Open Government: Emancipation for Some, Exclusion for Others MENA governments are rapidly adopting digital governance, but weak oversight risks turning these tools into instruments of exclusion, surveillance, and data exploitation, disproportionately harming vu...

MENA governments are adopting digital governance, but weak oversight risks turning these tools into instruments of exclusion, surveillance, and data exploitation, argue former nonresident fellows Kassem Mnejja and @drdrewmikhael.bsky.social.

timep.org/2025/05/14/o...

The Growing Riptide of European Policy on Migration in the Middle East A decade of growing anti-migrant rhetoric across Europe has produced policies of externalization and a narrowing of legal rights of those seeking asylum. This must change.

A decade of growing anti-migrant rhetoric in Europe has produced externalization policies and a narrowing of legal rights of asylum-seekers. An alternative path forward is possible, argues former nonresident fellow @drdrewmikhael.bsky.social.

timep.org/2025/06/17/t...

A decade since the so-called "European migration crisis," the EU is "paying states and looking the other way." An alternate way that addresses the root cases of migration & offers more opportunities for legal asylum is possible. More in @drdrewmikhael.bsky.social's new piece for @timep.bsky.social.

A bittersweet day! As the cohort ends, couldn't be prouder to have gotten to work with & learn from this incredible group @ezz-eldin.bsky.social, Mohamed, Ines, Zeead, @drdrewmikhael.bsky.social, @baraakhurfan.bsky.social, @mohanedelnour.bsky.social, Jawhara, Salma, Assala, @kassemmnejja.bsky.social

NEW: MENA governments are rapidly adopting digital governance, but weak oversight risks turning these tools into instruments of exclusion, surveillance, and data exploitation, argue Nonresident Fellows @kassemmnejja.bsky.social and @drdrewmikhael.bsky.social.

Read more: timep.org/2025/05/14/o...

This means so much, @drdrewmikhael.bsky.social. Thank you for the kind words and thank you for everything you bring to our team.

What should the policy world pay attention to in MENA in 2025? Don't miss out on answers from my @timep.bsky.social colleagues, including @drdrewmikhael.bsky.social, @kassemmnejja.bsky.social, @baraakhurfan.bsky.social, @ezz-eldin.bsky.social, @mohamedelbaqer.bsky.social, @saharmechmech.bsky.social.

In 2024, the actions of many Global North governments, whether in response to Israel's aggression in Gaza or on the issue of migration externalization, led to serious challenges to the rules-based world order. @drdrewmikhael.bsky.social makes recommendations on what needs to change in 2025.

TIMEP is what other organisations aspire to be. Please consider

The First Days of Post-Assad Syria — The Dial The end of the regime brought unrelenting joy to many in the country.

My essay on the first days of post-Assad Syria.

"Forever is Over"

www.thedial.world/articles/sta...

Assad’s fall brings joy and the call of home Exiled journalist Asser Khattab on what the news from Syria means to its diaspora

My brilliant friend Asser Khattab on what the fall of the house of Assad means to him and so many other Syrians.

www.ft.com/content/455a...

This is a wonderful and deeply dignified piece of work. All involved should be very proud.

I had to perform a surprise last gasp Maradona-style step over to avoid a toddler smashing into my legs as he chased a dog. I am not wearing a cape today.

If you're new to Bluesky, be sure you're following the TIMEP team, former and current fellows, and Board of Advisors members who are here too for great MENA insights from across the region.

go.bsky.app/7jcmeX6

a bald man making a funny face with his mouth wide open ALT: a bald man making a funny face with his mouth wide open

In public. Inside I am

Great insights here by @drdrewmikhael.bsky.social . Recommend others to follow him for more sharp perspectives on Lebanon and the region.

You are an absolute gentleman Mat, these words coming from you mean the world

I am kinda liking the calm before the storm here. Feels intimate.

And here's the video.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfDg...

Lebanese see hope and beauty ahead in fragile ceasefire Although the truce between Israel and Hezbollah is fragile, people in Lebanon are celebrating it.

My latest dispatch from Beirut.

Lebanese showed a cautious joy on Wednesday as thousands returned home

www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11...

I spoke to AJ’s The Take about the ceasefire in Lebanon and how the last day before it was the most violent

www.aljazeera.com/podcasts/202...

Drops Sunday🎙️

Best selling Author, Broadcaster & Investigative Journalist @petergeoghegan.bsky.social

⁃ Balkan wars
⁃ Is the European project failing?
⁃ Democracy for sale🤔
⁃ 🇺🇸Elections & Trump
⁃ Is mainstream media dying?

bit.ly/2TSRANz

Yup. The agreement they made gave a lot of latitude for strikes

Will the US-brokered ceasefire in Lebanon hold? Agreement ends more than a year of fighting between Hezbollah and Israeli military.

Please check out me talking on @aljazeeraenglish.bsky.social #insidestory about the #lebanon ceasefire: www.aljazeera.com/program/insi...

Framing matters. It’s not a “refugee crisis”, it’s a humanitarian crisis. Refugees don’t create the problem, inhumanity does.

To write one? Or just suggest some for now?!