This is a big one! We have two symposia, a book review roundtable, and a provocative and remarkable opening essay by Rabab El Mahdi that problematizes the framing of 'regional' or 'local' perspectives within Middle East political science. #menasky

And do not miss the special forum on teaching about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in our APSA MENA Spring 2024 Newsletter. Put together by our amazing co-editor Gamze Çavdar!

Excellent & astute analysis by @profmabon.bsky.social on voting behavior in anti-sectarian protests, Courtney Freer on the impact of electoral systems in Jordan and Kuwait, and Rafael Bustos on the role of elections in conflict transformation and peacebuilding in Algeria, Tunisia, Sudan, and Jordan

Do not miss these excellent contributions, addressing minority participation in Iran by Mansour Abarmoo & Edward Wastnidge, Chantal Sarkis on representation in Lebanon, Ziad Alkinani on political transformations in Iraq!

Our second symposium moves away from the conflict yet address the important issue of electoral processes MENA. Thanks to the wonderful editors @danieltavana.bsky.social & Luciano Zaccara for putting such an impressive lineup of contributors!

Looking forward, @chouhoud.bsky.social calls to go beyond surface sympathy, urging a nuanced view of US public opinion. Jonathan Graubart & Mark Tessler in their respective pieces emphasize steering clear of past failed diplomacy, focusing on transforming Israeli & Palestinian institutions

Respective pieces by Mohammed Abu-Nimer, Yasmeen Abu Laban, Abigail Bakan, @mhajneam.bsky.social, @anabtawi.bsky.social describe and caution, in gripping narratives and nuanced analysis of the politicization and weaponization of identities

@4bassam.bsky.social, Raz Segal,Christine Schwobel Patel&Nahed Samour, Mark Tessler explain the imp of moving beyond conflict frames. @danaelkurd.bsky.social & Amytess Girgis,Neil Ketchley& Sean Lee show in their respective pieces the connections btw what happens in Palestine & broader MENA politics

In our Gaza symposium, @dbgreenwald.bsky.social, Noora Lori, & I turned to our colleagues to help us understand this fraught time. We asked : What is one prevalent misconception about the conflict, and how can political science effectively respond?

@abuaardvark.bsky.social & Shibley Telhami must-read essay share crucial insights from the Middle East Scholars Barometer project. Their analysis offers critical context, connecting ongoing protests with broader academic dynamics. Couldn't be more timely! Don't miss it! @pomeps.bsky.social

Ian Lustick's stand-alone essay provides a gripping narrative of the professional and academic costs of adopting critical stances on Israel and Palestine. Deeply resonates & such an important read amid ongoing students mobilization and protests. Couldn't be more timely! @seanyom.bsky.social

Yalla shut it down and wenta tayib:)

Right, saw it as I sat down to work and reached for my cup of coffee that is and will no longer be here for a good month...

Civilian punishment

😂

Photo credit @lalehkhalili.bsky.social... a great scholar with soooo many talents