks, including near sites operated by the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation."
Reposted by Curtis Ryan
"As Israel strikes targets across the Iranian capital...it hits civil-society figures associated with the country’s protest movement alongside officials...Parnia Abbasi, 23, a poet and an English teacher, was killed together with her parents and brother on the first day of the air campaign..."
June 17, 2025 at 1:19 AM
"As Israel strikes targets across the Iranian capital...it hits civil-society figures associated with the country’s protest movement alongside officials...Parnia Abbasi, 23, a poet and an English teacher, was killed together with her parents and brother on the first day of the air campaign..."
Reposted by Curtis Ryan
With even less news coming out of Gaza due to an internet blackout & crowding out effects due to Israel's attack on Iran, it's essential to keep asking where things are, especially amid claims that aid is getting in via the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
Reporting confirms analysts' worst fears.
Reporting confirms analysts' worst fears.
EXCLUSIVE: American Security Contractor Unloads On US-Israeli ‘Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’
I thought I was signing up for an aid mission. But what I've witnessed in Gaza is horrific.
zeteo.com
June 16, 2025 at 3:40 PM
With even less news coming out of Gaza due to an internet blackout & crowding out effects due to Israel's attack on Iran, it's essential to keep asking where things are, especially amid claims that aid is getting in via the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
Reporting confirms analysts' worst fears.
Reporting confirms analysts' worst fears.
Reposted by Curtis Ryan
UPDATE: Over 200 Israeli strikes in Iran kill 9 IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists. Details on who they are/replacements www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Over 200 Israeli strikes in Iran kill 9 IRGC commanders and scientists
The head of Iran’s armed forces and IRGC were both killed as Israel said they hit more than 100 sites across the country.
www.al-monitor.com
June 13, 2025 at 1:29 PM
UPDATE: Over 200 Israeli strikes in Iran kill 9 IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists. Details on who they are/replacements www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Reposted by Curtis Ryan
Israel’s targeting thus far — and it is very early — looks like it is not just about degrading the nuclear program. It seems to be trying to provoke regime collapse in Iran and put an end to the nuclear talks with the US.
abuaardvarkghost.ghost.io/why-did-isra...
abuaardvarkghost.ghost.io/why-did-isra...
Why did Israel attack Iran now?
What is it really trying to achieve... and can it succeed?
Last night, Israel launched a major military strike against Iran, killing a number of its senior military commanders and taking shots at key...
abuaardvarkghost.ghost.io
June 13, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Israel’s targeting thus far — and it is very early — looks like it is not just about degrading the nuclear program. It seems to be trying to provoke regime collapse in Iran and put an end to the nuclear talks with the US.
abuaardvarkghost.ghost.io/why-did-isra...
abuaardvarkghost.ghost.io/why-did-isra...
Reposted by Curtis Ryan
Were Aime Césaire alive to conduct a structural analysis of the advancing militarization of American law enforcement since 9/11, I suspect he would have understood DHS as a template for how Imperial Boomerangs operate in the 21st century.
Me for @zeteo.com on LA, and what led to it.
Me for @zeteo.com on LA, and what led to it.
The Imperial Boomerang Lands in Los Angeles
As police and the National Guard escalate against anti-ICE protesters, the Department of Homeland Security bridges US violence abroad and US violence at home.
zeteo.com
June 10, 2025 at 1:13 AM
Were Aime Césaire alive to conduct a structural analysis of the advancing militarization of American law enforcement since 9/11, I suspect he would have understood DHS as a template for how Imperial Boomerangs operate in the 21st century.
Me for @zeteo.com on LA, and what led to it.
Me for @zeteo.com on LA, and what led to it.