Sign in

Howard Eissenstat

@heissenstat.bsky.social
9.6K followers 291 following 4.1K posts

Laurentian Associate Professor of History, St. Lawrence University. Non-resident scholar, Stockholm University, Institute for Turkish Studies (SUITS) Focused on Turkey and the Middle East. Unlikely to argue on-line. Blocks dumb, annoying, or noisy.

PostsRepliesMedia
Howard Eissenstat @heissenstat.bsky.social · 1h
I remember an elite journalist laughing at me on stage when I said that, barring ill health, Erdogan was likely to remain in office until at least 2033. Ho hum.
3131
Reposted by Howard Eissenstat
Spook-ass, Christ oh boo! boo! @loukas.bsky.social · 2h
This spectacle of the US president blowing up their security relationship with Europe in order to move the needle a fraction of a few percentage points for a mid-term election really does sum up how morbidly isolationist the American governing class has become. Not even isolationist: solipsistic.
1678
Reposted by Howard Eissenstat
Jamal Greene @jamalgreene.bsky.social · 9h
A massive, and massively underrated, threat to a functioning democracy. (gift link) www.nytimes.com/2026/10/11/u...
nytimes.com
Threats of Political Violence Have America’s Elected Officials Living in Fear (Gift Article)
A Times investigation has found that violent threats have become a new normal among public officials, reshaped private lives, cost millions in security and pushed people out of office.
109690248
Reposted by Howard Eissenstat
Jooooohhhh No! @josefoshea.bsky.social · 10h
What a weird world we live in - Ukraine hits a data centre deep in Russia - Irish twitter users see racist posts about IPAS centres in Offaly fall off a cliff
5360832075
Howard Eissenstat @heissenstat.bsky.social · 22h
Yeah, I canceled, but it seems to increasingly be the norm on many channels now
000
Reposted by Howard Eissenstat
Elizabeth Picciuto @epicciuto.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Imagine being the kind of antisemite who thinks that Jews don’t have a problem with GI food intolerance
Switched to Kosher bread a few weeks ago.
Used to get mild headaches, gut issues with bread. Completely gone with Kosher bread.
The Goyslop is real
521287106
Reposted by Howard Eissenstat
Dan Nexon @dhnexon.net · 10/10/2026
Yes, a hypocritical United States is better than this alternative, part infinity.
2749
Howard Eissenstat @heissenstat.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
"Small and white" LOL
static.klipy.com
Snowy Lamb Chewing at Window
ALT: Snowy Lamb Chewing at Window
020
Howard Eissenstat @heissenstat.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
A funny thing about border collies is that they seem to mostly ignore other dogs as "beneath them." When they see another border collie though... they great stare off begins!
130
Howard Eissenstat @heissenstat.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
As someone who grew up in an environment similar to the one Nichols describes, this article channels my frustration at this preening prima donna is thought of as in any way "manly" He's the kind a guy my dad and his buddies would have dismissed with a glance.
030
Howard Eissenstat @heissenstat.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
With Trump publicly whining about the Nobel today, my mind wandered back to @radiofreetom.bsky.social's wonderful essay from 2020. www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
theatlantic.com
Donald Trump, the Most Unmanly President
Why don’t the president’s supporters hold him to their own standard of masculinity?
140
Howard Eissenstat @heissenstat.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Apropos of nothing, Erdogan is only one year older than Yavas and looks at least a decade older... why would anyone want to be President?
220
Howard Eissenstat @heissenstat.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Ne demekse...
010
Howard Eissenstat @heissenstat.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Block function, how I love thee.
050
Reposted by Howard Eissenstat
Wesley Morgan @wesleymorgan.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
“Israel is removing essentially every structure its troops encounter, military officials said. During a recent visit, The Wall Street Journal didn’t see any buildings remaining on the Israeli side of the line.” www.wsj.com/world/middle...
03121
Howard Eissenstat @heissenstat.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
LOL
110
Howard Eissenstat @heissenstat.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
I don't think Israeli elites - and certainly not the Israeli public - has gotten their heads around just how completely public opinion in the West has turned against them. On the other hand, I think pro-Palestine activists are probably overstating the likely real world impact this will have
2171
Reposted by Howard Eissenstat
Joel S. @joelhs.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Rhetoric like this is going to do more to ensure that young generations do not take the Holocaust seriously than any actual denier ever could.
“If there were an award for lies, hatred, and blood libels, Navi Pillay wouldn’t just be a contender. She’d be a frontrunner.

Her role in the relentless, politically motivated demonization of Israel and promotion of the genolie speaks volumes.

Awarding Pillay the Nobel Peace Prize isn’t a recognition of justice. It’s the grotesque weaponization of an award to legitimize anti-Israel hatred and prejudice.

Now that the Nobel commission has rewarded the biggest lie of the 21st century, Joseph Goebbels is certainly applauding from hell.”
521153
Reposted by Howard Eissenstat
Aron Lund @aronlund.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Three weeks ago!
22817
Reposted by Howard Eissenstat
Shibley Telhami @stelhami.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
More than 100 humanitarian and human rights organizations said on Friday that the Gaza ceasefire “exists only on paper,” citing continued Israeli attacks and restrictions on aid and reconstruction a year after the agreement. v.aa.com.tr/4083509
v.aa.com.tr
Gaza ceasefire ‘exists only on paper,’ say over 100 NGOs in joint statement
Groups say Israeli forces have killed over 1,400 Palestinians since agreement, while aid restrictions hinder recovery | Anadolu
17454
Reposted by Howard Eissenstat
Howard Eissenstat @heissenstat.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
I kind of hate the way "genocide" has become our primary frame for describing massive state violence as evil.
2271
Howard Eissenstat @heissenstat.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
So, I ended up using the "genocide" in my own writing because not doing so was proving even more harmful
091
Howard Eissenstat @heissenstat.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
But the term is there. For several years, I avoided using "genocide" in my writing on the Armenians for the reasons noted at the beginning of the thread. Then I noticed that some apologists were citing me approvingly for not using the term, which wasn't at all my point.
1100
Howard Eissenstat @heissenstat.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Massive efforts to either declare something a genocide or avoid such a designation strikes me as perverse. Does the mass destruction of civilians in Gaza become less horrendous if it doesn't fit the ICJ's definition of genocide. Is Russia's abduction of children in Ukraine more awful if it does?
2160
Howard Eissenstat @heissenstat.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
I kind of hate the way "genocide" has become our primary frame for describing massive state violence as evil.
2271
Howard Eissenstat @heissenstat.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
But, as I said at the beginning of the thread, the poll remains a relative outlier. I don't think the Dems could win this district in a presidential election cycle. This year? Well, there's hope that enough MAGA voters stay home that the Dems can pull out a win.
020
Howard Eissenstat @heissenstat.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
The tears in this press release from the Constantino campaign are hilarious. www.wwnytv.com/2026/10/09/s...
wwnytv.com
Statement from Constantino campaign on NY-21 poll
The full reaction from the Constantino campaign after a new poll showed a tight race between Constantino and Blake Gendebaum.
120
Howard Eissenstat @heissenstat.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
In fairness, I think that has been a US concern for many years, and through multiple administrations
120
Reposted by Howard Eissenstat
The Guardian @theguardian.com · 09/10/2026
US imposes sanctions on the international criminal court (ICC), hours after former judge Navi Pillay wins Nobel peace prize - live
theguardian.com
US imposes sanctions on ICC, hours after former judge Pillay wins Nobel peace prize - live
The ⁠ICC’s deputy prosecutor condemned the sanctions and said they would not halt the tribunal’s work
180883493
Reposted by Howard Eissenstat
Howard Eissenstat @heissenstat.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
I'm actually torn at which is more dehumanizing: televised executions or dressing up executions as bloodless "medical procedures"
1264
Howard Eissenstat @heissenstat.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
"Responses from a total of 496 likely voters in NY Congressional District 21 were included in the poll, which was conducted between Sept. 30 and Oct. 6, 2026. Of those people surveyed, 28% identified as Democrats, while 49% identified as Republicans. Twenty-three percent identified as Independent."
020
Howard Eissenstat @heissenstat.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
The poll, admittedly is a bit of an outlier. But driving through the countryside, I can't help but notice how few campaign signs are out in front of people's yards this year. For the Dems, that's a good thing.
450
Howard Eissenstat @heissenstat.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
This is my home district, very MAGA this past ten years. Rural, poor, and white. It was listed as "solid red" until very recently
140
Howard Eissenstat @heissenstat.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Check out this poll from NY 21, currently Elise Stefanik's district www.mynbc5.com/article/poll...
mynbc5.com
New NBC5/Siena poll data shows tight race for New York’s 21st Congressional District
A Siena Research Institute poll reveals a close contest between Democrat Blake Gendebien and Republican Anthony Constantino, with many voters still undecided in New York’s 21st Congressional District.
150
Howard Eissenstat @heissenstat.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
I'm actually torn at which is more dehumanizing: televised executions or dressing up executions as bloodless "medical procedures"
1264
Howard Eissenstat @heissenstat.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
If you're a Turkish speaker in the US, check out "Night Club" on HBO "Pavyon" Kind of amazing documentary on a sub-culture I was always semi-aware of but really knew nothing about. Not sure it will mean much to anyone else
070
Reposted by Howard Eissenstat
Albert Pinto @70sbachchan.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
perfect tweet
5963205
Reposted by Howard Eissenstat
jamelle @jamellebouie.net · 09/10/2026
jesus christ i have never heard a democratic talk this bluntly about an opponent
460174612681
Reposted by Howard Eissenstat
David Weinfeld @davidweinfeld.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
excellent article by @danaelkurd.bsky.social on how Israeli state and settlers play distinct but linked roles in making life unlivable for Palestinians in the West Bank www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/world/middle...
prospectmagazine.co.uk
Settler ‘rioters’ are Israeli state policy—through deniable means
The UK’s ‘reset’ on Israel penalises the settlements while leaving the government that protects and expands them largely untouched
0236
Reposted by Howard Eissenstat
Nate Schenkkan @nateschenkkan.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
New university coercion tactic just dropped
191
Reposted by Howard Eissenstat
Nate Schenkkan @nateschenkkan.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Just rummaging through the drawer, picking up tools of state, seeing which of them you can use to enforce your priors
0131
Reposted by Howard Eissenstat
Joel S. @joelhs.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
It's somehow utterly fitting of the right-wing populist program of "National Conservatism" that it has now culminated in Israel inviting antisemitic far-right activists to Jerusalem to proclaim that Holocaust guilt is over.
Tweet from National Conservatism: "Americans, on the right especially, are exhausted by efforts to use the Holocaust as a moral obligation to support Israel. 

They are unmoved by accusations of anti-Semitism and any hardline approaches to disavow and shame Israel's critics.

— 
@L0m3z
 at NatCon Jerusalem."
16319
Reposted by Howard Eissenstat
Simon Lester @simonlester.com · 08/10/2026
I'm going to start the Lake Ontario Artificial Intelligence Company. It's sole purpose is to troll the president through sale of hats and t-shirts with the company name on them.
6618
Howard Eissenstat @heissenstat.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
But... that's not even consistently true. I haven't done a study, but I'd be willing to bet that most of the underprivileged students that those international students are subsidizing, at my university at least, are white and rural... the folks (or should I say Volk) that Vance favors.
110
Reposted by Howard Eissenstat
Turkey recap @turkeyrecap.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
📮 Issue #323: 1. Izmir mayor joins AKP, secular bastion breached 2. Turkey, Pakistan pledge ‘rapid’ support for Saudi Arabia 3. DEM Party laments peace process pace 4. Domestic and diplomatic wraps 5. Samsun’s first humanoid steels the show at Teknofest
turkeyrecap.com
Meddle Of Honor
Issue #323
011
Reposted by Howard Eissenstat
The Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy @timep.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
🚨 Starting now! We're hosting Jasmine El-Gamal, @natashahall.bsky.social, Sami Halabi, and John Chappell to discuss the Trump administration's foreign policy toward the MENA region two years into its second term. Tune in: www.youtube.com/live/o1TDGaK...
122
Howard Eissenstat @heissenstat.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Looked his scholarship up. Honestly, it looks *fascinating* But there's no going back from this. As you say, he harmed his victim, his community, his cause, and, not least, himself. I idly wonder whether this is just a case of social media radicalization or mental illness. Hardly matters now
030
Reposted by Howard Eissenstat
Dan Silverman @dmsilverman.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Anyway, I guess I have the same basic reaction I did to the partisan rape case yesterday — I just don’t understand what’s wrong with some people How could you work so hard and then torch your whole academic career and life to terrorize a colleague on X
1183
Howard Eissenstat @heissenstat.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Milstein appears to be a political appointee rather than regular DoS staff. And, given his bio, I find it shocking that he was cooking the reports on Israeli abuses. vandenbergcoalition.org/experts/davi...
vandenbergcoalition.org
David Milstein - THE VANDENBERG COALITION
David Milstein is a seasoned U.S. policy advisor with extensive experience in Congress and the Trump Administration, focusing on U.S.-Israel relations, national security, and Middle East peace initiat...
020
Reposted by Howard Eissenstat
Aron Lund @aronlund.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
More on the idea that some of the Hormuz oil surge might be attributable to Iran receiving protection money, by @aljazeera.com’s Usaid Siddiqui: www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/10...
0144