Sam Heller | سام هيلر
@abujamajem.com
Researcher and analyst looking at Lebanon, Syria and the wider neighborhood. Senior @cipolicy.bsky.social Fellow. Former @tcfdotorg.bsky.social @crisisgroup.org. "Jamajem" means ☠️.
www.abujamajem.com
www.abujamajem.com
Pinned
Syria’s Imperiled Transition
How shock therapy threatens the post-Assad peace.
www.foreignaffairs.com
My latest for @foreignaffairs.com: On Syria's acute cost-of-living crisis – which I think poses a real danger to the country's political transition – and the ways the Shara' government is making it worse: www.foreignaffairs.com/syria/syrias...
Reposted by Sam Heller | سام هيلر
Syria’s Energy Ministry called its 13 September fuel price hike “temporary,” citing global costs and refinery maintenance. Minister Mohammed al-Bashir later said the state oil company could no longer finance imports, as Syria shifts toward a market economy.
#Syria #Energy
#Syria #Energy
September 22, 2026 at 10:26 AM
Reposted by Sam Heller | سام هيلر
Syria’s new leaders have successfully navigated daunting political risks, but their haphazard economic policymaking may end up wrecking the post-Assad transition, warns @abujamajem.com in @foreignaffairs.com. www.foreignaffairs.com/syria/syrias...
Syria’s Imperiled Transition
How shock therapy threatens the post-Assad peace.
www.foreignaffairs.com
September 22, 2026 at 8:06 AM
Syria’s new leaders have successfully navigated daunting political risks, but their haphazard economic policymaking may end up wrecking the post-Assad transition, warns @abujamajem.com in @foreignaffairs.com. www.foreignaffairs.com/syria/syrias...
My latest for @foreignaffairs.com: On Syria's acute cost-of-living crisis – which I think poses a real danger to the country's political transition – and the ways the Shara' government is making it worse: www.foreignaffairs.com/syria/syrias...
Syria’s Imperiled Transition
How shock therapy threatens the post-Assad peace.
www.foreignaffairs.com
September 22, 2026 at 6:59 AM
My latest for @foreignaffairs.com: On Syria's acute cost-of-living crisis – which I think poses a real danger to the country's political transition – and the ways the Shara' government is making it worse: www.foreignaffairs.com/syria/syrias...
Reposted by Sam Heller | سام هيلر
you are *not* prepared for what this technology company is called, nothing can prepare you
UK installs AI facial scanning technology at residence halls
The University of Kentucky is installing artificial intelligence facial scanning technology on several campus buildings.
www.wkyt.com
September 21, 2026 at 6:13 PM
you are *not* prepared for what this technology company is called, nothing can prepare you
“This is what researchers have long argued: conflict, not poverty, is the main driver of irregular migration”
🤔 Since December 2024, European countries have substantially limited access to asylum.
🤔 Since December 2024, European countries have substantially limited access to asylum.
September 21, 2026 at 7:34 PM
“This is what researchers have long argued: conflict, not poverty, is the main driver of irregular migration”
🤔 Since December 2024, European countries have substantially limited access to asylum.
🤔 Since December 2024, European countries have substantially limited access to asylum.
Ya, a bunch of goobers got mad at me when I said this at the time: x.com/AbuJamajem/s...
September 21, 2026 at 6:59 PM
Ya, a bunch of goobers got mad at me when I said this at the time: x.com/AbuJamajem/s...
Reposted by Sam Heller | سام هيلر
An @enabbaladi.bsky.social writeup of the Refai affair includes a comment from Abdullah al-Moheisini who is shocked and saddened to hear that someone would make a link between Salafism and extremism. www.enabbaladi.net/826011/
September 21, 2026 at 5:48 PM
An @enabbaladi.bsky.social writeup of the Refai affair includes a comment from Abdullah al-Moheisini who is shocked and saddened to hear that someone would make a link between Salafism and extremism. www.enabbaladi.net/826011/
Alex Martin Astley for @thenewarab.bsky.social on Israel-Lebanon negotiations and Israel's occupation of the South: www.newarab.com/analysis/sco... Includes my thoughts.
September 21, 2026 at 6:49 PM
Alex Martin Astley for @thenewarab.bsky.social on Israel-Lebanon negotiations and Israel's occupation of the South: www.newarab.com/analysis/sco... Includes my thoughts.
At @syriatransition.bsky.social, @natachadanon.bsky.social argues Syrian government should embrace "New Deal" reconstruction effort and pro-social policy: www.syriaintransition.com/en/home/opin...
Syria in Transition – Syria needs a New Deal
Caught between discredited Ba’thist socialism and predatory neoliberalism, Syria needs a new economic vision that people can rally around.
www.syriaintransition.com
September 20, 2026 at 7:12 AM
At @syriatransition.bsky.social, @natachadanon.bsky.social argues Syrian government should embrace "New Deal" reconstruction effort and pro-social policy: www.syriaintransition.com/en/home/opin...
From Wednesday: First syndicated Islamic loan in post-Assad Syria, to fund Bab Msalla tunnel project and part of "Qassioun Journey": sana.sy/economy/syri...
Damascus governor says loan was reviewed by Supreme Fatwa Council.
Damascus governor says loan was reviewed by Supreme Fatwa Council.
توقيع اتفاقية لإطلاق أول تمويل مصرفي إسلامي مجمع لدعم مشاريع التنمية في دمشق
وُقعت في مبنى وزارة المالية اليوم الأربعاء اتفاقية لإطلاق أول قرض مصرفي مجمع بصيغة التمويل الإسلامي بعد التحرير، للمساهمة في تمويل مشروع نفق المجتهد، باب مصلى، واستكمال مشروع رحلة قاسيون بدمشق.
sana.sy
September 20, 2026 at 7:07 AM
From Wednesday: First syndicated Islamic loan in post-Assad Syria, to fund Bab Msalla tunnel project and part of "Qassioun Journey": sana.sy/economy/syri...
Damascus governor says loan was reviewed by Supreme Fatwa Council.
Damascus governor says loan was reviewed by Supreme Fatwa Council.
Has anyone written something good about the extent to which Sanaa's armed forces are comprised of factional Houthi structures, versus a reconfigured Yemeni military?
September 20, 2026 at 5:38 AM
Has anyone written something good about the extent to which Sanaa's armed forces are comprised of factional Houthi structures, versus a reconfigured Yemeni military?
Bashir and Qablawi presser from Thursday provides useful insight into economics of Syrian energy sector: www.youtube.com/watch?v=U930...
From ~35:04, Bashir also elaborates on how energy policy fits into Shara' government's broader liberalizing vision for Syrian economy.
From ~35:04, Bashir also elaborates on how energy policy fits into Shara' government's broader liberalizing vision for Syrian economy.
التفاصيل الكاملة للمؤتمر الصحفي لوزير الطاقة محمد البشير ومدير الشركة السورية للبترول يوسف قبلاوي
YouTube video by قناة الإخبارية السورية
www.youtube.com
September 19, 2026 at 12:13 PM
Bashir and Qablawi presser from Thursday provides useful insight into economics of Syrian energy sector: www.youtube.com/watch?v=U930...
From ~35:04, Bashir also elaborates on how energy policy fits into Shara' government's broader liberalizing vision for Syrian economy.
From ~35:04, Bashir also elaborates on how energy policy fits into Shara' government's broader liberalizing vision for Syrian economy.
@crisisgroup.org's Noah Bonsey and Yazer Othman on the state of northeast Syria integration: www.crisisgroup.org/cmt/middle-e...
Flags how incorporation into a new, Damascus-led economic regime has made life harder for northeast residents👇🏻 I should have a related piece out next week.
Flags how incorporation into a new, Damascus-led economic regime has made life harder for northeast residents👇🏻 I should have a related piece out next week.
September 18, 2026 at 9:21 AM
@crisisgroup.org's Noah Bonsey and Yazer Othman on the state of northeast Syria integration: www.crisisgroup.org/cmt/middle-e...
Flags how incorporation into a new, Damascus-led economic regime has made life harder for northeast residents👇🏻 I should have a related piece out next week.
Flags how incorporation into a new, Damascus-led economic regime has made life harder for northeast residents👇🏻 I should have a related piece out next week.
The sequencing and conditionality to which Aziz is now objecting were presumably included in the trilateral agreement because U.S. policymakers do not trust Lebanese leaders.
Presidential advisor Jean Aziz complains that Lebanon is being asked to actually abide by the agreement it signed: www.justsecurity.org/155102/leban...
Don’t Let Lebanon’s Peace Agreement Prove Hezbollah Right
As the first serious agreement between Lebanon and Israel stalls, Washington needs to restore reciprocity to the process.
www.justsecurity.org
September 18, 2026 at 8:03 AM
The sequencing and conditionality to which Aziz is now objecting were presumably included in the trilateral agreement because U.S. policymakers do not trust Lebanese leaders.
Presidential advisor Jean Aziz complains that Lebanon is being asked to actually abide by the agreement it signed: www.justsecurity.org/155102/leban...
Don’t Let Lebanon’s Peace Agreement Prove Hezbollah Right
As the first serious agreement between Lebanon and Israel stalls, Washington needs to restore reciprocity to the process.
www.justsecurity.org
September 18, 2026 at 7:26 AM
Presidential advisor Jean Aziz complains that Lebanon is being asked to actually abide by the agreement it signed: www.justsecurity.org/155102/leban...
“Anything could happen with me” is extremely birdbrained
September 17, 2026 at 7:06 PM
“Anything could happen with me” is extremely birdbrained
Reposted by Sam Heller | سام هيلر
The dumbest asshole in the country and the President need to be two different people moving forward
Trump: "If we lose $50 billion a year with a country, and we say 'we're not going to trade with you anymore,' we don't lose $50 billion a year. It's very simple. Right?"
September 17, 2026 at 1:17 AM
The dumbest asshole in the country and the President need to be two different people moving forward
Reposted by Sam Heller | سام هيلر
It's important at CIP that we float new concepts, and I couldn't be prouder of this one.
New Zealand has an opportunity to rebuild its navy in a way that better meets local needs while keeping it away from an obligation to join big wars. They should take it.
internationalpolicy.org/publications...
New Zealand has an opportunity to rebuild its navy in a way that better meets local needs while keeping it away from an obligation to join big wars. They should take it.
internationalpolicy.org/publications...
Rebuilding New Zealand’s Navy for Security, Not Aggression - CIP
A frigate-less New Zealand navy can avoid sunk costs and create a non-provocative defense strategy for the 21st century
internationalpolicy.org
September 17, 2026 at 3:28 AM
It's important at CIP that we float new concepts, and I couldn't be prouder of this one.
New Zealand has an opportunity to rebuild its navy in a way that better meets local needs while keeping it away from an obligation to join big wars. They should take it.
internationalpolicy.org/publications...
New Zealand has an opportunity to rebuild its navy in a way that better meets local needs while keeping it away from an obligation to join big wars. They should take it.
internationalpolicy.org/publications...
In @thenation.com: new @cipolicy.bsky.social colleague @mattduss.bsky.social on how the Democratic Party continues to elevate Middle East hawks to positions of foreign policy leadership, in defiance of the party voters' expressed preference: www.thenation.com/article/worl...
The Reality Today Is That Foreign Policy Hawks Are a Minority in the Democratic Party
It is damn time we all started acting like it.
www.thenation.com
September 16, 2026 at 1:27 PM
In @thenation.com: new @cipolicy.bsky.social colleague @mattduss.bsky.social on how the Democratic Party continues to elevate Middle East hawks to positions of foreign policy leadership, in defiance of the party voters' expressed preference: www.thenation.com/article/worl...
Reposted by Sam Heller | سام هيلر
Democratic voters are overwhelmingly anti-war, yet foreign policy hawks remain massively overrepresented in leadership roles. It’s a problem we need to fix.
My piece in @thenation.com www.thenation.com/article/worl...
My piece in @thenation.com www.thenation.com/article/worl...
The Reality Today Is That Foreign Policy Hawks Are a Minority in the Democratic Party
It is damn time we all started acting like it.
www.thenation.com
September 16, 2026 at 10:24 AM
Democratic voters are overwhelmingly anti-war, yet foreign policy hawks remain massively overrepresented in leadership roles. It’s a problem we need to fix.
My piece in @thenation.com www.thenation.com/article/worl...
My piece in @thenation.com www.thenation.com/article/worl...
Reposted by Sam Heller | سام هيلر
Soldiers of the IDF Nahal Brigade’s 50th Battalion describe their deputy battalion commander, Maj. Mendi Lasri, after being wounded early on in Gaza, ordering the execution of a blindfolded Gazan woman, pioneering the use of “Mosquito” human shields, and torturing a wounded prisoner
September 16, 2026 at 6:06 AM
Soldiers of the IDF Nahal Brigade’s 50th Battalion describe their deputy battalion commander, Maj. Mendi Lasri, after being wounded early on in Gaza, ordering the execution of a blindfolded Gazan woman, pioneering the use of “Mosquito” human shields, and torturing a wounded prisoner
Hama governorate launches first package of "Syria Without Camps" projects in Sahl al-Ghab: www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-mK...
محافظة حماة تطلق الحزمة الأولى من مشاريع "سوريا بلا مخيمات" في 70 بلدة وقرية
YouTube video by Syrianarabnewsagency
www.youtube.com
September 15, 2026 at 9:38 AM
Hama governorate launches first package of "Syria Without Camps" projects in Sahl al-Ghab: www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-mK...
Syrian deputy economy minister said yesterday increased fuel prices wouldn't affect bread bundle price or weight; ministry has lowered price of flour to compensate for additional production cost, effectively raising bread subsidies: sana.sy/economy/syri...
نائب وزير الاقتصاد يؤكد ثبات سعر ووزن ربطة الخبز رغم ارتفاع أسعار المحروقات
أكد نائب وزير الاقتصاد والصناعة المهندس ماهر الحسن عدم وجود أي تغيير على سعر ربطة الخبز ولا على وزنها، بشكل قاطع ونهائي، رغم ارتفاع أسعار المحروقات على إثر الارتفاع الأخير في أسعار النفط عالمياً.
sana.sy
September 14, 2026 at 8:40 AM
Syrian deputy economy minister said yesterday increased fuel prices wouldn't affect bread bundle price or weight; ministry has lowered price of flour to compensate for additional production cost, effectively raising bread subsidies: sana.sy/economy/syri...
Reposted by Sam Heller | سام هيلر
“No amount of public support in polling or public protest will influence how or when those in power drastically change Israel policy.” Fascinating, tell me more.
The former Special Assistant to President Joe Biden decided to throw a temper tantrum on Twitter, but I do think it is actually really good to have Biden alumna say this out loud.
September 13, 2026 at 5:42 PM
“No amount of public support in polling or public protest will influence how or when those in power drastically change Israel policy.” Fascinating, tell me more.
In March, Hizbullah justified return to open war with Israel partly in terms of Lebanese authorities' failure to halt near-daily Israeli attacks over preceding 15 months:
"Senior Lebanese official" tells Times of Israel that Israeli actions in south Lebanon are making it harder for Lebanese authorities to collaborate; says Israel should revert to targeted strikes as during fifteen months following November 2024: www.timesofisrael.com/lebanese-off...
Lebanese official to ToI: ‘Indiscriminate’ IDF strikes hinder Hezbollah disarmament
In rare engagement with Israeli news outlet, official from Beirut says widescale destruction in south Lebanon delegitimizing country's efforts to collaborate with Israel against Iran-backed group
www.timesofisrael.com
September 13, 2026 at 11:47 AM
In March, Hizbullah justified return to open war with Israel partly in terms of Lebanese authorities' failure to halt near-daily Israeli attacks over preceding 15 months: