Elisabeth Kendall
@elisabethkendall.bsky.social
"The Mistress" / President of Girton College, Cambridge University. Arabist, Middle East specialist (militant jihad; Yemen; Arabic poetry). No ivory towers here...
Loved doing this episode of "Empires of Faith" with Mattias Hessérus! From #Arabic #poetry & jihadi narratives to #Yemen’s civil war & and what it would take to build regional peace. Watch it here: youtu.be/3jFeQrk1u-U
November 13, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Loved doing this episode of "Empires of Faith" with Mattias Hessérus! From #Arabic #poetry & jihadi narratives to #Yemen’s civil war & and what it would take to build regional peace. Watch it here: youtu.be/3jFeQrk1u-U
Great to see this shoutout for #poetry at Girton College, University of Cambridge, in the Times Literary Supplement! We have a buzzing poetry scene & we're looking forward to celebrating alumna poet Veronica Forrest-Thomson (1947–75) this Saturday. Details here: www.girton.cam.ac.uk/events/veron...
November 12, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Great to see this shoutout for #poetry at Girton College, University of Cambridge, in the Times Literary Supplement! We have a buzzing poetry scene & we're looking forward to celebrating alumna poet Veronica Forrest-Thomson (1947–75) this Saturday. Details here: www.girton.cam.ac.uk/events/veron...
It was wonderful to welcome the Chancellor (Lord Chris Smith), Vice Chancellor (Prof Deborah Prentice) and eminent speaker (historian Prof Jeremy Adelman) to Girton College, University of Cambridge, this week for our inaugural Global History Lecture!
November 7, 2025 at 5:25 PM
It was wonderful to welcome the Chancellor (Lord Chris Smith), Vice Chancellor (Prof Deborah Prentice) and eminent speaker (historian Prof Jeremy Adelman) to Girton College, University of Cambridge, this week for our inaugural Global History Lecture!
It can't all be hard work! A magical, enchanting, spellbinding evening at Girton College, Cambridge University 🦉
@girtoncollege.bsky.social
@girtoncollege.bsky.social
October 31, 2025 at 10:41 AM
It can't all be hard work! A magical, enchanting, spellbinding evening at Girton College, Cambridge University 🦉
@girtoncollege.bsky.social
@girtoncollege.bsky.social
Last week, the Mahra Youth Unity Association, a grass roots NGO in east #Yemen, was honoured to organise a workshop to train #women to engage in local conflict mediation & crisis management.
🙏 to partners Saferworld, Resonate! Yemen, Yemen's Civil Alliance for Peace, & EU funding
🙏 to partners Saferworld, Resonate! Yemen, Yemen's Civil Alliance for Peace, & EU funding
October 28, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Today's Freshers' Concert at Girton College Cambridge was fabulissimo! From Rachmaninov & Fauré through to an ivory tower shattering rendition of Satriani's "Surfing with the Alien" by one of our Natural Scientists on electric guitar, much of it played backwards over his head. Just wow.
October 26, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Today's Freshers' Concert at Girton College Cambridge was fabulissimo! From Rachmaninov & Fauré through to an ivory tower shattering rendition of Satriani's "Surfing with the Alien" by one of our Natural Scientists on electric guitar, much of it played backwards over his head. Just wow.
Good to catch up with NATO colleagues & Middle East partners in Rome yesterday - we weren't short of discussion points
October 21, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Good to catch up with NATO colleagues & Middle East partners in Rome yesterday - we weren't short of discussion points
How close do the hostage release & #Trump's #Gaza plan really bring us to peace? Here's the opening of an interview I gave yesterday as events unfolded. To watch it all on this link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKaz...
October 14, 2025 at 4:58 PM
How close do the hostage release & #Trump's #Gaza plan really bring us to peace? Here's the opening of an interview I gave yesterday as events unfolded. To watch it all on this link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKaz...
If you're a British national and keen to improve your #Arabic with a fully funded scholarship to beautiful #Oman next summer, find our how to apply here:
www.britishomani.org/online-arabi...
Organised by @BritishOmani with generous support from Oman's 🇴🇲 Ministry of Foreign Affairs
www.britishomani.org/online-arabi...
Organised by @BritishOmani with generous support from Oman's 🇴🇲 Ministry of Foreign Affairs
October 11, 2025 at 12:06 PM
If you're a British national and keen to improve your #Arabic with a fully funded scholarship to beautiful #Oman next summer, find our how to apply here:
www.britishomani.org/online-arabi...
Organised by @BritishOmani with generous support from Oman's 🇴🇲 Ministry of Foreign Affairs
www.britishomani.org/online-arabi...
Organised by @BritishOmani with generous support from Oman's 🇴🇲 Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Here's this morning's team photo with our new postgrad intake at Girton College, University of Cambridge! Our postgrad Freshers span 58 different countries across 6 continents. What a privilege to welcome such a diverse group of talented students! @girtoncollege.bsky.social
October 1, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Here's this morning's team photo with our new postgrad intake at Girton College, University of Cambridge! Our postgrad Freshers span 58 different countries across 6 continents. What a privilege to welcome such a diverse group of talented students! @girtoncollege.bsky.social
BBC presenter Tanya Beckett invited me on to this week's episode of "The Talk Diaries" to discuss #Yemen in the broader #MiddleEast conflict. Here's a clip.
For the whole thing, go to youtube.com/watch?v=A63o...
For the whole thing, go to youtube.com/watch?v=A63o...
September 24, 2025 at 6:28 PM
BBC presenter Tanya Beckett invited me on to this week's episode of "The Talk Diaries" to discuss #Yemen in the broader #MiddleEast conflict. Here's a clip.
For the whole thing, go to youtube.com/watch?v=A63o...
For the whole thing, go to youtube.com/watch?v=A63o...
Excellent piece by April Alley for @washinstitute.bsky.social
on the fundamentals required to forge a more effective US policy on #Yemen. Currently, the US approach is tantamount to "placing the #Houthis on a slow simmer and leaving the kitchen". www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
on the fundamentals required to forge a more effective US policy on #Yemen. Currently, the US approach is tantamount to "placing the #Houthis on a slow simmer and leaving the kitchen". www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
Toward a More Comprehensive (and Effective) U.S. Policy on Yemen
The Houthis pose even more of a risk to U.S. and Gulf interests than they did before the Gaza war, so Washington and its regional partners need to develop an approach that is more fit for purpose.
www.washingtoninstitute.org
September 19, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Excellent piece by April Alley for @washinstitute.bsky.social
on the fundamentals required to forge a more effective US policy on #Yemen. Currently, the US approach is tantamount to "placing the #Houthis on a slow simmer and leaving the kitchen". www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
on the fundamentals required to forge a more effective US policy on #Yemen. Currently, the US approach is tantamount to "placing the #Houthis on a slow simmer and leaving the kitchen". www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analy...
At least 21 further UN personnel were detained by #Yemen's #Houthis on 31 Aug (3 days after #Israel's 16th round of airstrikes on Yemen that killed the Houthi Prime Minister & many others).
As Yemen continues to unravel, the UN Special Envoy Grundberg will brief the UN #SecurityCouncil later today.
As Yemen continues to unravel, the UN Special Envoy Grundberg will brief the UN #SecurityCouncil later today.
September 15, 2025 at 6:07 AM
At least 21 further UN personnel were detained by #Yemen's #Houthis on 31 Aug (3 days after #Israel's 16th round of airstrikes on Yemen that killed the Houthi Prime Minister & many others).
As Yemen continues to unravel, the UN Special Envoy Grundberg will brief the UN #SecurityCouncil later today.
As Yemen continues to unravel, the UN Special Envoy Grundberg will brief the UN #SecurityCouncil later today.
Since #Israel killed #Yemen's #Houthi Prime Minister & several of its cabinet 2 weeks ago, the Houthis have stepped up attacks, including a direct hit on Israel's Ramon Airport yday.
In this context, it's hard to see the severing of #RedSea cables as a coincidence.
apnews.com/article/red-...
In this context, it's hard to see the severing of #RedSea cables as a coincidence.
apnews.com/article/red-...
Undersea cables cut in the Red Sea, disrupting internet access in Asia and the Mideast
Undersea cable cuts in the Red Sea have disrupted internet access in parts of Asia and the Middle East.
apnews.com
September 8, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Since #Israel killed #Yemen's #Houthi Prime Minister & several of its cabinet 2 weeks ago, the Houthis have stepped up attacks, including a direct hit on Israel's Ramon Airport yday.
In this context, it's hard to see the severing of #RedSea cables as a coincidence.
apnews.com/article/red-...
In this context, it's hard to see the severing of #RedSea cables as a coincidence.
apnews.com/article/red-...
The weakening of #Iran's Axis of Resistance is not *all* bad for #Yemen's #Houthis; there's also an element of opportunity that's often overlooked. I talked to The National 👇 www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRGC...
What will happen to the Houthis after Israel’s assassination strike?
YouTube video by The National News
www.youtube.com
September 6, 2025 at 10:40 AM
The weakening of #Iran's Axis of Resistance is not *all* bad for #Yemen's #Houthis; there's also an element of opportunity that's often overlooked. I talked to The National 👇 www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRGC...
I joined the latest episode of "Beyond The Headlines" from @thenationalnews.com, reflecting on what will happen to #Yemen's #Houthis after #Israel's latest strike. First up, Baraa Shiban, followed by Jovan Ilijev. Hosted by Nada AlTaher. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/w...
September 5, 2025 at 1:16 PM
I joined the latest episode of "Beyond The Headlines" from @thenationalnews.com, reflecting on what will happen to #Yemen's #Houthis after #Israel's latest strike. First up, Baraa Shiban, followed by Jovan Ilijev. Hosted by Nada AlTaher. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/w...
What are the implications of #Israel's killing of the Prime Minister of #Yemen's #Houthis? Here's a short extract - to watch the whole interview, go to youtu.be/twIp0qBep1Ma
September 4, 2025 at 3:52 PM
What are the implications of #Israel's killing of the Prime Minister of #Yemen's #Houthis? Here's a short extract - to watch the whole interview, go to youtu.be/twIp0qBep1Ma
I spoke to ABC's breakfast show about #Israel's killing of the #Houthi Prime Minister in #Yemen. What does it tell us? Where might it lead? Here are the first couple of minutes. For the whole interview, go to youtu.be/roEO9bWxvis
September 1, 2025 at 4:18 PM
I spoke to ABC's breakfast show about #Israel's killing of the #Houthi Prime Minister in #Yemen. What does it tell us? Where might it lead? Here are the first couple of minutes. For the whole interview, go to youtu.be/roEO9bWxvis
Happy days: congratulating Stormzy on his Honorary Doctorate from Cambridge University last month. Read more about what Stormzy has done for higher education via this link: www.bbc.com/news/article...
August 25, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Happy days: congratulating Stormzy on his Honorary Doctorate from Cambridge University last month. Read more about what Stormzy has done for higher education via this link: www.bbc.com/news/article...
Republished today as no.3 in the Top Ten annual countdown from Arab Digest: my #podcast on #Yemen, the #Houthis and #alQaeda. Have a listen; sadly, it's still highly relevant.
soundcloud.com/arabdigest/a...
soundcloud.com/arabdigest/a...
AD’s All New Top Ten Podcast Countdown: #3 Yemen: the Huthis and Al Qaeda
With the ability to attack maritime shipping in the Red Sea the Huthis threaten not just regional but international security while the Gaza war has given them a huge propaganda victory, one that would
soundcloud.com
August 20, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Republished today as no.3 in the Top Ten annual countdown from Arab Digest: my #podcast on #Yemen, the #Houthis and #alQaeda. Have a listen; sadly, it's still highly relevant.
soundcloud.com/arabdigest/a...
soundcloud.com/arabdigest/a...
Come & work with us at Girton College, Cambridge University! We're seeking a Head of Governance & College Registrar. Here's a half-minute glimpse into life at beautiful Girton ... so check out the job details here:
www.girton.cam.ac.uk/job-vacancie...
@girtoncollege.bsky.social
www.girton.cam.ac.uk/job-vacancie...
@girtoncollege.bsky.social
August 15, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Come & work with us at Girton College, Cambridge University! We're seeking a Head of Governance & College Registrar. Here's a half-minute glimpse into life at beautiful Girton ... so check out the job details here:
www.girton.cam.ac.uk/job-vacancie...
@girtoncollege.bsky.social
www.girton.cam.ac.uk/job-vacancie...
@girtoncollege.bsky.social
#Yemen's #Houthis impose sanctions on 64 shipping companies. What's interesting is the scope:
1/ This applies beyond the Red Sea to Bab al-Mandab, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and "any area in reach"
2/ Any company ship is a target irrespective of its individual link to #Israel or nationality
1/ This applies beyond the Red Sea to Bab al-Mandab, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and "any area in reach"
2/ Any company ship is a target irrespective of its individual link to #Israel or nationality
August 7, 2025 at 4:24 PM
100+ African migrants believed drowned off #Yemen's coast. What desperation drives people to cross dangerous waters to a deadly war zone armed only with hope? Yet this is not an isolated incident. Read this 2020 award-winning report with its unsettling photos: apimagesblog.com/blog/2020/2/...
August 4, 2025 at 5:26 PM
100+ African migrants believed drowned off #Yemen's coast. What desperation drives people to cross dangerous waters to a deadly war zone armed only with hope? Yet this is not an isolated incident. Read this 2020 award-winning report with its unsettling photos: apimagesblog.com/blog/2020/2/...
I spoke to Engelsberg Ideas about what has and hasn't changed in the Middle East, why #Yemen's #Houthis remain such a persistent threat and what it might take to contain the conflict. engelsbergideas.com/essays/in-co...
In conversation with Elisabeth Kendall on what the Houthis really want
Elisabeth Kendall, acclaimed expert on jihadist movements and the Arab World, spoke to EI’s Jack Dickens about the current state of the Middle East, what drives the Houthis, and why a regional peace r...
engelsbergideas.com
July 30, 2025 at 2:44 PM
I spoke to Engelsberg Ideas about what has and hasn't changed in the Middle East, why #Yemen's #Houthis remain such a persistent threat and what it might take to contain the conflict. engelsbergideas.com/essays/in-co...