John Bowker
@johnhbowker.bsky.social
Bloomberg Editor - covering Middle East and North Africa politics and economics. Also johnhbowker on Letterboxd if you like films.
Previously in Johannesburg, Moscow
Previously in Johannesburg, Moscow
Reposted by John Bowker
This chart on the surface may be reassuring, but actually look at it - this decade is on track to have the highest level of famine deaths since the 1970s:
July 24, 2025 at 2:13 PM
This chart on the surface may be reassuring, but actually look at it - this decade is on track to have the highest level of famine deaths since the 1970s:
Reposted by John Bowker
This Archie Bland piece is such a thing. Beautifully written, heartfelt, triumphant. He's on Bluesky but not active. He should know this is a lovely masterpiece.
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
The boy who came back: the near-death, and changed life, of my son Max
It was, we were told, a case of sudden infant death syndrome interrupted. What followed would transform my understanding of parenting, disability and the breadth of what makes a meaningful life
www.theguardian.com
May 24, 2025 at 7:25 AM
This Archie Bland piece is such a thing. Beautifully written, heartfelt, triumphant. He's on Bluesky but not active. He should know this is a lovely masterpiece.
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
Reposted by John Bowker
The EU is considering cutting more than 20 banks from SWIFT, lowering oil price cap, further export restrictions and banning Nord Stream pipelines as part of a new sanctions package on Russia over its full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
EU Weighs Cutting 20 Banks From SWIFT in New Russia Sanctions
The European Union is considering cutting more than 20 banks from SWIFT, the international payments system, as well as lowering a price cap on Russian oil and banning the Nord Stream gas pipelines as ...
www.bloomberg.com
May 24, 2025 at 7:22 AM
The EU is considering cutting more than 20 banks from SWIFT, lowering oil price cap, further export restrictions and banning Nord Stream pipelines as part of a new sanctions package on Russia over its full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by John Bowker
The big dance scene in Sinners when they’re talking about music summoning ghosts of the past and present got me all choked up and I keep thinking about how anyone who approached it with even a shred less sincerity could have made it turn out really corny and cringey, but the full commitment sold it
May 17, 2025 at 7:22 PM
The big dance scene in Sinners when they’re talking about music summoning ghosts of the past and present got me all choked up and I keep thinking about how anyone who approached it with even a shred less sincerity could have made it turn out really corny and cringey, but the full commitment sold it
Latest on Israel's campaign in Gaza, including details on the aid blockade and Trump's first public comments in weeks.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Israel to Step Up Gaza Fighting, Set to Hold More Territory
Israel’s security cabinet voted to intensify military operations in Gaza and call up of tens of thousands of extra reservists, while also deciding on a means of distributing aid in the Palestinian ter...
www.bloomberg.com
May 6, 2025 at 7:37 AM
Latest on Israel's campaign in Gaza, including details on the aid blockade and Trump's first public comments in weeks.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Latest on Putin's demands for a Ukraine agreement -- top scoop by my colleagues:
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com
April 29, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Latest on Putin's demands for a Ukraine agreement -- top scoop by my colleagues:
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Iran is offering investment opportunities to Trump as part of ongoing nuclear talks.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Iran Dangles ‘Trillion Dollar’ Incentive for Trump in Deal Talks
As countries around the world try to bargain with US President Donald Trump over tariffs, longterm adversary Iran is pitching its sanctioned economy to him as an investment opportunity.
www.bloomberg.com
April 29, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Iran is offering investment opportunities to Trump as part of ongoing nuclear talks.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Excellent standback on what's happening in Turkey, should you need to catch up:
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Erdogan Bets World Will Turn a Blind Eye to Turmoil in Turkey
After his biggest political rival was jailed, the president is banking on his NATO allies needing Turkey more than they need a fight over its democracy.
www.bloomberg.com
March 24, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Excellent standback on what's happening in Turkey, should you need to catch up:
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by John Bowker
They're called public records for a reason. Starting today, WIRED will *stop paywalling* articles that are primarily based on public records obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, becoming the first publication to partner with @freedom.press to offer this for our new coverage.
Wired is dropping paywalls for FOIA-based reporting. Others should follow
As the administration does its best to hide public records from the public, Wired magazine is stepping up to help stem the secrecy
freedom.press
March 18, 2025 at 1:11 PM
They're called public records for a reason. Starting today, WIRED will *stop paywalling* articles that are primarily based on public records obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, becoming the first publication to partner with @freedom.press to offer this for our new coverage.
Our mapping analysis of what Gaza looks like now - with about 40% of buildings standing.
People are returning north with a fragile ceasefire holding, setting up camps of tents among the ruins.
I worked out how to gift this! - Thanks @carlacanivete.bsky.social
www.bloomberg.com/graphics/202...
People are returning north with a fragile ceasefire holding, setting up camps of tents among the ruins.
I worked out how to gift this! - Thanks @carlacanivete.bsky.social
www.bloomberg.com/graphics/202...
Satellite Imagery Shows Gaza’s Destruction, and Resilience, With War Unresolved
With 40% of structures still intact, Gazans have repopulated major cities with tents and tarpaulins
www.bloomberg.com
March 5, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Our mapping analysis of what Gaza looks like now - with about 40% of buildings standing.
People are returning north with a fragile ceasefire holding, setting up camps of tents among the ruins.
I worked out how to gift this! - Thanks @carlacanivete.bsky.social
www.bloomberg.com/graphics/202...
People are returning north with a fragile ceasefire holding, setting up camps of tents among the ruins.
I worked out how to gift this! - Thanks @carlacanivete.bsky.social
www.bloomberg.com/graphics/202...
A look at Saudi Arabia's role as the lynchpin of two major crises - Ukraine and Gaza.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Saudi Prince Steps In as Power Broker in Trump’s New World Order
As US President Donald Trump pushes to end the war in Ukraine and upend the order of the Middle East, one fellow world leader is at the heart of both initiatives: Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bi...
www.bloomberg.com
February 14, 2025 at 3:27 PM
A look at Saudi Arabia's role as the lynchpin of two major crises - Ukraine and Gaza.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
A report from Gaza, where hundreds of thousands are returning to destroyed homes and missing relatives.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Trump Call for Gazans to Depart Echoes in Their Destroyed Homes
As soon as the Gaza ceasefire was finalized last month, Emad Shomar headed north to find the home he hadn’t seen in 15 months. He found himself in a bewildering moonscape of ruination, his house bulld...
www.bloomberg.com
February 6, 2025 at 2:49 PM
A report from Gaza, where hundreds of thousands are returning to destroyed homes and missing relatives.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Saudi Arabia will be critical in what happens next with the US, Israel and Gaza.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
MBS Torn Between Trump and Saudi People on Potential Israel Deal
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince sees an opportunity to get a defense, technology and nuclear cooperation deal but he will have to tread carefully given his young population has reawakened to the Palestini...
www.bloomberg.com
February 6, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Saudi Arabia will be critical in what happens next with the US, Israel and Gaza.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Useful -- and enjoyable -- piece now how Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum took on Trump, and why Trudeau finds it harder.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
‘You’ve Seen the Tweet, Right?’: Sheinbaum Aces Trump Playbook
It took Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum a single phone call to get Donald Trump to back off — at least temporarily — from his threat of tariffs.
www.bloomberg.com
February 4, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Useful -- and enjoyable -- piece now how Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum took on Trump, and why Trudeau finds it harder.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Story ahead of what could be a crucial meeting between Netanyahu and Trump at the White House today.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Netanyahu Prepares for Trump Meeting With Fragile Grip on Power
Talks between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday are set to determine the course of Israel’s war against Hamas and, potentially, the prime minister’s ability to remain in power.
www.bloomberg.com
February 4, 2025 at 10:49 AM
Story ahead of what could be a crucial meeting between Netanyahu and Trump at the White House today.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Great reporting this from Jim as ever.
The Prince Charles Cinema simply must be saved.
The Prince Charles Cinema simply must be saved.
It feels like every time I investigate something in central London, it leads back to Asif Aziz. Please read this about the Prince Charles Cinema, exclusive deals to import Nestle products to wartorn Angola, and property deals in every corner of the capital.
www.londoncentric.media/p/prince-cha...
www.londoncentric.media/p/prince-cha...
Prince Charles Cinema: Has London's "meanest landlord" met his match?
Plus: Scroll down to find out who is putting a helicopter storage facility in their south London garden, and a mysterious water contamination at the V&A.
www.londoncentric.media
January 31, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Great reporting this from Jim as ever.
The Prince Charles Cinema simply must be saved.
The Prince Charles Cinema simply must be saved.
Story on Qatar, which is emerging as the go-to mediator for global conflict.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Qatar Sees Gaza Role as Springboard to Brokering Other Conflicts
Qatar’s success in helping to broker the long-awaited Gaza ceasefire has enhanced its reputation as an international mediator, with officials now considering which other conflicts they could help reso...
www.bloomberg.com
January 24, 2025 at 8:22 AM
Story on Qatar, which is emerging as the go-to mediator for global conflict.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by John Bowker
It’s the last day of the year — why not do a list? I’ve taken part in various films-of-the-year polls, and posted my contributions, but none worked according to my criteria, which are simple: any new (or new-ish) film I saw this year, regardless of its eventual release date.
December 31, 2024 at 10:44 AM
It’s the last day of the year — why not do a list? I’ve taken part in various films-of-the-year polls, and posted my contributions, but none worked according to my criteria, which are simple: any new (or new-ish) film I saw this year, regardless of its eventual release date.
