Asma Khalifa
@asmakhalifa.bsky.social
Forest dweller. Co-Founder: KhalifaIhler.org. Doctoral Researcher @GIGA. Associate Fellow @Chatham House MENA.
Reposted by Asma Khalifa
I’ve been a journalist for 27 years. I’ve reported major stories about mass surveillance, torture, war, the military-industrial complex, police black sites, etc.
But this is the most important story I’ve ever had the horror/honor to work on. For it is a story about the current phase of a genocide.
But this is the most important story I’ve ever had the horror/honor to work on. For it is a story about the current phase of a genocide.
The Ghosts of Al-Shifa Hospital
Months into a supposed ceasefire in Gaza, doctors still have to smuggle in basic medical supplies—and treat new casualties of war.
www.wired.com
March 27, 2026 at 12:51 PM
I’ve been a journalist for 27 years. I’ve reported major stories about mass surveillance, torture, war, the military-industrial complex, police black sites, etc.
But this is the most important story I’ve ever had the horror/honor to work on. For it is a story about the current phase of a genocide.
But this is the most important story I’ve ever had the horror/honor to work on. For it is a story about the current phase of a genocide.
Reposted by Asma Khalifa
Best essay I have read on the war so far by @eskandarsadeghi.bsky.social www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2026/ma...
Eskandar Sadeghi-Boroujerdi | The dry and the wet burn together
The war launched against Iran by the United States and Israel is a war of choice and of hubris. There is scarcely even...
www.lrb.co.uk
March 5, 2026 at 6:10 AM
Best essay I have read on the war so far by @eskandarsadeghi.bsky.social www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2026/ma...
Reposted by Asma Khalifa
#Fundraiser: Support our vital work and make your donation double!
For our #15thAnniversary, we are calling on you to help us raise £15,000 by 15 April. If and only if we reach this goal, a generous supporter will match the full amount, doubling the impact of every donation.
For our #15thAnniversary, we are calling on you to help us raise £15,000 by 15 April. If and only if we reach this goal, a generous supporter will match the full amount, doubling the impact of every donation.
February 23, 2026 at 3:54 PM
#Fundraiser: Support our vital work and make your donation double!
For our #15thAnniversary, we are calling on you to help us raise £15,000 by 15 April. If and only if we reach this goal, a generous supporter will match the full amount, doubling the impact of every donation.
For our #15thAnniversary, we are calling on you to help us raise £15,000 by 15 April. If and only if we reach this goal, a generous supporter will match the full amount, doubling the impact of every donation.
Reposted by Asma Khalifa
Justice is a collective journey. As we celebrate 15 years of LFJL throughout 2026, we are looking back at the partnerships that have defined our work and the people who have stood by us.
Today’s letter comes from our partner, Ahmed Alzaydani.
#LettersToLFJL
Today’s letter comes from our partner, Ahmed Alzaydani.
#LettersToLFJL
February 20, 2026 at 12:54 PM
Justice is a collective journey. As we celebrate 15 years of LFJL throughout 2026, we are looking back at the partnerships that have defined our work and the people who have stood by us.
Today’s letter comes from our partner, Ahmed Alzaydani.
#LettersToLFJL
Today’s letter comes from our partner, Ahmed Alzaydani.
#LettersToLFJL
Reposted by Asma Khalifa
15 years of work is 15 years of shared stories. Our journey has been defined by everyone who has lent their voice to the cause.
As we mark our 15th anniversary this year, we will be sharing a series of messages from the people who make our work possible.
As we mark our 15th anniversary this year, we will be sharing a series of messages from the people who make our work possible.
February 19, 2026 at 8:33 PM
15 years of work is 15 years of shared stories. Our journey has been defined by everyone who has lent their voice to the cause.
As we mark our 15th anniversary this year, we will be sharing a series of messages from the people who make our work possible.
As we mark our 15th anniversary this year, we will be sharing a series of messages from the people who make our work possible.
Reposted by Asma Khalifa
#LettersToLFJL
As our series continues, we share reflections that speak to the core of our work.
Today’s letter is from Asma Khalifa, on LFJL’s role as a steady voice for human rights in Libya, and its continued commitment to HRDs on the ground, even during the most difficult crackdowns.
As our series continues, we share reflections that speak to the core of our work.
Today’s letter is from Asma Khalifa, on LFJL’s role as a steady voice for human rights in Libya, and its continued commitment to HRDs on the ground, even during the most difficult crackdowns.
February 23, 2026 at 12:32 PM
#LettersToLFJL
As our series continues, we share reflections that speak to the core of our work.
Today’s letter is from Asma Khalifa, on LFJL’s role as a steady voice for human rights in Libya, and its continued commitment to HRDs on the ground, even during the most difficult crackdowns.
As our series continues, we share reflections that speak to the core of our work.
Today’s letter is from Asma Khalifa, on LFJL’s role as a steady voice for human rights in Libya, and its continued commitment to HRDs on the ground, even during the most difficult crackdowns.
Reposted by Asma Khalifa
We are incredibly proud that Revontulet has been recognized as one of the top 50 in 100 Pitches 2025 - Norway’s largest pitching competition for investor-ready startups! #oiw2025 #dnbnxt #startuplab
October 9, 2025 at 5:27 AM
We are incredibly proud that Revontulet has been recognized as one of the top 50 in 100 Pitches 2025 - Norway’s largest pitching competition for investor-ready startups! #oiw2025 #dnbnxt #startuplab
Reposted by Asma Khalifa
One Day Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This by Omar El Akkad is very much worth your time.
June 30, 2025 at 12:52 AM
One Day Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This by Omar El Akkad is very much worth your time.
Reposted by Asma Khalifa
So, the 12-day war between Israel (& the US) vs Iran seems to be over, and the ceasefire seems to be holding. Here's a thread assessing what has changed, what didn't change, and what may be next:
June 24, 2025 at 5:37 PM
So, the 12-day war between Israel (& the US) vs Iran seems to be over, and the ceasefire seems to be holding. Here's a thread assessing what has changed, what didn't change, and what may be next:
This paper has been in the making for some years now, so am very glad to finally see it published and out there. Libya's Imazighen identity formation during conflict is based on primary interview data, and my memoes/notes when I worked with the Amazigh Supreme Council. library.fes.de/pdf-files/bu...
library.fes.de
June 24, 2025 at 8:40 AM
This paper has been in the making for some years now, so am very glad to finally see it published and out there. Libya's Imazighen identity formation during conflict is based on primary interview data, and my memoes/notes when I worked with the Amazigh Supreme Council. library.fes.de/pdf-files/bu...
Reposted by Asma Khalifa
Tomorrow June 19th, 2025, at the University of Edinburgh’s Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities, I’ll be a co-panelist with Asma Khalifa (University of Marbur) & Inès Mrad-Dali (European University Institute)
June 18, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Tomorrow June 19th, 2025, at the University of Edinburgh’s Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities, I’ll be a co-panelist with Asma Khalifa (University of Marbur) & Inès Mrad-Dali (European University Institute)
Reposted by Asma Khalifa
Here's a big-picture geopolitical thread on Israel's war on Iran - its possibilities, impossibilities, dynamics, and delusions. My goal is to give you a full big-picture view in one place, which is why this is a long thread. If you prefer drip-fed updates, skip this thread.
June 19, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Here's a big-picture geopolitical thread on Israel's war on Iran - its possibilities, impossibilities, dynamics, and delusions. My goal is to give you a full big-picture view in one place, which is why this is a long thread. If you prefer drip-fed updates, skip this thread.
This. A million times this 👇
As an Iraqi, to this day - 22 years after the US invasion - I still get asked “what would you prefer, what we have now or Saddam still in power?”
It is the deep, underlying subconscious dehumanisation& racism that it is fundamentally believed the binary is all we, as middle easterners, deserve.
It is the deep, underlying subconscious dehumanisation& racism that it is fundamentally believed the binary is all we, as middle easterners, deserve.
June 18, 2025 at 12:35 PM
This. A million times this 👇
Reposted by Asma Khalifa
When you are a country of 10 million and define your survival and security not as mutual deterrence but as military domination over a region of more than half a billion, your challenges are unending. 1/2
June 17, 2025 at 2:29 PM
When you are a country of 10 million and define your survival and security not as mutual deterrence but as military domination over a region of more than half a billion, your challenges are unending. 1/2
Reposted by Asma Khalifa
The lack of clear understanding and knowledge on Iran, drivers of the regime, policy and priorities of the regime, its culture, politics, etc is all on clear, fabulous display across English language media this morning.
June 13, 2025 at 10:01 AM
The lack of clear understanding and knowledge on Iran, drivers of the regime, policy and priorities of the regime, its culture, politics, etc is all on clear, fabulous display across English language media this morning.
Best walking view 🐺
June 3, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Best walking view 🐺
Reposted by Asma Khalifa
Have you watched our latest #film Escaping Libya’s Detention Industry?
The investigation traces how detention centres across #Libya have become a part of a cycle of extortion, abuse, release, and re-capture, fuelled by #EU support.
Watch full video here: www.libyanjustice.org/news/film-es...
The investigation traces how detention centres across #Libya have become a part of a cycle of extortion, abuse, release, and re-capture, fuelled by #EU support.
Watch full video here: www.libyanjustice.org/news/film-es...
June 3, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Have you watched our latest #film Escaping Libya’s Detention Industry?
The investigation traces how detention centres across #Libya have become a part of a cycle of extortion, abuse, release, and re-capture, fuelled by #EU support.
Watch full video here: www.libyanjustice.org/news/film-es...
The investigation traces how detention centres across #Libya have become a part of a cycle of extortion, abuse, release, and re-capture, fuelled by #EU support.
Watch full video here: www.libyanjustice.org/news/film-es...
Reposted by Asma Khalifa
Libya's fragmented & polarised justice sector suppresses fundamental freedoms, obstructs accountability.
Authorities should urgently overhaul judiciary, reform repressive legislation, end military trials of civilians, arrest ICC suspects.
New @hrw.org report:
www.hrw.org/news/2025/06...
Authorities should urgently overhaul judiciary, reform repressive legislation, end military trials of civilians, arrest ICC suspects.
New @hrw.org report:
www.hrw.org/news/2025/06...
Libya: Barriers to Justice
Libya’s fragmented justice sector is suppressing fundamental freedoms and obstructing accountability for abuses.
www.hrw.org
June 2, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Libya's fragmented & polarised justice sector suppresses fundamental freedoms, obstructs accountability.
Authorities should urgently overhaul judiciary, reform repressive legislation, end military trials of civilians, arrest ICC suspects.
New @hrw.org report:
www.hrw.org/news/2025/06...
Authorities should urgently overhaul judiciary, reform repressive legislation, end military trials of civilians, arrest ICC suspects.
New @hrw.org report:
www.hrw.org/news/2025/06...
Today I will be joining "Everyday Life and War" webinar organised by The Arab Political Science Network (APSN), in collaboration with CEDEJ and the Middle East Studies Program at the American University in Cairo (AUC).
You can register to listen in us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
You can register to listen in us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Everyday Life and War. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
The Arab Political Science Network (APSN), in collaboration with the Center for Economic, Legal, and Social Studies and Documentation (CEDEJ) and the Middle East Studies Program at the American Univer...
us06web.zoom.us
June 2, 2025 at 8:22 AM
Today I will be joining "Everyday Life and War" webinar organised by The Arab Political Science Network (APSN), in collaboration with CEDEJ and the Middle East Studies Program at the American University in Cairo (AUC).
You can register to listen in us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
You can register to listen in us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Reposted by Asma Khalifa
Last night we saw why...
Fighting quickly exploded across Libya's capital, mortar stations set up on high streets, civilian buildings damaged, and Dbeiba's enemies pouring in.
There is no good outcome to this battle unless the international community step in to segway to a political process
Fighting quickly exploded across Libya's capital, mortar stations set up on high streets, civilian buildings damaged, and Dbeiba's enemies pouring in.
There is no good outcome to this battle unless the international community step in to segway to a political process
It should go without saying but gangland killings and pacts between thugs on how to divide corruption are not really an adequate replacement for a political process
#Libya
#Libya
PM Dbeiba is claiming a victory for gov control and even rule of law.
There is a political follow through hoped for now he's shored himself up, a new unity agreement with the Haftars
But really all that's been done is to draw new battlelines and reset an inherently destructive status quo
There is a political follow through hoped for now he's shored himself up, a new unity agreement with the Haftars
But really all that's been done is to draw new battlelines and reset an inherently destructive status quo
May 14, 2025 at 6:31 AM
Last night we saw why...
Fighting quickly exploded across Libya's capital, mortar stations set up on high streets, civilian buildings damaged, and Dbeiba's enemies pouring in.
There is no good outcome to this battle unless the international community step in to segway to a political process
Fighting quickly exploded across Libya's capital, mortar stations set up on high streets, civilian buildings damaged, and Dbeiba's enemies pouring in.
There is no good outcome to this battle unless the international community step in to segway to a political process
Reposted by Asma Khalifa
Tripoli may be on the cusp of being the theater for warfare unlike anything seen since 2011 - an urban battlefield marked by drone strikes, street-to-street clashes, & guerilla warfare.
The vast majority of casualties in this context will unfortunately be innocent civilians.
The vast majority of casualties in this context will unfortunately be innocent civilians.
May 14, 2025 at 6:31 AM
Tripoli may be on the cusp of being the theater for warfare unlike anything seen since 2011 - an urban battlefield marked by drone strikes, street-to-street clashes, & guerilla warfare.
The vast majority of casualties in this context will unfortunately be innocent civilians.
The vast majority of casualties in this context will unfortunately be innocent civilians.
Reposted by Asma Khalifa
Turns out it was more the former than the latter.
Brigades nominally aligned with the PM, and other forces from his home city of Misrata poured through Tripoli seizing bases of Ghneiwa's Stabilisation Support Apparatus.
Less clean than may be depicted today and sets a grizzly precedent for Libya
Brigades nominally aligned with the PM, and other forces from his home city of Misrata poured through Tripoli seizing bases of Ghneiwa's Stabilisation Support Apparatus.
Less clean than may be depicted today and sets a grizzly precedent for Libya
Either the 444 brigade (whose leader was wounded in the altercation) and forces aligned to PM Dbeiba continue a clearly pre planned operation to cleanse competing militias - or this whole operation ends in another war.
Either way the status quo gets reborn with renewed precariousness
Either way the status quo gets reborn with renewed precariousness
May 13, 2025 at 6:48 AM
Turns out it was more the former than the latter.
Brigades nominally aligned with the PM, and other forces from his home city of Misrata poured through Tripoli seizing bases of Ghneiwa's Stabilisation Support Apparatus.
Less clean than may be depicted today and sets a grizzly precedent for Libya
Brigades nominally aligned with the PM, and other forces from his home city of Misrata poured through Tripoli seizing bases of Ghneiwa's Stabilisation Support Apparatus.
Less clean than may be depicted today and sets a grizzly precedent for Libya
Reposted by Asma Khalifa
Update: Libya’s rival governments united in saying they would reject any deportations of migrants from the US www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Libya won’t accept migrants deported from U.S., its leaders say
The denials from Libya’s rival governments followed reports that the Trump administration intended to send a planeload of migrants there.
www.washingtonpost.com
May 7, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Update: Libya’s rival governments united in saying they would reject any deportations of migrants from the US www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Reposted by Asma Khalifa
Israel has used human rights jargon and terms from IHL to provide a veneer of legality for its genocide in #Gaza.
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces are now adopting the same practice to perpetrate atrocities in #Sudan.
My in-depth story for AJE.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces are now adopting the same practice to perpetrate atrocities in #Sudan.
My in-depth story for AJE.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
How RSF is adopting Israel’s ‘template for genocide’ in Sudan
For years, Israel has used human rights terminology to whitewash killing civilians, now the RSF is doing the same.
www.aljazeera.com
May 5, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Israel has used human rights jargon and terms from IHL to provide a veneer of legality for its genocide in #Gaza.
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces are now adopting the same practice to perpetrate atrocities in #Sudan.
My in-depth story for AJE.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces are now adopting the same practice to perpetrate atrocities in #Sudan.
My in-depth story for AJE.
www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/...