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Ruth Pollard

@ruthpollard.bsky.social
804 followers 405 following 131 posts

Roving journalist in Tokyo via Delhi, Beirut, Cairo, Jerusalem, Sydney. Bloomberg Opinion @opinion.bsky.social Formerly Sydney Morning Herald. My views.

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Reposted by Ruth Pollard
Spencer Ackerman @attackerman.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
This is a really important story. You know how over reliance on AI makes you lazy and stupid? This shows how that’s happening within the military — a military, it cannot be pointed out often enough, that’s growing ever more reliant on AI. The children of Shajarah Tayyebah Elementary paid the price
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Reposted by Ruth Pollard
Eliot Higgins @eliothiggins.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
In addition, literal stacks of M4000 chemical bombs, used by the Assad regime to drop sarin on civilians in 3 recorded incidents, were found and photographed. Yet more evidence everything we published at Bellingcat based on our open source investigations of chemical attacks was accurate.
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Yair Wallach @yairwallach.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
This website collects, summarises, analyses and visualises the starvation of Gaza in the last 30 months. Initiated by colleagues of mine from the Hebrew University. bearing-witness.com/starvation-s...
bearing-witness.com
Starvation Story — Witnessing the Gaza War
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Reposted by Ruth Pollard
Rania Abouzeid @raniaab.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
A quick recap of the day’s events in #Lebanon for @nymag.com #beirut nymag.com/intelligence...
nymag.com
The Iran War Is Not Over
Scenes from a day of carnage in Beirut.
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Reposted by Ruth Pollard
Abby Sewell @sewella.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
This is certainly going to complicate things: Israel says ceasefire with Iran doesn’t include war in Lebanon against Hezbollah apnews.com/live/iran-wa...
apnews.com
Live updates: US and Iran agree to a two-week ceasefire
Iran says it has accepted a two-week ceasefire in the war, and will negotiate with the United States in Islamabad beginning Friday. President Donald Trump said Tuesday he’s pulling back on his threats...
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Reposted by Ruth Pollard
Eman El-Sherbiny @emansh.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
Both Fatima Fatouni from Al Mayadeen and Ali Shoeib from Al Manar were the only on-the-ground journalists who brought forward verifiable footage of the IDF outposts' expansions, as well as demolitions such as those that took place in Meiss el Jabal months after the ceasefire and up until recently.
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Reposted by Ruth Pollard
Fionnuala NÍ Aoláin KC (Hons) @niaolainf.bsky.social · 29/03/2026
Israel has continued to strike and to strike journalists. The playbook of calling them “terrorists” continues. The reign of lawlessness is unending. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/m...
theguardian.com
Lebanon condemns ‘blatant war crime’ after Israel kills three journalists
Israeli military says primary target, killed in a missile strike far from the frontlines, was a Hezbollah ‘terrorist’
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Reposted by Ruth Pollard
Rima I Anabtawi @rimaanabtawi.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
More than half of nearly 250 documented strikes hit residential or agricultural land. The pattern points to a deliberate strategy: scorch the land, push people out, establish a buffer zone. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/m...
theguardian.com
Israel used white phosphorus to scorch earth in south Lebanon, researcher says
Human Rights Watch and others say they have documented use of weapon in civilian areas during war on Gaza
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Reposted by Ruth Pollard
Patrick Osgood @patrickosgood.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
This reporting affirms that a U.S. A-10 Warthog slaughtered Iraqi military medics with cannon fire after an airstrike: "We tried to rescue them from under the rubble... but the pilot returned and targeted us directly," he said. "The medics and those who came to rescue the trapped were killed."
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Reposted by Ruth Pollard
Mai El-Sadany @maitelsadany.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
More than 20% of Lebanon's population has been displaced from their homes. For many of them, this is not the first time they've been displaced in the last few years. In the midst of a harrowing war, Jasmin L. Diab brings us stories from the residents of south Lebanon. Don't skip this one.
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Reposted by Ruth Pollard
Seva @seva.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
In 1991 the US had a reason to fight. In 2003 it manufactured one. In 2026 it didn’t even bother. Tracing the decay of the unipolar order via three Gulf conflicts. new post
hegemon.substack.com
The Three Gulf Wars of American Hegemony
tracing the decay of the unipolar moment
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Eman El-Sherbiny @emansh.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
The city of Tyre is now being asked to evacuate, which is just utter madness. Tyre is 1.5 hours by car from Beirut. x.com/AvichayAdrae...
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Reposted by Ruth Pollard
Deepcut News @deepcutnews.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
A pro-Israel WhatsApp group has claimed credit for the public campaign targeting former Australian of the Year Grace Tame. www.deepcutnews.com/p/exclusive-...
deepcutnews.com
Exclusive: pro-Israel WhatsApp group boasts campaign win against Grace Tame
The group also claims to have contributed to Adelaide University’s decision to cancel Francesca Albanese’s appearance
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@ghoshworld @ghoshworld.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
My latest: In barely a fortnight, India’s Modi went from hugging Israel’s prime minister Netanyahu to begging Iran’s president for cooking gas. open.substack.com/pub/bobbygho...
open.substack.com
Narendra Modi’s Humiliating Fortnight
India’s leader went from hugging Israel's prime minister to begging Iran's president for cooking gas.
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Reposted by Ruth Pollard
@ghoshworld @ghoshworld.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
Someone in the Prime Minister's office apparently thought it would be a good idea to leak this to the media!
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Reposted by Ruth Pollard
Ankit Panda @nktpnd.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
The odds of Pakistan honoring its mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia grows daily, I think. (The Pakistanis don't appear to want to have to do this for a variety of reasons, but Riyadh gets a say.)
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Reposted by Ruth Pollard
Patrick Osgood @patrickosgood.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
“Stronghold” makes it sound like Israel bombed a military base. They did not. They bombed a densely populated part of the capital city. One of those rancid, enabling words that needs to be retired.
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Ruth Pollard @ruthpollard.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Powerful piece: Wars of choice rarely confine themselves to their intended targets. They consume not only the combatants but the assumptions that animate them. What began as an attempt to alter the regional balance may instead hasten the erosion of the order … www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2026/ma...
lrb.co.uk
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...
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Reposted by Ruth Pollard
Nick Feik @nickfeik.bsky.social · 31/01/2026
When is a ceasefire not a ceasefire? Ludicrous term to keep using.
abc.net.au
Strikes in Gaza kill at least 30 in one of deadliest days since ceasefire
Israeli strikes have killed at least 30 Palestinians, marking one of the highest death tolls since the ceasefire last October aimed at stopping the fighting.
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Abu Aardvark @abuaardvark.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
Good piece by Gonul Tol on how Turkey wants to avoid choosing between Saudi Arabia and UAE mei.edu/publication/...
mei.edu
What Ankara Sees in Riyadh — and Why It Still Needs Abu Dhabi - Middle East Institute
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Reposted by Ruth Pollard
Suzanne Smith @suzipeep.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
Dear SMH, What happened to your motto; ‘Independent Always.’ The Wilcox cartoon regarding the clamour for a Royal Commission should not have caused an apology. Cartoonists play an important role in our democracy to spark debate and highlight issues that need broader considerations. CathyWilcox
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Reposted by Ruth Pollard
Scott Horton @robertscotthorton.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
Reports across the Middle East that Syria has given the US an airbase outside of Damascus and has given the Trump organization exclusive rights to build a new hotel there. www.reuters.com/world/middle...
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Akshat Rathi @akshatrathi.bsky.social · 01/11/2025
Do not miss this stunning investigation that reveals how a Koch-funded machine and Silicon Valley's new found interest is behind the dangerous advanced nuclear hype in the US. 🎁🔗 www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
bloomberg.com
The Risky Movement to Make America Nuclear Again
A Silicon Valley startup called Oklo is leading the charge to bring nuclear power back to the US with small reactors. Its backers have wealth and political connections that could undermine nuclear saf...
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Reposted by Ruth Pollard
Kendra "Gloom is My Beat" Pierre-Louis @kendrawrites.com · 20/09/2025
In this one a doctor talks about doing an emergency c-section on a beheaded woman to deliver her baby.
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Miriam Cosic @miriamcosic.bsky.social · 21/09/2025
Thread 👇 #Gaza #doctors
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Mohamad Bazzi @mbazzi.bsky.social · 26/08/2025
“Israel is able to kill Palestinian journalists with impunity not just because of the unconditional military support it receives from the US, but also the failure of many western media organizations and journalists to stand up for their Palestinian colleagues” — my oped @theguardian.com
theguardian.com
Western journalists are failing to stand up for their colleagues in Gaza | Mohamad Bazzi
This hypocrisy of western media has been laid bare by Israel’s targeting of journalists since the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack
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Ruth Pollard @ruthpollard.bsky.social · 23/08/2025
I am sick at heart that we have not been able to prevent this. Israel’s deliberate starvation of Palestinians was there for governments of the world to see …
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Ruth Pollard @ruthpollard.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
This is unforgivable
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Ruth Pollard @ruthpollard.bsky.social · 25/07/2025
Sri Lanka's new president has the opportunity to help the nation come to terms with its violent past. Will he take it? My latest, (FREE TO READ) www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
bloomberg.com
Is Sri Lanka Turning the Page on Its Violent Past?
The new president has the opportunity to help the nation come to terms with its brutal civil war.
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Reposted by Ruth Pollard
Heather Barr @heatherbarr.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
"Since AFP was founded in August 1944, we have lost journalists in conflicts, we have had wounded and prisoners in our ranks, but none of us can recall seeing a colleague die of hunger.” www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-ea...
aa.com.tr
AFP journalists in Gaza at risk of starvation, warns journalists' association
'We have lost journalists in conflicts, we have had wounded, prisoners in our ranks, but none of us can recall seeing colleague die of hunger,' says French news agency's journalists' association - Ana...
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Ruth Pollard @ruthpollard.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
Finland's national security model is more relevant than ever, and lots of countries, now including Australia, are paying attention. My latest (free to read) with thanks to @rorymedcalf.bsky.social) www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
bloomberg.com
Why Everyone’s Turning to Finland on National Security
It takes more than military readiness to deal with increasing threats. Civilians also need to be prepared.
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Reposted by Ruth Pollard
Danny Postel @dannypostel.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
With refreshing candor, my @newlinesmag.bsky.social colleagues Kareem Shaheen and Rasha Elass explain the schadenfreude and ambivalence that many Arabs feel about the taboo-shattering exchange of missiles between Israel and Iran. 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
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Reposted by Ruth Pollard
Andrew Stroehlein @andrewstroehlein.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
"...large groups chanted racist slogans including 'Gaza is ours' 'death to the Arabs' and 'may their villages burn'." www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
theguardian.com
Thousands of Israelis join violent, racist march through Jerusalem’s Muslim quarter
State-backed flag day march shut down Palestinian life in Old City to celebrate Israel’s 1967 occupation of East Jerusalem
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Reposted by Ruth Pollard
Gearoid Reidy リーディー・ガロウド @gearoidreidy.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
Foreign buyers face zero barriers for property in Japan: no additional taxes, no limits, no residency needed. With Tokyo apartment prices soaring and locals starting to get priced out, it's time for a rethink. My latest, free to read: www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
bloomberg.com
It’s Too Easy for Foreigners to Buy Property in Japan
Despite the stereotypes, Japan is one of the most permissive places for non-residents to buy property. That’s a problem when locals are being priced out.
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Ruth Pollard @ruthpollard.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
Starvation in Gaza www.lrb.co.uk/blog/2025/ma...
lrb.co.uk
Alex de Waal | Starvation in Gaza
Twice already during this war, the people of Gaza have pulled back from the brink of categorical famine – both times...
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Ruth Pollard @ruthpollard.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
There's a lesson for Hong Kong from 1967: As Asia’s rich seek havens other than the dollar, the financial center must fight for its money, writes @andymukherjee70.bsky.social @opinion.bloomberg.com www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
bloomberg.com
Hong Kong’s Lesson From 1967: Fight for Flows
As Asia’s rich seek havens other than the dollar, the financial center mustn’t sit out the contest — like it did 60 years ago.
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Ruth Pollard @ruthpollard.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
US attacks have galvanized China's industry to unite, while Americans have shown an unwillingness to let cheap imports go, writes @thorbecke.bsky.social @opinion.bloomberg.com www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
bloomberg.com
China’s E-Commerce Giants Are Putting Up a Fight
No sector is more exposed to a trade war, but something curious is happening at home and abroad.
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Ruth Pollard @ruthpollard.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
It's no longer fringe to seriously question American financial pre-eminence. That speaks volumes about Trump's direction, writes @mosseco.bsky.social @opinion.bloomberg.com www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
bloomberg.com
Is America Alone? Not Yet, But It’s Trying
The country’s role as the center of the financial world is getting uncomfortable scrutiny. That alone is troubling.
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Reposted by Ruth Pollard
Louisa Loveluck @leloveluck.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
🧵 on the IDF's investigation into the slaying of 14 paramedics and a UN worker, alongside unanswered questions and findings from media investigations.
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Ruth Pollard @ruthpollard.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
There's a climate cost from Trump's infinite tariffs. Levies of up to 3,521% on Asian solar imports will set energy transition back even further, writes @davidfickling.bsky.social @opinion.bloomberg.com www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
bloomberg.com
The Climate Cost of America’s Infinite Tariffs
Years of protectionism have weakened the US solar industry. Levies of up to 3,521% on Asian imports will set energy transition back even further.
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Ruth Pollard @ruthpollard.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
The trade war is threatening India's code-writers, but AI is giving a boost to call centers and back offices., writes @andymukherjee70.bsky.social @opinion.bloomberg.com www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
bloomberg.com
American Accents (and AI) Could Save India’s Outsourcing
While a trade war threatens large code-writing orders, artificial intelligence is giving a boost to call centers and back offices.
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Ruth Pollard @ruthpollard.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
This standoff is more perilous than ever, now that the US cannot be relied upon to bring New Delhi and Islamabad back from the brink, Mihir Sharma writes for @opinion.bloomberg.com www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
bloomberg.com
India and Pakistan Are at a Dangerous Moment
This standoff is more perilous than ever, now that the US cannot be relied upon to bring New Delhi and Islamabad back from the brink.
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Ruth Pollard @ruthpollard.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
Beautiful piece Rachel. Must read
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Ruth Pollard @ruthpollard.bsky.social · 18/04/2025
The dollar's monopoly in payments will soon be history, and the shift may start with transactions where it just greases the wheels of commerce, writes @andymukherjee70.bsky.social @opinion.bloomberg.com FREE TO READ www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
bloomberg.com
The Dollar’s Monopoly in Payments Will Soon Be History
The shift may start with transactions where it just greases the wheels of commerce.
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Reposted by Ruth Pollard
Lisa Jarvis @lisamjarvis.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
Read the full piece here (gift link): www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
bloomberg.com
NIH Grant Cuts Aren't Saving Money. They're Wasting It.
The Trump administration says the canceled funding is about cost efficiency, but data shows that the opposite is happening.
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Ruth Pollard @ruthpollard.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
Our guest columnist today is President Lai Ching-te -- he writes that closer US-Taiwan relations are a critical pillar of regional security @opinion.bloomberg.com www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
bloomberg.com
Taiwan Has a Roadmap for Deeper US Trade Ties
At a time of global uncertainty and growing Chinese assertiveness, closer relations are a critical pillar of regional security.
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Ruth Pollard @ruthpollard.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
The level of detail here is absolutely horrifying: "I found out that we’re not only killing them – we’re killing them, we’re killing their wives, their children, their cats, their dogs. We’re destroying their houses and pissing on their graves.” www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
theguardian.com
Israel military razed Gaza perimeter land to create ‘kill zone’, soldiers say
Combatants’ testimonies describe how areas were destroyed to create ‘a death zone of enormous proportions’
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Reposted by Ruth Pollard
Malachy Browne @malachy.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
Video obtained by @nytimes.com confirms the IDF fired on and killed clearly identified Red Crescent medics in Gaza. 15 were killed. Satellite pics analyzed by @ckoettl.bsky.social & @sanjanamv.bsky.social show the IDF then buried the medics andambulances. Story 👇 www.nytimes.com/2025/04/04/w...
nytimes.com
Video Shows Aid Workers Killed in Gaza Under Gunfire Barrage, With Ambulance Lights On (Gift Article)
The U.N. has said Israel killed the workers. The video appears to contradict Israel’s version of events, which said the vehicles were “advancing suspiciously” without headlights or emergency signals.
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Ruth Pollard @ruthpollard.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
Beijing was always going to retaliate against tariffs. That doesn't detract from the big opportunity Trump handed Xi, writes @mosseco.bsky.social @opinion.bloomberg.com www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
bloomberg.com
China Has a Chance to Play Elder Economic Statesman
Beijing retaliated against US tariffs, but avoided a dramatic escalation. Trump has handed Xi a big PR opportunity.
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Ruth Pollard @ruthpollard.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
This 💔: The war in Gaza has killed more journalists than the US Civil War, WW I and II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War (including the conflicts in Cambodia and Laos), the wars in Yugoslavia in the 1990s and 2000s, and the post-9/11 war in Afghanistan, combined. watson.brown.edu/costsofwar/p...
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