Sign in

Kareem Shaheen

@kshaheen.bsky.social
3.7K followers 588 following 46 posts

Middle East Editor, Newsletters Editor @newlinesmag. Former Guardian Mideast correspondent. Gamer dad.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Kareem Shaheen
New Lines Magazine @newlinesmag.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
🚨 Dear @newlinesmag.bsky.social readers, A letter from our Middle East and Newsletters Editor, @kshaheen.bsky.social : newlinesmag.com/become-a-mem...
1811
Kareem Shaheen @kshaheen.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
The uprising in Iran has left neighborhoods destroyed and thousands dead, while the government refuses to explain what happened. Diaspora politics and state repression will shape what comes next. Kourosh Ziabari reports for @newlinesmag.bsky.social newlinesmag.com/spotlight/ir...
newlinesmag.com
Iran’s Protest Movement and Diaspora Politics
The uprising has left the country reeling from the deaths and destruction — and has exposed deep divisions
063
Kareem Shaheen @kshaheen.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
Up to 300,000 Syrians remain missing a year after Assad’s fall. White Helmets and a new national commission are exhuming bodies, mapping grave sites and building records in a search that will take years. Our latest essay in @newlinesmag.bsky.social.
0138
Reposted by Kareem Shaheen
New Lines Magazine @newlinesmag.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
🎥Watch now: Was the U.S. operation that removed Nicolás Maduro really about Venezuela’s vast oil reserves? Our Politics Editor @dannypostel.bsky.social examines the ideological forces that may be driving the Trump admin’s policy. youtube.com/shorts/LCACc...
youtube.com
Is it really about oil?
YouTube video by New Lines Magazine
033
Kareem Shaheen @kshaheen.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
My 6 yo is currently performing an 18-part dance number involving the use of 2 living room throws and it’s so silly and honestly the best way to start 2026 for me
040
Reposted by Kareem Shaheen
New Lines Magazine @newlinesmag.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
Controversy surrounding Riyadh’s comedy festival says more about its critics than it does the Saudis, writes @kshaheen.bsky.social, revealing “a superiority complex steeped in stereotypes about Arab societies and their political structures.”
newlinesmag.com
Saudi Arabia and the Tired 'Whitewashing' Trope
Riyadh’s comedy festival and the Electronic Arts megadeal aren’t image laundry so much as a domestic culture pivot, and our scolding says more about us than about the kingdom
011
Kareem Shaheen @kshaheen.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
Man all these people upset about the Riyadh comedy fest should campaign for their comedians to boycott American venues because of everything their government is up to including abetting Israel’s genocide.
010
Kareem Shaheen @kshaheen.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
Dear @support.blizzard.com , your new Brewfest mount in the game is called the Barrel Bomber, which is a weapon used extensively in the Syrian war, and its use has been deemed a war crime. Would you consider changing it?
000
Kareem Shaheen @kshaheen.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
If you weren't raptured today feel free to send us story pitches @newlinesmag.bsky.social
030
Kareem Shaheen @kshaheen.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
This is honestly one of the most extraordinary pieces of journalism I've had the pleasure of editing
021
Kareem Shaheen @kshaheen.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
A Syrian air force colonel who once dropped barrel bombs across the country now hides in Baghdad with multiple fake IDs. In a confessional profile, he recalls missions, bribery and betrayals. Kamal Shahin reports for @newlinesmag.bsky.social newlinesmag.com/reportage/co...
newlinesmag.com
Confessions of a Syrian Barrel Bomber
A colonel in Bashar al-Assad’s air force recounts his role in the campaigns that devastated his country, and his escape after the regime’s fall
052
Kareem Shaheen @kshaheen.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
Man if you told me 2-3 years ago Dembele would be a contender let alone win the Ballon d'Or I'd never have believed it. Not sure it's even a comeback story, just one of extraordinary perseverence.
010
Kareem Shaheen @kshaheen.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
I tried to write a tribute for Anas al-Sharif, but my words failed me and I was left with just this. Never forget. The Murder of Gaza’s Mockingbird @newlinesmag.bsky.social newlinesmag.com/spotlight/th...
newlinesmag.com
The Courage and Death of Anas al-Sharif
The Palestinian journalist’s life was devoted to truth and dignity, and his death lays bare Israel’s impunity in Gaza
1168
Reposted by Kareem Shaheen
New Lines Magazine @newlinesmag.bsky.social · 01/08/2025
How do you rebuild an economy soaked in blood? In post-Assad Syria, a committee is striking quiet deals with oligarchs. Billions are at stake, and so is justice. @kshaheen.bsky.social and @hhassan.bsky.social report for @newlinesmag.bsky.social. newlinesmag.com/spotlight/ba...
newlinesmag.com
Balancing Fairness and Stability in Syria’s Political Transition
The new government says deals with Assad-era cronies are a form of justice that protects economic recovery and provides no immunity for past abuses
0107
Reposted by Kareem Shaheen
Hassan Hassan @hhassan.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
We spoke to the Syrian government about Reuters’ recent investigation about reported deals with Assad-era business cronies & tycoons. New, exclusive details by @kshaheen.bsky.social and me in @newlinesmag.bsky.social newlinesmag.com/spotlight/ba...
newlinesmag.com
Balancing Fairness and Stability in Syria’s Political Transition
The new government says deals with Assad-era cronies are a form of justice that protects economic recovery and provides no immunity for past abuses
077
Reposted by Kareem Shaheen
New Lines Magazine @newlinesmag.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
Why is Saudi Arabia hosting the Esports World Cup, with its $70 million prize pool, next month? @kshaheen.bsky.social writes in @newlinesmag.bsky.social about the kingdom’s quiet takeover of the gaming industry—and what it means for the Saudi government’s soft power.
newlinesmag.com
Saudi Arabia’s High-Stakes Bet on Gaming
More than profits, the kingdom’s growing stake in global franchises like World of Warcraft is a strategic play for influence and soft power
022
Reposted by Kareem Shaheen
New Lines Magazine @newlinesmag.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
NEW: Missiles are still falling over Tehran and Tel Aviv. They have shattered long-standing taboos in the Middle East, write @kshaheen.bsky.social and Rasha Elass for @newlinesmag.bsky.social. newlinesmag.com/argument/the...
newlinesmag.com
The Psychological Barrier Broken by Iran and Israel’s Missile Exchange
By crossing a former red line and engaging in direct conflict, Tel Aviv and Tehran may have set a dangerous precedent
084
Reposted by Kareem Shaheen
New Lines Magazine @newlinesmag.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
NEW: Why is Saudi Arabia hosting the Esports World Cup, with its $70 million prize pool, next month? @kshaheen.bsky.social writes in @newlinesmag.bsky.social about the kingdom’s quiet takeover of the gaming industry and what it means for the government’s soft power. newlinesmag.com/spotlight/sa...
newlinesmag.com
Saudi Arabia’s High-Stakes Bet on Gaming
More than profits, the kingdom’s growing stake in global franchises like World of Warcraft is a strategic play for influence and soft power
021
Kareem Shaheen @kshaheen.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
HAVE THEY EVEN SAID THANK YOU ONCE
193
Kareem Shaheen @kshaheen.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
In Iraq’s Basra, age is a luxury. Residents live under a constant cloud of pollution from oil flares, leading to a surge in cancer cases, while the government colludes with oil companies to dismiss the crisis @newlinesmag.bsky.social newlinesmag.com/reportage/bi...
newlinesmag.com
Big Oil Is Fueling a Rise in Cancer in Iraq’s Basra
A New Lines investigation reveals the human cost of the petroleum industry, as officials and companies seek to hide an alarming surge in medical cases
012
Kareem Shaheen @kshaheen.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
A spyware app distributed among thousands of Syrian military officers last year may have compromised Assad's military, gathering reams of sensitive data on deployments and military ranks. Open q who built it. Fascinating investigation in @newlinesmag.bsky.social newlinesmag.com/reportage/ho...
newlinesmag.com
How a Spyware App Compromised Assad’s Army
An investigation reveals how a cyberattack exploited soldiers' vulnerabilities and may have changed the course of the Syrian conflict
082
Kareem Shaheen @kshaheen.bsky.social · 26/05/2025
Fascinating investigative piece: A hidden cyberattack involving spyware distributed among Syrian officers may have played a critical role in the sudden collapse of the Assad regime, reports Kamal Shahin for @newlinesmag.bsky.social newlinesmag.com/reportage/ho...
newlinesmag.com
How a Spyware App Compromised Assad’s Army
An investigation reveals how a cyberattack exploited soldiers' vulnerabilities and may have changed the course of the Syrian conflict
171
Kareem Shaheen @kshaheen.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
We have a couple of really incredible reporting stories out of Syria, including a fascinating investigation into the use of spyware against the army ahead of Assad's collapse on Monday, and this excellent investigation into the violence against the Druze: newlinesmag.com/spotlight/sy...
newlinesmag.com
Syria’s Druze Are Wary in the Wake of Attacks
The voices of those who have experienced recent violence make clear the fear that is now eating away at the country’s hopes of unity
0113
Kareem Shaheen @kshaheen.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
The opening music of Clair Obscur evoked such emotional turmoil in me it made me want to start a videogame newsletter to talk about the art form and how we interact with it.
000
Kareem Shaheen @kshaheen.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
I’ll tolerate many things in this life but not Bruce Springsteen abuse
030
Kareem Shaheen @kshaheen.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
Voted today in my first free election. So proud and lucky to be able to cast my vote. Also #never51
1351
Kareem Shaheen @kshaheen.bsky.social · 18/04/2025
This is a nice place
120
Kareem Shaheen @kshaheen.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
How do you know if someone doesn’t like Dragon Age Veilguard? Don’t worry, they’ll tell you.
030
Reposted by Kareem Shaheen
Michelle Shephard @michelleshephard.bsky.social · 16/12/2024
What's next in #Syria. As @kshaheen.bsky.social said to me, "The tools of the War on Terror ... don’t fit this moment." Thanks for his insights & Aimen Dean (on the "Conflicted" podcast). A short @thestar.com column:
thestar.com
Michelle Shephard: What’s next for Syria? All eyes are on its complex new leader
Abu Mohammed al-Jolani says he has moved away from extremism and is ready to lead Syria.
082
Reposted by Kareem Shaheen
Gary R. Bunt @garyrbunt.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
A powerful article by @kshaheen.bsky.social @newlinesmag.bsky.social
082
Reposted by Kareem Shaheen
Mónica C. Camacho @mc2x.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
“What are words anyway? They are supposed to convey meaning, but how do you distill the meaning of what happened in the last 10 days….How do you capture the emotional resonance of watching church bells ring in Christian Sahnaya to the tune of ‘One, one, one, the Syrian people are one?’”
1256
Reposted by Kareem Shaheen
Ben Gidley @bengidley.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
This piece in @newlinesmag.bsky.social by @kshaheen.bsky.social is such a beautiful piece of writing. newlinesmag.com/spotlight/da...
newlinesmag.com
Dawn in Damascus
In the end, Bashar al-Assad had nothing to say to the country he bludgeoned and bled, but what matters now is that his ‘forever’ rule is over
186
Reposted by Kareem Shaheen
Petra Verdonk she/her @petraverdonk.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
A beautiful thoughtful story about journalism in a dictatorship 👏 👇🏿
041
Reposted by Kareem Shaheen
Shanifa Nasser @shanifanasser.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
"The very prospect that justice is conceivable, that the arc of the moral universe endures, that there is a light that was always there at the end of the tunnel, if only you squinted amid the enveloping dark? I cannot quite conceive of the words." On the enormity of this moment for Syria:
1166
Reposted by Kareem Shaheen
Mark MacKinnon @markmackinnon.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
“‘Forever is over,’ Syrians chanted over and over” - lovely stuff from the great @kshaheen.bsky.social as he tries to find the words to capture the significance of what just happened in Damascus newlinesmag.com/spotlight/da...
newlinesmag.com
Dawn in Damascus
In the end, Bashar al-Assad had nothing to say to the country he bludgeoned and bled, but what matters now is that his ‘forever’ rule is over
0236
Reposted by Kareem Shaheen
Lori Allen @loriall.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
Amazing and a delight, when so many are wordless in the face of the genocide in Gaza, when so many berate ourselves for being unable to capture in language horror escaping meaning or representation, to read of wordlessness from the morning that flows from Damascus today.
153
Reposted by Kareem Shaheen
Ben Ashraf @ashrafzeneca.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
"My eyes are on you, O Damascus, for it is from you that the morning flows" A brilliant piece of writing from @kshaheen.bsky.social — Stand tall! newlinesmag.com/spotlight/da...
newlinesmag.com
Dawn in Damascus
In the end, Bashar al-Assad had nothing to say to the country he bludgeoned and bled, but what matters now is that his ‘forever’ rule is over
062
Reposted by Kareem Shaheen
Akil N Awan @akilnawan.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
Beautiful & heartfelt on Syria from @kshaheen.bsky.social "The very prospect that justice is conceivable, that the arc of the moral universe endures, that there is a light that was always there at the end of the tunnel, if only you squinted amid the enveloping dark?" newlinesmag.com/spotlight/da...
newlinesmag.com
Dawn in Damascus
In the end, Bashar al-Assad had nothing to say to the country he bludgeoned and bled, but what matters now is that his ‘forever’ rule is over
031
Reposted by Kareem Shaheen
Antonella Napolitano @svaroschi.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
"Now, though? Now? The very prospect that justice is conceivable, that the arc of the moral universe endures, that there is a light that was always there at the end of the tunnel, if only you squinted amid the enveloping dark?" Reading this by @kshaheen.bsky.social newlinesmag.com/spotlight/da...
newlinesmag.com
Dawn in Damascus
In the end, Bashar al-Assad had nothing to say to the country he bludgeoned and bled, but what matters now is that his ‘forever’ rule is over
092
Reposted by Kareem Shaheen
Mari Saito @saitomri.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
"I keep reaching, myself, to find the words, and they fail me. Nothing seems to capture the moment. I wrestle with the recesses of my mind for the words, and then I see a photo of a detainee and I break down and start over." Beautiful by @kshaheen.bsky.social
072
Kareem Shaheen @kshaheen.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
"Describe to me the Syrians..." Egyptian responds: "Do you know the honey they add on top of kunafa?" www.instagram.com/reel/C8HmlSt...
instagram.com
Login • Instagram
Welcome back to Instagram. Sign in to check out what your friends, family & interests have been capturing & sharing around the world.
160
Kareem Shaheen @kshaheen.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
I’m not really worthy to write anything about beautiful Syria today but they asked me to and so I tried through tears to write some words that are inadequate but here they are anyway: Dawn in Damascus @newlinesmag.bsky.social newlinesmag.com/spotlight/da...
newlinesmag.com
Dawn in Damascus
In the end, Bashar al-Assad had nothing to say to the country he bludgeoned and bled, but what matters now is that his ‘forever’ rule is over
819771
Reposted by Kareem Shaheen
Tulika Bose @tulikabose.bsky.social · 08/12/2024
You really should read this piece by @kshaheen.bsky.social if you haven’t
08927
Reposted by Kareem Shaheen
Petra Molnar @petramolnar.com · 08/12/2024
“I wrestle with the recesses of my mind for the words, and then I see a photo of a detainee and I break down and start over. I’m not even Syrian. Just someone who was fortunate to take part briefly in their journey.” @kshaheen.bsky.social @newlinesmag.bsky.social newlinesmag.com/spotlight/da...
newlinesmag.com
Dawn in Damascus
In the end, Bashar al-Assad had nothing to say to the country he bludgeoned and bled, but what matters now is that his ‘forever’ rule is over
0207
Reposted by Kareem Shaheen
Lydia Wilson @lsmwilson.bsky.social · 08/12/2024
Unbelievably powerful writing about the fall of Assad and what it means to Syrians and Syrian-lovers around the world. Thank you @kshaheen.bsky.social for expressing so much emotion that so many are feeling right now. For @newlinesmag.bsky.social newlinesmag.com/spotlight/da...
newlinesmag.com
Dawn in Damascus
In the end, Bashar al-Assad had nothing to say to the country he bludgeoned and bled, but what matters now is that his ‘forever’ rule is over
03216
Reposted by Kareem Shaheen
Chris El-kholy 🧿 @chriselkholy.bsky.social · 08/12/2024
“How do you distill the meaning of what happened in the last 10 days, as Syria’s rebels staged the greatest insurgent comeback in history to depose 60 years of Baathist rule?” writes @kshaheen.bsky.social for @newlinesmag.bsky.social newlinesmag.com/spotlight/da...
newlinesmag.com
Dawn in Damascus
In the end, Bashar al-Assad had nothing to say to the country he bludgeoned and bled, but what matters now is that his ‘forever’ rule is over
0268
Reposted by Kareem Shaheen
New Lines Magazine @newlinesmag.bsky.social · 08/12/2024
NEW: “How do you distill the meaning of what happened in the last 10 days, as Syria’s rebels staged the greatest insurgent comeback in history to depose 60 years of Baathist rule?” writes @kshaheen.bsky.social for @newlinesmag.bsky.social. newlinesmag.com/spotlight/da...
newlinesmag.com
Dawn in Damascus
In the end, Bashar al-Assad had nothing to say to the country he bludgeoned and bled, but what matters now is that his ‘forever’ rule is over
29040
Reposted by Kareem Shaheen
Laura Walker @laurawalkerkc.bsky.social · 08/12/2024
Hah! "Bashar al-Assad is now a Syrian refugee" via @kshaheen.bsky.social
339754
Reposted by Kareem Shaheen
Andy Carvin @acarv.in · 07/12/2024
@kshaheen.bsky.social: "Look man I get the tendency to skepticism bred by the internet but these guys are fucking live overthrowing one of the worst totalitarian police states to ever be conceived by humanity & that’s a fantastic fucking thing regardless of what comes next so it’s okay to be happy"
3428