“This verdict should not be seen as the end of the chapter, but rather as a beginning of many effective reforms. I still remember the words on the wall of that cage.” My Oped in the NYT about the happy news of our acquittal from the
#NGOtrial
today.
We’re horrifically losing lives & our humanity. Can't accept Hamas' crimes against civilians nor the continued abuse of Palestinians under an apartheid occupation and currently under siege with no food, fuel, medicine or a way to escape. Violence & injustice won’t bring security.
Bashar Al-Assad is royally greeted in Saudi Arabia for the Emergency Arab Summit. What’s more fitting than to invite a war criminal to address war crimes?
Anything short of calling for an immediate ceasefire will be contributing to an impending catastrophe. It isn’t only impossible to evacuate 1.1M ppl in 24 hrs, it isn’t just targeting Hamas; it's as Nakba, displacing Palestinians & warranting the killing & harms to those who stay
#محطة_مصر
17 years ago this month, over 370 Egyptians died in Al Ayat train fire. Several cabinet changes & three presidents later, nothing of what’s written here about the continuous loss of Egyptians lives due to negligence & corruption has changed a bit
It’s heartwarming to see photos of Solafa Magdy & Hossam El-Sayad finally reunited with their son & to see Khaled Dawoud with his family after their release. They shouldn’t have been imprisoned in the first place. Keeping hopes high for all the rest who are unjustly imprisoned 🙏🏽
After six long difficult years, our innocence is finally recognized. In 2013, 43 NGO workers were found guilty in the
#NGO
tidal and charged to prison sentence. We never broke the law and civil society work should have never been criminalized.
Just like the Egyptian regime does not learn from the past, some analysts and “experts” have not learned to stop making definitive predictions such as “nothing will happen” or assert that a particular outcome will certainly take place.
Here’s
@PatrickZaki1
an Egyptian researcher banned from traveling, successfully defending his MA thesis from the University of Bologna remotely. Today, he got sentenced to 3 years in prison in Cairo. That’s the reality behind Egypt's national dialogue theatrics & cosmetic reforms
Egyptian regime reps visited DC & played their patriotic act against 'foreign interference'. They were sure to inform me they knew everything from my birth date to my school. Yet, they missed one painful detail - today is the anniversary of mom’s death in Egypt while I’m in exile
Extending the Gaza cease-fire is a must, but not enough. The U.S. must support a process that prioritizes accountability and equal rights. In a new piece
@foreignaffairs
,
@mattduss
and I outline the needed policy shifts for a just and peaceful life for all
On Biden’s handling of the war,
@mattduss
put it clearly: “It has undermined one of his most important assets against Trump…Biden’s reputation…he’s a decent guy, he’s an empathetic guy, he’s an honest guy. But this policy has been a cruel policy”
Delighted to welcome
@RulaJebreal
to CIP's board! Her unique voice strengthens our push for progressive foreign policy. Proud to see
@CIPolicy
growing bigger & more diverse with more brilliant women like Rula & others on our team taking on influential roles in peace and security.
We are thrilled to announce that
@rulajebreal
is joining CIP’s Board of Directors. Rula brings invaluable lived experience and expertise to our work for greater accountability in U.S. foreign policy.
Join us in welcoming her to the team 💫
Egyptian businessman Wael Hana who acted as a front for the Egyptian regime in the
@SenatorMenendez
bribery scandal got arrested at JFK Airport in New York.
القبض على رجل الأعمال المصري وائل حنا اثناء وجوده في مطار جون كينيدي في نيويورك. ورد اسمه في لائحة الاتهام باعتباره صلة الوصل بين الحكومة المصرية والسيناتور بوب مينينديز.
4 years ago today, I got acquitted after 7yrs fight since Egypt sentenced us to prison for our democracy & human rights work. But
#Case173
is still open, prosecuting brilliant civil society + travel bans & assets freeze!
#Case173
must be closed immediately
النهاردة تم الكشف عن فضيحة إغتصاب وتحرش لأكثر من ٢٠ طالبة في واحدة من أعرق الجامعات في العالم St. Andrews تم ذلك طريق شهادات anonymous على إنستجرام. رد فعل الجامعة (بدل من التشكيك في الطالبات) كان الإيقاف الفوري لكثير من مَن تم إتهامهم وبدء التحقيقات معهم
🚨 This hold on $235M in military aid to
#Egypt
is a milestone in holding the regime accountable for its glaring human rights abuses. This decision sees through the façade of cosmetic changes and sends a clear message: compromising democratic integrity won't go unnoticed.
We are proud to support the decision by
@SenatorCardin
&
@RepGregoryMeeks
to 🛑 military aid to
#Egypt
— to advance the shared interests of Egyptian + American people in protecting human rights & to promote our national principles in U.S. foreign policy
I'm delighted to welcome
@mattduss
to
@CIPolicy
’s leadership team. Excited about what we’ll achieve together as we work with the progressive community to bring about a much-needed paradigm shift in U.S. foreign policy with a shared global vision. Here’s to transformative change!
We are thrilled to announce
@MattDuss
as our new Executive Vice President. Matt brings tremendous experience as a leading progressive foreign policy thinker with the vision to drive a much-needed shift in U.S. foreign policy. Join us in welcoming Matt!
I used to think repression like what we experienced during the Iraq war protests was confined to authoritarian regimes in the Middle East. The silence of this administration on what we’re witnessing here and its complicity in civilian atrocities in Gaza is a shameful echo of that
Feigning ignorance & pretending that 50 trucks would help over 2 million people under siege—lacking food, water, or fuel amidst bombings—won't absolve you from your responsibility & role in this war. Own it!
The Biden-Harris Administration is working every day to increase the flow of humanitarian assistance to meet the needs of civilians in Gaza. Here’s an update from National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby.
First, Egyptians were told to eat chicken feet as a cheap substitute amid soaring food prices. Now, they’re cautioned against using elevators 10 mins before & after the hour to brace for power cuts.
An epic stream of failures to address critical crises!
To grasp how corruption undermines national security, look at the exchange between
@SenatorMenendez
& the Egypt military op. Corruption isn't neutral; it chooses sides. That's why 'accountability at home & abroad’ is a cornerstone
@CIPolicy
principle for rectifying foreign policy
According to the indictment, Menendez:
—“secretly edited and ghost-wrote” a letter asking other senators to lift holds on military aid to Egypt, on Egypt’s behalf
—sent the letter from his personal email account
—deleted the email from his wife asking him to write it
قدم معهد التحرير لسياسات الشرق الأوسط تقريرا بالاشتراك مع جمعية القانون في إنجلترا وويلز قبل عملية المراجعة الدولية الشاملة لمصر في المجلس الأممي لحقوق الإنسان. يقيم التقرير وضع استقلال القضاء واستخدام القضاء العسكري وسيادة القانون والتزام مصر بتعهداتها.
For those outside of the U.S. a link will be posted online on CBS News website (below) right after the 60 minutes episode with Sisi airs on Sunday, so people in Egypt should be able to watch - unless it gets blocked.
Today’s disappoint with
@france24
:they invited to speak, first as part of a debate on Egypt then the journalist apologized that she cannot have me if I’m participating via Skype because they have a policy not to have more than two guests via skype. Instead...1/10
#Jan25
Honored to be entrusted to lead CIP’s admirable work. I believe we can effectively address urgent global threats if we work together. I’m inspired by a community of researchers, investigative journalists, policymakers & allies with whom I seek to partner to end unjust policies.
Today I begin a new journey as President & CEO of
@CIPolicy
. I’m lucky to be standing on the shoulders of many inspiring people who carried its progressive mission for 50 years. I aspire to build CIP into an even more powerful voice & work with you to expand its scope & influence
My op-ed on the implications of the current defense & security strategies of the US & Europe. A strategy toward the region exclusively focused on a narrow definition of security & supporting repressive regimes, who fail to deliver to their people, will again lead to instability.
The detention of
#HishamKassem
, a pillar in journalism & advocate for democracy, is egregious. Call it what it is: a blatant attack on him for speaking truth to power & addressing regime corruption. Let’s not feign ignorance by seeing this as a mere dispute with a regime pawn.
Just received the court reasoning for our acquittal in the foreign funding case (Case 173) which iterates that we acted within the law, but more importantly, clearly states that foreign funding is not a crime--a vital determination for those still being prosecuted under Case 173.
The U.S. has a moral & legal obligation to suspend arms to Israel. There’s no credible plan to protect civilians in Rafah.
“According to UN agencies, the relocation sites lack essential facilities such as proper latrines, water access points, drainage systems & adequate shelter”
"A ride from Rafah to the declared safety zone of al-Mawasi can be $270. It used to cost about $13. And those who are fleeing jam-packed Rafah find al-Mawasi itself overcrowded and squalid — and perhaps not even safe from fighting."
Per this report, Egypt is building a security buffer zone and a wall in eastern Sinai, possibly to accommodate Gaza refugees with rapid construction overseen by the military, in coordination with Israel & the U.S., potentially signals plans for Gazans’ displacement.
السلطات المصرية تشرع في بناء منطقة أمنية عازلة محاطة بأسوار لإستقبال فلسطيني غزة .
حصلت مؤسسة سيناء على معلومات من مصدر ذو صلة تفيد بإن أعمال البناء الجارية حاليا شرقي سيناء هي لإنشاء منطقة أمنية معزولة مع الحدود مع قطاع غزة بهدف استقبال لاجئين من غزة في حال حدوث عملية نزوح
I'm in Munich today. We'll continue to see more such violence and aggression, condoned by the unchallenged, skewed narrative surrounding Israel-Palestinian. Speak up against bias; words are our only tool when everything else is beyond our control in the face of the war machine.
When your current and former colleagues,
@mattduss
and
@maitelsadany
are foreign policy superstars in the leadership of the two organizations I'm most proud of—
@CIPolicy
and
@TimepDC
Congratulations 🎉
The United States and Austria are among the minority of 14 countries that voted against the UNGA resolution to protect civilians and uphold legal and humanitarian obligations.
Take note and consider the group of countries with which the U.S. aligns itself.
A Moment of Truth
BREAKING: UN General Assembly ADOPTS resolution on “protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations” on the ongoing Gaza crisis
FOR: 120
AGAINST: 14
ABSTAIN: 45
LIVE COVERAGE
I’m thrilled to announce two fantastic additions to
@TimepDC
:
@tradwan
has joined our team as the Director of Strategic Communications, leading our communication & advocacy strategy &
@basildabh
has joined us as our Editor. Proud to see TIMEP continuing to grow bigger & stronger!
Meanwhile, here’s how Egypt is preparing for next month’s presidential elections: by referring the former presidential candidate, Al-Tantawi, his campaign manager & 21 of its members to criminal trial on charges of circulating election related papers without permission!
إحالة المرشح الرئاسي السابق الأستاذ أحمد الطنطاوي ومدير حملته و ٢١ من أعضائها المحبوسين للمحاكمة الجنائية بتهمة تداول أوراق تخص الانتخابات دون إذن السلطات عبر دعوة المواطنين لتوقيع توكيلات شعبية لتأييد الطنطاوي
وبدء المحاكمة اليوم أمام جنح المطرية في القضية ١٦٣٣٦ لسنة ٢٠٢٣.
#محطة_مصر
In 2017 Egypt took a €290 million loan from the Europe Bank for Reconstruction & Development to help commuters across Egypt & support the Egyptian National Railways (ENR) in its fleet expansion and upgrade of services.
Any idea of its progress?
On
#Jan25
9th anniversary, icons like Alaa, Esraa Abdel Fattah, Zeyad Al-Elmy, Mahinour & scores of human rights defenders are locked under brutal prison conditions, while Mubarak is enjoying his freedom. It leaves many of us with a mixed feeling of pride & a very heavy heart.
It’d be seriously damaging if these words aren’t translated into concrete & corrective foreign policy measures. Failing to follow through from “no blank checks” to making KSA a “Pariah” have undermined human rights in MENA, harmed US interests, its credibility & global security!
Breaking News: President Biden will "re-evaluate" the U.S. relationship with Saudi Arabia after it worked with Russia to cut oil production, an official said. He signaled openness to retaliatory measures proposed in Congress, like a halt to arms sales.
So pleased to share the news of my appointment as a visiting scholar at
@StanfordCDDRL
starting Jan 2020!
Excited to be back after 15 years to rejoin incredibly talented colleagues & mentors where I’ll focus on corruption, accountability, governance & the intersection with OSINT
Albeit late, it’s good news that U.S. abstained and the resolution for ceasefire passed. This is promising but we should see further concrete steps in the right direction where policy matches the recognized shift in messaging and rhetoric for a lasting peace in Gaza.
#BREAKING
Security Council ADOPTS resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the month of Ramadan leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire, and the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages
IN FAVOR: 14
AGAINST: 0
ABSTAIN: 1 (US)
⤵️
Cover of the new Washingtonian issue.
Flattered and humbled to be named among those folks as one of the most powerful women in Washington 🙏🏽 and to work among many more brilliant women in DC!
Amazing! After 13 yrs, Case 173 which stifled Egypt’s civil society, banned human rights advocates from travel+froze their assets & previously sentenced 43 of us to prison, is now CLOSED! Much to say on irreversible damage & cost paid, but for now huge congratulations, comrades!
١/ أصدر قاضي التحقيق قراراً بإغلاق قضية المجتمع المدني 173 نهائياً بعد 13 عاماً من التحقيقات ثبت بعدها "عدم كفاية الأدلة" حسب القرار، وبموجبه رفع المنع من السفر والتحفظ على الأموال والممتلكات المفروض ضدي وزملاء آخرين منذ 8 سنوات دون محاكمة. شكراً لكل من سعى لرفع الظلم ولكن:
Egyptian Foreign Ministry: We call on Israel to maintain maximum restraint and avoid further escalation at this sensitive point in the negotiations on the ceasefire agreement. Egypt is holding talks with all parties to find a solution that will prevent an explosion
Menendez’s scandal sheds light on the complex US-Egypt dynamics. Sharing my views w/
@AJEnglish
on the pressing need for an overhaul of US-Egypt relations,
@seth_binder
points to the US's misplaced trust &
@maitelsadany
highlights Egypt’s alarming tactics
As always,
@MattDuss
offers a clear & accessible take on progressive foreign policy, along w/ measured assessments of where the Biden admin. excelled & faltered. This exemplifies the
@CIPolicy
we're building—aiming to engage a wider audience & policymakers for a more just world.
8 years ago today, Egypt sentenced us to prison under
#case173
. Although the court acquitted us in 2018, case 173 remains open keeping several civil society leaders on travel ban+asset freeze. It’s time this case is closed & civil society harassment halted
General McKenzie’s visit to Egypt reflects the continuation of a reductionist view of security through the narrow lens of militarization & contradicts Biden’s promises. My piece on the 11th anniversary of Mubarak’s fall, a reminder of the ineffectiveness of such damaging policy.
NEW: All President Biden has to do adhere to his own stated foreign policy priorities for US security assistance to be effective, via
@CIPolicy
’s
@NancyGEO
My reflections on today’s verdict: Case173 is a long-awaited recognition of our innocence. Over the past 7yrs we’ve paid a high price both personally & professionally. our human rights and democracy work was transparent & none of us were guilty of charges levied against us 1/4
Anything short of calling for an immediate ceasefire will be contributing to an impending catastrophe. It isn’t only impossible to evacuate 1.1M ppl in 24 hrs, it isn’t just targeting Hamas; it's as Nakba, displacing Palestinians & warranting the killing & harms to those who stay
Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of George Ishak, a leading figure in Egypt’s political opposition movement. It’s a big loss for us and for Egypt. May you rest in power!
Yet, I find it hard to accept that
@france24
has a policy on skype technicality but not on gender balance. To make things worse, the host
@markowenf24
, casually mentioned during the debate that he is discussing w/3 Egyptian men but they could not find a women who’s available 3/10
I have written about a similar situation
@thewashingtonpost
when a top UK university hosted a conference on ISIS with 26 speakers and then found out that I was the only women (they later added one other woman speaker); story here: 10/10
“But, unless you’re going to threaten Netanyahu with something real, he has shown repeatedly over many years that he can just delay and eventually wriggle his way out of the situation.”
An excellent interview by
@IChotiner
in the
@NewYorker
with
@CIPolicy
’s EVP,
@mattduss
!
New Interview: I talked to foreign policy analyst Matt Duss about the last eight months of Biden’s policy in the Middle East, what a different Democratic administration would and would not be doing, & why Netanyahu was invited to address Congress.
Met with
@IsraeliPM
Netanyahu and reiterated the United States’ support for Israel’s right to self defense and reaffirmed our commitment to a two-state solution.
I’m struck by the absolute certitude and hearing yet again there’s an expertise that some have about making war and that those protesting lack. I remember protesting my Govt voting to give war authorization in Iraq. We were told that we just didn’t understand. With this certitude
I’m thrilled that we’re able to create such opportunity & I’m utterly grateful for Sen. Leahy’s continuous support. The Leahy Fellowship aims to broaden the definition of security & support reseach capacities for a more diverse & inclusive space in the field of peace & security.
CIP is proud to announce the establishment of the Leahy Fellowship on Human Rights & Security, named after Senator Patrick Leahy
The fellowship is dedicated to supporting the research + development of foreign policy professionals working to enhance global security & human rights
If you are in DC or NYC, don’t miss this. The film is absolutely brilliant and I’m so looking forward to the discussion with
@ahmada2
and
@jrMalek
! Come join us.
TIMEP is excited to host the premiere DC and NYC screenings of Egyptian film "EXT. Night" ("Leil Khargi") followed by a discussion with director
@ahmada2
and actor
@jrMalek
, moderated by TIMEP’s Executive Director
@NancyGEO
“The Biden administration should draw a clear red line around the use of US-supplied arms and make clear that there will be consequences if those weapons are not used in accordance with international law,” I spoke to
@AlJazeera
on the hostage deal
It would’ve been hypocritical of me to criticize inequality in my country but not call it out at channel of an ostensibly progressive country like France—at a day where they were discussing the sad state of affairs in our Country. Unfortunately, that’s not an exception! 9/10
With Blinken's challenges in Egypt & KSA, news of Biden & also Scholz plans to visit Israel & Egypt. The West is misreading the region’s public & underestimates the difficulty for Arab leaders to make concessions amid Israel’s escalating attacks on Gaza
Another brave resignation over Gaza:
@AnnelleSheline
says her work was complicated by the war & a host of moral, legal, security & diplomatic implications. “she tried to raise concerns internally but eventually concluded that it was pointless”
📣 Excited to welcome
@QandeelRasha
to CIP! Her experience as a journalist, lead host
@BBCArabic
, & communicator aligns with our commitment to reach broader audiences & promote diversity. Rasha's expertise will be invaluable in advancing our mission for a more peaceful world.
Thrilled to have
@QandeelRasha
join CIP! Her background as a journalist, TV host, & strategic communicator, along with expertise in critical war studies, will contribute to our mission of promoting a peaceful, just, & sustainable world. Welcome aboard!
#CIPteam
“There’s now “a very serious and real conversation” about conditioning U.S. military assistance to Israel because of Schumer’s speech”
@mattduss
, EVP of
@CIPolicy
commented in
@politico
on
@SenSchumer
’s remarks and
@SpeakerPelosi
’s agreement with him.
Egypt continues its shameless escalation of attacks on civil society. Today they ordered the detention of Mohamed Basheer, the administrative manager of
@EIPR
, one of Egypt’s finest and most professional civil society organizations.
In an unprecedented escalation: State Security Prosecution Orders The Detention of EIPR’s administrative manager | Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights
🚀
#Egypt
, a key U.S. ally & 2nd highest military aid recipient in MENA, secretly planned to supply 40,000 rockets to
#Russia
amid the Ukraine conflict. While human rights abuses are often overlooked for “strategic alliance” would this merit some reckoning?
One day I’ll write a big book about how it’s like to be a non-white immigrant woman leading policy organizations on security & foreign affairs in DC. 10 years in this city & I still get surprised! The level of
#sexism
&
#racism
continues to be mind blowing! I keep taking notes 📝
A desk researcher cozy in a cushy DC office is hailed an expert. But be on the ground, truly immersed in understanding local nuances, and you're labeled a spy. No wonder we see all those armchair analysts crafting policies distant from reality. Truly disheartening!
Egyptian human rights lawyer
@Mahienour
was kidnapped by security forces in front of the state security prosecution building. She was there representing those detained over the past two days.
The 60 minutes interview narrowly framed the problem in Egypt as a battle between el-Sisi & the MB, & having the opposition only represented by them. The show also reinforced the problematic narrative that repression in our region is bad, mainly because it leads to radicalization
Delighted to have
@IranPodcast
and
@NegarMortazavi
join
@CIPolicy
! We continue to promote diverse voices, for a better understanding of the impact of US foreign policy. Here's to more inclusive and insightful foreign policy discussions! 🌍✨
#CIP
#IranPodcast
📢Exciting news!
@IranPodcast
, a renowned podcast on Iranian politics, society, and culture, has joined CIP. Get ready for more insightful analysis from host
@NegarMortazavi
+ engaging guests, showcasing diverse perspectives on US foreign policy
Subscribe:
Urgent: Former MP Mohamed Anwar Sadat informed
@eipr
that our colleagues Basheer, Karim and Gasser will be released tonight. A number of Egyptian news websites published similar news. Our defense team is still confirming details and procedures of their release.
#FreeEIPRstaff
Listen to
@hossambahgat
giving an excellent, courageous and objective interview to BBC Newshour in light of the crackdown on
@EIPR
and the arrest of three of its senior staff.
“We must be clear that these hostages are being released thanks to diplomacy rather than military force”
@CIPolicy
pinpoints 3key steps
1-Maximizing humanitarian aid delivery
2-Focus on diplomacy for a sustainable ceasefire
3-Make clear: the US won’t tolerate further war crimes
NEW STATEMENT: CIP welcomes the Gaza hostage release and identifies three key steps for extending and making the most of the pause in fighting.
Read our full statement here ⬇️