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Gordon Gray

@ambgordongray.bsky.social
329 followers 201 following 1.4K posts

Kuwait Professor of Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Affairs at the Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University. Former career diplomat. RPCV Morocco. Re-posts ≠ endorsements. www.academyofdiplomacy.org/members-…

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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 22h
aje.news/wp9iyq
aje.news
Libya’s parliament removes Speaker Saleh after 12 years as discontent grows
Eastern-based parliament votes to replace longtime speaker with Al-Salhin Abdelnabi al-Obeidi.
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
mei.edu/backgrounder...
mei.edu
Western Sahara - Middle East Institute
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
theguardian.com
‘Spit on our sacrifice’: Canadian veterans fume after Trump and allies take jibes at military
Military families say Trump officials ‘owe us an apology’ after disparaging remarks by JD Vance, Pete Hegseth and others
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
bbc.com/news/article...
bbc.com
Lockerbie bombing trial date set as judge warns against further delay
The federal prosecution of a Libyan man over the deadliest terrorist attack in UK history will get under way on 19 January.
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
www.nytimes.com/athletic/765...
nytimes.com
Explained: Why a controversial offside call that caused furious reaction was correct (Gift Article)
Libya’s bench were furious as their team were dramatically denied a glorious goalscoring opportunity against Tunisia
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/o...
theguardian.com
Libyan unity talks upended as warlord’s son linked to drone attacks on fuel facilities
Western Libya’s GNU say working with Saddam Haftar ‘impossible’ as US-backed merger plan breaks down
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
@nickkristof.bsky.social writes "Trump and Iran have a history of overreaching. It doesn’t help that Trump’s chief negotiators, Jared Kushner & Steve Witkoff, are real estate investors chosen for their closeness to Trump rather than for, er, their diplomatic savvy." www.nytimes.com/2026/10/03/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | Trump’s War Empowers Extremists in Iran (Gift Article)
Threats to withdraw from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty are growing in Tehran.
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
aje.news/pgum69
aje.news
Tunisia softens its ‘false news’ penalty. What really changed, and why now?
Fines replace jail terms for first-time 'false news' offences under a decree rights groups say is still repressive.
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
share.google/yDVxQyg7qwBW...
share.google
Morocco’s Historic Gender Equality Moment That Won’t Move the Needle
Fatima El Mansouri is the country’s first female prime minister. She’s also a privileged insider in a largely ceremonial position.
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
f24.my/CC4D.BS
f24.my
Libya's pay strike rallies teachers across divided nation
In Libya, a teachers' strike over pay has shut schools and delayed the start of the school year, rallying educators across the oil-rich but politically divided country.
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
@nicholaskralev.bsky.social shares ten examples of diplomatic malpractice. nicholaskralev.substack.com/p/the-most-a...
nicholaskralev.substack.com
The Most Absurd Ambassadorial Appointments in Modern History
Envoys of Hitler and Trump dominate the list, but appointees of three other U.S. presidents also make the cut.
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
www.reuters.com/world/africa...
reuters.com
US ceasefire plan for Sudan could lead to Libya-style partition, adviser says
A US ceasefire proposal to pause Sudan's civil war ​could push the country towards a Libya-style partition in its current form, a top adviser to Sudan's ‌army-led authorities told Reuters, in some of ...
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
With my comment. youtu.be/0JmrJY-duAg?...
youtu.be
U.S. forces leave Iraq after more than 2 decades
YouTube video by CBC News: The National
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Earlier today, I discussed the completion of the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq on the Pakistan TV news program “Beyond Borders.” www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lPm...
youtube.com
US Forces Exit Iraq After Two Decades | Russia-Ukraine War Intensifies | Beyond Borders | 30-9-2026
YouTube video by Pakistan TV
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
@dandrezner.bsky.social observes that "learning to write is integral to success in text-based spheres of activity. This is where... relying on AI becomes a concern. Studies suggest that outsourcing that task to AI comes with significant cognitive costs." danieldrezner.substack.com/p/im-a-colle...
danieldrezner.substack.com
I’m a College Professor. Writing is Pretty Damn Important.
It’s hardly the only thing -- but it’s a very important thing!
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/menaso...
atlanticcouncil.org
What’s behind the Algeria-UAE rupture
Algeria's severing of diplomatic ties with the UAE reflects a broader struggle over regional influence and sovereignty.
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Gift article: www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
nytimes.com
Israel Keeps Expanding Into Gaza Despite Cease-Fire, Satellite Images Show (Gift Article)
The Israeli military has built new outposts and slowly encroached beyond the withdrawal line in Gaza. These are signs its troops may be preparing to stay for the time being.
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
www.reuters.com/business/ene...
reuters.com
UN mission warns disruption to Libya oil infrastructure could trigger sanctions
Attacks targeting Libya's energy ​infrastructure, or any ‌actions that could undermine it, may ​constitute grounds ​for sanctions under relevant ⁠UN Security ​Council resolutions, the ​UN Support Miss...
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
America "has no easy way out of its war with Iran. Yet the conflict, however it ends, will in fact mark something quite different: the moment when America pulls back from the region—in the sense that it finally relinquishes its hegemony there." Gift article: www.economist.com/leaders/2026...
economist.com
When America walks away
For decades America has enjoyed hegemony over the Middle East. That is about to end
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
rfi.my/D4uy.BS
rfi.my
UN refugees chief warns conditions in W.Sahara 'deteriorating'
The United Nations' top official for refugees warned on Friday that conditions for long-displaced people in Western Sahara were getting worse and that their humanitarian needs were starkly underfunded...
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
newlinesmag.com/spotlight/in...
newlinesmag.com
In Defense of Egyptian Food
Egyptian food has long had a bad reputation, but it’s time to reassess what you think you know about mahshy, molokhia in duck stock, koshary — and tamiyya versus falafel.
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
"Despite being embroiled in a war in the Persian Gulf, the U.S. has no ambassadors to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, or Iraq; it also doesn’t have an ambassador in Yemen, where a rebel group has grabbed some control over another waterway." www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/...
theatlantic.com
The Absences Haunting the Trump Administration
The president has left hundreds of appointed roles open—including those that would have a central role in implementing his priorities.
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Earlier today, I discussed the prospects for a diplomatic solution to the war in the Middle East and the role of the United Nations on the Pakistan TV news program “The Perspective.” www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4ke...
youtube.com
PERSPECTIVE | UNGA 81st: Can Diplomacy Resolve Today’s Global Conflicts? | 25-09-2026 | PakistanTV
YouTube video by Pakistan TV
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Gift article: www.economist.com/middle-east-...
economist.com
A disastrous new war threatens in Africa
Heavy fighting in Tigray could herald a wider regional conflict
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
aje.news/v8uhxy
aje.news
Tunisia fuel strike highlights growing economic and political anger
A 48-hour strike in Tunis adds to mounting public frustration over worsening living conditions and basic services.
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Gregory Gause, @abuaardvark.bsky.social, and @suzannemaloney.bsky.social examined whether the Middle East has truly changed @imes-gw.bsky.social. This panel discussion, moderated by Chloe Fox and co-sponsored by @foreignaffairs.com, is well worth listening to. www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcQw...
youtube.com
Has the Middle East Really Changed?
YouTube video by IMES at GW
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
www.euronews.com/2026/09/22/a...
euronews.com
Armed group shuts Libyan oil pipeline, jeopardising exports
A valve closure on the El Sharara-to-Zawiya pipeline has cut production at a field accounting for roughly a third of Libya's total output, prompting the national oil company to warn it may declare for...
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
David Ignatius concludes by observing that "wise leaders view the future with humility — and a recognition that even with vast power, they can’t steer events. We’re stuck with the autocratic leaders we’ve got. But not forever." Gift article: wapo.st/4ykp5JZ
wapo.st
Opinion | The twilight of an autocratic age
These autocrats may seem immovable. But their time is passing.
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
There is still time to register for this event, which takes place tomorrow (Wednesday, September 23) at 1 p.m. EDT. Join us for a thought-provoking examination of an essential foreign policy issue. Thanks to @foreignaffairs.com for co-sponsoring this panel discussion.
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
theatlantic.com
America’s Allies Are No Longer Waiting for Trump to Leave
They now figure isolationism and protectionism will be U.S. foreign policy for a long time to come.
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
@maxboot.bsky.social writes that "the Greenland crisis once again shows the cost of having an out-of-control president who governs based on whim and ego and bluster without any reference to long-term national interest. It’s good that it’s over, for now." maxboot.substack.com/p/trump-ends...
maxboot.substack.com
Trump ends the Greenland crisis he created. For now.
Trump didn’t get anything justifying the massive strain he put on trans-Atlantic relations
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
nilefm.com/sports/artic...
nilefm.com
Exclusive | Amany Khalil On Becoming The First Egyptian Woman To Complete Seven World Marathon Majors | NileFM | EGYPT'S#1 FOR HIT MUSIC
Exclusive | Amany Khalil On Becoming The First Egyptian Woman To Complete Seven World Marathon Majors
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
www.newarab.com/news/protest...
newarab.com
Protests sweep across Tunisia: is change coming?
Protests over jobs, development and dignity are spreading across Tunisia, raising questions about growing links between social and political mobilisation.
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
@dandrezner.bsky.social writes that "one would assume that State would at least be trying to cushion the myriad strategic blows the world has inflicted on this administration. The thing is, by all accounts the State Department is badly adrift." danieldrezner.substack.com/p/the-beclow...
danieldrezner.substack.com
The Beclowning of the State Department Continues Apace
Heckuva job you’re doing, Marco Rubio.
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
www.middleeasteye.net/big-story/tu...
middleeasteye.net
Tunisia's summer of discontent
Rolling blackouts plunged entire neighbourhoods into darkness with water shortages sparking fights and raids on supply trucks. With prices rising and jobs scarce, Tunisia's economic malaise is hitting...
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Important analysis by my @imes-gw.bsky.social colleague, Professor Nathan Brown. @carnegiemec.bsky.social carnegieendowment.org/middle-east/...
carnegieendowment.org
Old Wine in New Battles
It is improbable that Israel’s forthcoming elections will alter much in terms of how the country thinks about security.
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
@maxboot.bsky.social: "Both Iran & Ukraine have every incentive to keep fighting, because both of their governments know that defeat could be fatal for them. The only realistic way to end these wars is via diplomacy, & that will require Trump & Putin to make difficult concessions." wapo.st/4cHMyvU
wapo.st
Opinion | Trump and Putin are both wrong: They can’t win their wars
All that Ukraine and Iran have in common is their resilience against much larger adversaries.
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Interesting commentary by @petermjuul.bsky.social. pmjuul.substack.com/p/look-what-...
pmjuul.substack.com
Look What They Make You Give
Watching the Jason Bourne films in the era of Trump
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
www.politico.com/news/magazin...
politico.com
The Future of Western Sahara Runs Down the Donald J. Trump Highway
The 655-mile desert road is playing an unusual role in the American president’s plans for the Middle East.
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
www.arabnews.com/middle-east/...
arabnews.com
NGOs sound alarm over Tunisia prison deaths due to heatwave
Rights advocates are warning about poor detention conditions in Tunisia where at least 23 prisoners have died recently from extreme heat. Authorities have not confirmed these figures without forensic ...
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
www.theatlantic.com/internationa...
theatlantic.com
Trump Loses the Other Strait
The Houthi advance is bad news for the U.S., and even worse news for Saudi Arabia.
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
qantara.de/en/article/r...
qantara.de
Religious diversity in Tunisia: The Virgin Mary on the streets of Tunis | Qantara.de
In Tunisia, a tradition is being revived: the Marian procession in La Goulette. Christians, Jews and Muslims from around the world are coming together to make a statement in favour of peaceful coexist...
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
My reflections on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks. youtube.com/shorts/MmPCo...
youtube.com
Amb. Gordon Gray reflects on the lasting impact of 9/11 on the United States #Shorts
YouTube video by Elliott School of International Affairs
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
reuters.com
Algeria cuts diplomatic ties with the UAE
Algeria abruptly severed diplomatic relations with the United Arab ​Emirates on Thursday, citing what it described as a series of "provocative or hostile" actions by Abu Dhabi but giving ‌no specific ...
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/...
aljazeera.com
‘A historic day’: Spain moves closer to citizenship for Western Saharans
Spain’s parliament backs citizenship for Sahrawis amid tense relations with Morocco after the Ceuta crossing.
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Join us next Tuesday (September 15) at 2 p.m., when @sarahleah1.bsky.social and Michael Omer-Man will discuss their book, "From Apartheid to Democracy" at GW's Elliott School of International Affairs. @imes-gw.bsky.social Professor Nathan Brown will moderate. imes.elliott.gwu.edu/from-aparthe...
imes.elliott.gwu.edu
From Apartheid to Democracy | Institute for Middle East Studies | The George Washington University
The Middle East Policy Forum hosts Michael Omer-Man and Sarah Leah Whitson, authors of "From Apartheid to Democracy: A Blueprint for Israel-Palestine"
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
On the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, let's remember the heroic actions of brave Americans that day rather than the terrorists. youtu.be/18lsxFcDrjo?...
youtu.be
BOATLIFT - An Untold Tale of 9/11 Resilience (HD Version)
YouTube video by Eyepop Productions
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
www.cnn.com/world/africa...
cnn.com
Tunisia is one of the world’s largest olive oil producers — but you’ll rarely see it mentioned on a label | CNN
Despite being a huge producer and exporter of olive oil, you’d struggle to find anything labeled Tunisian oil in supermarkets outside the country.
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/menaso...
atlanticcouncil.org
Will Washington back the UN’s Libya roadmap with more than just rhetoric?
There are actionable steps the US can take now to help bring about Libya's first national elections in more than a decade.
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Gordon Gray @ambgordongray.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
al-monitor.com
Tunisian journalists protest over media crackdown after colleague’s arrest
TUNIS, Sept 8 (Reuters) - Tunisian journalists protested on Tuesday to demand the release of prominent journalist Mohamed Yousfi, whose arrest has become a new flashpoint amid accusations that Preside...
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