Jonathan Lord @JonathanLordDC Twitter profile

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Jonathan Lord

2 years

I’m immensely excited to join @CNASdc . As Senior Fellow and Director of the Middle East Security Program, I hope to create the impactful, relevant, and insightful policy analysis that I came to expect from CNAS as a policymaker and leg staffer.

Jonathan Lord Joins CNAS to Direct Middle East Security Program

Developing strong, pragmatic and principled national security and defense policies.

www.cnas.org

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

13 days

Hamas always hid behind civilians. But it has adopted something new and similarly sinister in this war. It’s learned to hide behind them in the information-space too. 🧵

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

8 months

It’s not YPG infrastructure. It’s civilian infrastructure. And targeting it constitutes a law of war violation. 1/

Ragıp Soylu

@ragipsoylu

8 months

BREAKING — Turkey says all PKK and YPG infrastructure and energy facilities in Syria and Iraq are now legitimate targets “Our forces discovered that two terrorists arrived in Turkey from Syria. We warn third parties to avoid PKK/ YPG facilities”

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

2 years

I’ve been catching up with old friends this afternoon. I hope I haven’t missed any significant news from #العراق today…

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

5 months

Just an outright lie. I’ve held in my hands the remnants of Shahed drones that were taken off the field in Ukraine. The evidence of Iran’s lethal support to Russia’s illegal war is irrefutable:

NEXTA

@nexta_tv

5 months

Iran has never supplied Russia with drones and missiles for use in Ukraine, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has said He claims that "Ukraine has not provided Iran with any evidence of Russia's use of Iranian weapons."

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

1 year

If a state of the art Russian ballistic submarine surfaces in the Penobscot River in a few days, we’ll know why.

H I Sutton

@CovertShores

1 year

***BREAKING*** A sudden mass exodus of warships and submarines from Novorossiysk today. Very unusual, may be a leading indicator of an operation of some kind

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

11 months

Kak Bafel took my look! 👀

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

13 days

Sinwar and his army must not be allowed to hide behind civilians in social media or the public discourse. His erasure is not an accident. It’s a tactic, no different than stashing weapons inside hospitals or firing from a child’s bedroom. /end

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

13 days

Hamas has succeeded in even erasing itself from the discourse. I sat on a conference panel this past week that referenced the “Gaza War”, not the “Israel-Hamas War”. Al-Jazeera runs chyrons “The War in Gaza” or “Genocide in Gaza”. As if Hamas didn’t exist at all. 4/

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

13 days

Perhaps the greatest trick Yahya Sinwar ever pulled was erasing his army from the public discourse. But it’s all too real and it’s killing people. It’s culpable for the civilian harm in Gaza. And the public discourse shouldn’t mask it. 7/

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

13 days

In the last 7 months, images of displaced Gazans permeated social media. But where are the images of Hamas’ crew-served weapons tucked into apartments? Or the rocket launchers in school yards? They’ve succeeded in removing themselves from representations of the war. 3/

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

13 days

Today, Hamas holds over 120 hostages, including 8 Americans. Hamas continues to fight and kill from the densest cities in Gaza. They just launched a barrage of rockets on Tel Aviv and boasted about it. 6/

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

13 days

But there are combatants in Gaza. They hide behind civilians, and exploit civilian deaths here in the information space, just as they do on the battlefield. They launched a massive attack in October that killed 1,200 people, including dozens of Americans. 5/

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

13 days

25 years ago, they learned to identify and groom at-risk individuals into suicide bombers. Subsequently, they learned to hide behind civilians and launch attacks from civilian infrastructure. And they learned how to blame Israel for civharm. 2/

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

8 months

These images are horrifying. A level of strategic surprise unlike anything since ’73. A level of civilian atrocity unlike anything since perhaps ‘48. Many hard Qs to be asked and answered on how this happened. But for now, hearts with Israelis under brutal attack.

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

1 year

On @ABC , @KyraPhillips , reflecting on a process that could take months, made the comment that "nothing can go through" until there's a Speaker in the House of Representatives. It's actually worse that that. 🧵

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

3 years

It was on this day, five years ago, walking out of the elevator at the Watergate, I almost ran smack dab into a weary traveler: Me: "Oh wow, you're Levar Burton!" Levar Burton: "Hi." Me: "Big fan!" Levar Burton: "Thanks!" Thank YOU, @levarburton !

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

8 months

If @POTUS comes to Congress seeking authorities and appropriations to support Israel, can Congress provide them without a Speaker of the House? Well… I think the answer is.. squishy. 🧵

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

8 months

Furthermore, the day that Türkiye wounds or kills American troops deployed to Iraq or Syria in the fight against ISIS, is the day that Ankara will first begin to understand the blazing wrath of which the US Congress is capable. 2/

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

2 years

A long and terrifying night currently underway in #Baghdad , #Basra , and elsewhere throughout #Iraq . The veneer of this being political violence is wearing thin. The picture emerging is militia/gangs fighting each other for turf, for control of state resources, for revenue.

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

8 months

The killing of American troops by NATO ally Turkey would likely spiral quickly into a lasting and unprecedented, Congressionally-driven shift in U.S.-Türkiye relations. Restraint would be the wiser path. /end

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

5 months

Tonight’s US-led coalition strikes on Yemen seemed inevitable. And yet, it seems unlikely tonight’s action will result in any meaningful change in Houthi behavior — because the culprits enabling the Houthis have not yet been held accountable. 🧵

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

8 months

Finally, if Ankara is choosing a more aggressive policy, perhaps emboldened by a change in @SFRCdems leadership, it has sorely miscalculated. 3/

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

1 year

US military leaders meeting with senior civilian leaders in Iraq should wear service dress uniform. It’s not a combat mission. If you’re required to wear it to the WH or Congress, wear it to meet the Iraqi PM.

Zero Blog Thirty

@ZeroBlog30

1 year

Tell us your military opinion that gets this reaction

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

1 year

Today, @CENTCOM and @IDF launched a historically large and complex bilateral military exercise, Juniper Oak. Starting a thread here, on the exercise, and what it means for the region.

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

1 year

The @DeptofDefense maintains approximately 2,500 troops in Iraq in an advisory capacity. However, two years in, this administration still lacks a coordinated, interagency strategy expressing US objectives for Iraq. And it shows. 🧵

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III

@SecDef

1 year

Wheels down in Baghdad. I’m here to reaffirm the U.S.-Iraq strategic partnership as we move toward a more secure, stable, and sovereign Iraq.

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

2 months

The @IDF has a plan to dismantle the 4 remaining organized Hamas battalions situated in Rafah, and to secure the border. Critically important -- it has a plan to direct civilians out of harm's way, first. 🧵

Barak Ravid

@BarakRavid

2 months

Scoop: The U.S. and Israel will hold a high-level virtual meeting on Thursday about a possible Israeli operation in Rafah. My story on @axios

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

2 years

Truth. Especially at a Chinese restaurant on Xmas. Waiting on a takeout order I placed almost 4 hours ago. Won’t shame the place by name because I love it too much, and it’s a Chinese restaurant on Xmas. I volunteered as tribute. I knew the stakes.

Charlotte Clymer 🇺🇦

@cmclymer

2 years

My friend and I went out to a Chinese restaurant tonight in Louisville. Our server was so sweet. It took, maybe, 15 min. tops for the food to arrive, and he was very apologetic about this. We were like: listen, do you realize 15 min. is pretty quick for restaurants in D.C.? 😂❤️

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

2 years

I was tremendously excited to host @MarsinRA and @HamzehKarkhi at @CNASdc this morning for a wide-ranging discussion on governance and the future of #Iraq #العراق. If these two are at all representative of Iraq’s youth generation, I have great hope for Iraq!

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

2 months

When my friend, @BarakRavid moved to DC, I took him to lunch. He was apprehensive. He admitted to me he wasn’t sure if he’d succeed here. Covering Washington from the inside was new, after all. Would he find sources? I told him he’d be great. I was right. !מזל טוב, אחי! כל הכבוד

Barak Ravid

@BarakRavid

2 months

I am extremely excited and thankful for this acknowledgment. This award is also thanks to the work of my great editors at @axios who supported me and made my stories better. I want to thank you - my readers and followers. I hope my reporting helped you know more and understand

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

11 months

That confirms it. The House minority will vote against passage of the NDAA. This was a bipartisan bill when it came to the floor 48 hours ago. By introducing a raft of far-right amdts, the Speaker will need to whip his whole caucus into voting for the bill.

Connor O'Brien

@connorobrienNH

11 months

JUST IN: Armed Services top D Adam Smith and top subcommittee Dems say they’ll vote against the NDAA. “The bill we passed out of committee sent a clear, united message…that democracy still works, and Congress is still functional.” “That bill no longer exists.”

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

2 months

Speaking to @JackDetsch today for @ForeignPolicy , I didn’t mince words: “There’s the people who are playing chess, the people who are playing checkers, and the people who are eating the pieces off the board.”

3 Ways Israel Could Respond to Iran

Israeli leaders have vowed to counterattack, but how they do so could jeopardize international support.

foreignpolicy.com

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

1 year

I spoke with @NatashaBertrand about the serious impacts this House speaker hold-up is having on Congress’ ability to perform national security oversight.

How the speaker impasse is impacting US national security | CNN Politics

The House’s inability to select a speaker is impacting US national security, Republican and Democratic lawmakers and staffers say, as members who can’t yet be sworn in are being locked out of...

amp.cnn.com

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

27 days

Totally reasonable. But I’ve found many Israelis care deeply about the Eurovision Song Contest. It felt a little silly and a bit incomprehensible to me too, but I’ve come to understand more about what it means to Israelis, especially this year. 🧵

Jonathan Schanzer

@JSchanzer

27 days

You probably care about Eurovision. I don’t. Not even a little. Sorry not sorry.

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

8 months

“How could this happen?” How Israel couldn’t anticipate this attack from Hamas is a burning question with no immediate or satisfying answer — yet. 🧵

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

7 months

In this piece for @washingtonpost , @POTUS lays before the world a clear US policy on the current crisis in Israel and Gaza. He shares a vision with explicit goals. In between the lines, there are some implicit goals—and opportunities—as well. 🧵

Opinion | Joe Biden: The U.S. won’t back down from the challenge of Putin and Hamas

Our goal should not be simply to stop the war for today — it should be to end the war forever, break the cycle of violence and build something stronger in Gaza.

www.washingtonpost.com

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

2 years

#Baghdad is again awash in political violence; government formation remains adrift. What drives the deadlock? It’s worth taking a nuanced look at #Iraq ’s Shia blocs and the dynamics at play (short thread) #العراق:

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

1 year

Additionally, House cmtes need to vote themselves into existence every session. This too, can't be done until the leadership issue is resolved. That means no hearings or systemic oversight of the executive branch. 3/

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

6 months

It’s been publicly reported that the US is pressing Israel to speed up the campaign. I assess that Israel already has. Washington should stop and consider: moving faster may make things worse. 🧵

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

7 months

A friendly reminder that it’s the United States, not any other global power, that ensures the daily passage of 30% of the world’s supply of oil through this strategic waterway. A subtle reminder that Iranian malign maritime activity threatens not just the region, but the world.

U.S. Central Command

@CENTCOM

7 months

Five U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast-response cutters and two Avenger-class mine countermeasures (MCM) ships sail together in the Gulf of Oman, Nov. 3. The cutters are assigned to Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA), the Coast Guard's largest unit outside of the U.S.

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

2 years

Be wary of populist leaders who wake up as arsonists and go to bed as firefighters. Pity their followers, for they are kindling. #Iraq #العراق

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

2 months

If @IDF chief Herzi Halevi has lost confidence in his subordinates, he should remove them. But he can also make policy changes to reduce the risk of tragic mishaps like the WCK strike. Here’s one to consider. 🧵

Lazar Berman

@Lazar_Berman

2 months

IDF Chief Herzi Halevi, who was furious over WCK killings, decides to reprimand head of IDF Southern Command, Division 162 commander, Nachal Brigade commander. He also fires Nachal Bde chief of staff, and brigade fire support officer, reports @BittonRosen

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

1 year

There are other critical functions that the House of Representatives executes that can't take place until there's a Speaker in place. Without a Speaker, committee assignments can't be finalized. 2/

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

2 years

Very pleased to welcome @sinam56 of the @SDCPress to @CNASdc to discuss ongoing and future challenges in #Syria .

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

11 months

@Bafeltalabani Absolutely, Kaka! Perhaps we can host you in Washington soon for a discussion at @CNASdc and we can take a photo together! 😂

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

3 years

I was at Doi Moi dining with my family 1/2 a block away. The quick thinking manager ran inside and yelled “get down!” as the shots began. We dove under our table. Heroic restaurant staff directed us to the basement. 1/5

Jim Acosta

@Acosta

3 years

Just hear what sounded like gun shots on 14th street in NW DC. People fleeing the popular Le Diplomate restaurant which seemed a few blocks away.

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

1 year

For far too long, US policymaking on Iraq has centered on personalities when it should be focused on national interests. Personalizing relationships and aggrandizing those who are willing to work with Washington isn't just naive, it's ineffective.

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

2 years

I'm thrilled to launch and lead the @CNASdc Middle East Security program's project exploring the future and potential for an American-led Middle East security architecture!

CNAS Launches Project on a New Middle East Security Architecture

Developing strong, pragmatic and principled national security and defense policies.

www.cnas.org

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

2 years

Foiled on the same petard as so many other intel agencies that failed to build effectively scaleable tradecraft policy in the age of the digital operational environment. I wrote about it here:

Undercover Under Threat: Cover Identity, Clandestine Activity, and Covert Action in the Digital Age

Published in International Journal of Intelligence and CounterIntelligence (Vol. 28, No. 4, 2015)

www.tandfonline.com

Eliot Higgins

@EliotHiggins

2 years

🧵Meet Maria Adela Kuhfeldt Rivera, widow, jeweller, and socialite. The love child of a German father and a Peruvian mother, born in Callao, Peru, and abandoned in Moscow by her mother during the 1980 Olympic Games.

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

2 years

It was my great pleasure to visit with @KRG_USA Representative @BayanRahman for a warm and enthusiastic discussion on issues ranging from the strategic to breaking news events.

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

1 year

If any DC residents were curious about what the air looks and smells like on a daily basis in Baghdad, step outside this morning, look around, and breathe deeply.

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

5 months

Iran has claimed responsibility for this ballistic missile attack on an Iraqi city. It’s unusual for Tehran to step out from behind its regional proxies/partners so publicly and aggressively. Last instance may have been 4 yrs and a week ago, following US strike on Soleimani.

Joyce Karam

@Joyce_Karam

5 months

BREAKING : Footage of loud explosions in Erbil #Iraq targeting US consulate and airport. Arabic media reporting 6 explosions using missiles and drones

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

30 days

Israel is waking up this morning to the news from Washington of President Biden’s comments and policy decision on withholding precision-guided munitions from Israel due to the launching of the Rafah offensive. 🧵

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

1 year

I spoke to @JackDetsch at @ForeignPolicy about the present and future of US forces in Iraq.

‘They Have to Balance’: New Iraqi Leader Tilts the Scales Toward U.S.

Mohammed al-Sudani’s public support of U.S. troops reflects a behind-the-scenes shift—and the continued threat from the Islamic State.

foreignpolicy.com

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

8 months

I suspect something similar will follow, to determine how Hamas could have so effectively caught Israel’s intelligence community, defense establishment, and elected government unprepared and off-guard. /end

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

1 year

I spoke to @CNN ’s @NatashaBertrand about the threat posed by Iran reverse-engineering US weapons.

Russia has been sending some US-provided weapons captured in Ukraine to Iran, sources say | CNN...

Russia has been capturing some of the US and NATO-provided weapons and equipment left on the battlefield in Ukraine and sending them to Iran, where the US believes Tehran will try to reverse-engineer...

amp.cnn.com

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

2 years

1 dead, 5 wounded in Suli. Last month, in Syria, 11 civilians dead (plus guards at al-Hol). Grain silos, a power station, and a hospital- all struck. Even after @SecDef call with Turkish MinDef Akar, @DeptofDefense spokesman again recognizes "Turkey's valid security concerns."

Lizzie Porterلِيزي بورتر

@lcmporter

2 years

A suspected Turkish airstrike targeted the vicinity of a village in Sulaimani province on Friday, killing one civilian and injuring five others, according to local officials.

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

1 year

One can sharpshoot the sunsets. One can carp about the fact it didn’t address Iran’s other malign activities. In the final analysis, the inescapable truth is that the JCPOA was restraining the nuclear program. It’s absence has led us here.

Iran can make fissile material for a bomb 'in about 12 days' - U.S. official

Iran could make enough fissile for one nuclear bomb in "about 12 days," a top U.S. Defense Department official said on Tuesday, down from the estimated one year it would have taken while the 2015...

www.reuters.com

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

2 years

I'm so excited to welcome @HamzehKarkhi to @CNASdc as an Adjunct Fellow of the Middle East Security Program! Hamzeh represents a new generation of emerging thought-leaders on Iraq and the region at large -- I'm excited to associate and work with him!

CNAS Welcomes New Adjuncts Lynne Parker and Hamzeh Hadad

Developing strong, pragmatic and principled national security and defense policies.

www.cnas.org

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

2 years

At what point are the civilian casualties and harm done by Turkey's strikes in Iraq and Syria considered disproportionate to the threat? How much damage does Ankara need to inflict before Turkey's security concerns are no longer considered valid?

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

1 year

So putting aside the fact that no legislation can move without a Speaker or Majority Leader in place, one house of Congress can't perform its critical oversight function in the interim. If the process is protracted, that's a real cause for concern. /end

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

1 year

Pour one out for the weekend that all the Russia watchers just lost.

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

7 months

Reporting from @BarakRavid : Israeli officials partly decided to expand ground operations in Gaza, believing Hamas is using negotiations to stall for time. While Israel won’t allow Hamas to dictate terms using hostages, the negotiations might inform the shape of ground ops. 🧵

Barak Ravid

@BarakRavid

7 months

Scoop: Mossad chief visited Qatar on the weekend for talks on hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Sources briefed on the talks say there has been progress but no breakthrough yet. My story on @axios

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

7 months

An excellent articulation of the broad Israeli perspective from @amirtibon and @Nadav_Eyal : - a glimpse of happiness that hostages are returning home - immense gratitude for @POTUS - clear resolve that Hamas must be destroyed to enable sustainable peace

נדב איל Nadav Eyal

@Nadav_Eyal

7 months

שמחתי לשוחח בסי.אן.אן עם @kaitlancollins ביחד עם @amirtibon על היום המרגש שהיה פה אתמול, ולספר שיש קונצנזוס מלא בקבינט המלחמה - ובכלל בציבור - על המשך הפעולה עד להפלת שלטון חמאס ברצועה והשבת החטופים.

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

2 years

I recently read a piece from another think tank that frames #Iraq ’s current political moment as existential for the #PMF , which has increasingly descended into corruption and abusive behavior. Challenging them is Sadr, who in this piece, gets a pass. That’s a problem:🧵

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

1 year

Put aside the political red herrings that often swallow up media oxygen, House cmtes serve key oversight roles: For example, House Armed Services Cmte typically begins planning a long series of hearing with elements of the @DeptofDefense that carry through the spring. 4/

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

8 months

Today, @SecDef has directed the Gerald Ford aircraft carrier and the associated carrier strike group into the E. Mediterranean Sea in support of Israel. What happens now? 🧵

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III

@SecDef

8 months

My thoughts continue to be with the people of Israel. Today, in response to this Hamas attack on Israel, & following detailed discussions w/ @POTUS , I have directed several steps to strengthen DoD posture in the region to bolster regional deterrence efforts.

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

8 months

It took Hamas hours to fire the volume of rockets that in 2021, took days. It surely requires massive preparation and logistical undertaking. 4/

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

8 months

It’s no small feat for Hamas to position caches of missiles and rockets, set up launchers, and coordinate a corresponding ground assault, all while evading Israeli intelligence. 3/

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

8 months

But in terms of scope, this failure eclipses 1973. The intelligence resources Israel has at its disposal today are far greater than what it had 50 years ago. Plus the intel partnerships with US and others. 6/

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

8 months

Again, we are in unprecedented times in the House of Representatives, so that’s why we have a squishy answer. But if House leadership of both parties agrees, I believe @POTUS could get legislation passed to support Israel in this conflict. /end

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

8 months

On its surface the inability of Israel’s intelligence community to identify “indicators and warnings” or “IW”, is shocking. The amount of planning and coordination an operation of this scale would require would assuredly be reflected in intelligence. 2/

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

5 months

“…those who supply the Houthis with the weapons to conduct these attacks…” Two dozen countries, so averse to escalation and fearful of provocation, they’ve promoted Iran to “country that shall not be named”? Have we turned Iran into Voldemort? 1/3

British Embassy Washington

@UKinUSA

5 months

In response to continued illegal Houthi attacks against vessels transiting the Red Sea and surrounding waterways, the armed forces of the US and UK, with support from allies, conducted additional strikes. Full statement👇

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

1 year

These posture hearings, done with all the services and combatant commands are the backbone of the oversight and fact-finding that then support drafting of the NDAA. Drafting and passing the NDAA is an arduous process, and typically takes the cmte most of the calendar year. 5/

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

7 months

There are open source reflections of a US AC-130 gun ship firing on multiple targets between Ain Al-Asad airbase and Baghdad. There are additional reports that a KH operative was killed. Some quick reflections here. 🧵

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

8 months

When the dust eventually settles, Israelis will likely demand accountability from its government and military leaders. 8/

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

1 year

House Foreign Affairs and the House Permanent Select Cmte on Intel are in similar limbo. They too, can't conduct their respective oversight of @StateDept and @ODNIgov and the intel community. 6/

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

7 months

A very dramatic video of the damage to designated terrorist organization Kataib Hezbollah headquarters. Other photos from the site show most of those destroyed vehicles having rocket tubes attached. The same rocket tubes from which rockets are launched at US forces. 1/2

Wladimir van Wilgenburg

@vvanwilgenburg

7 months

Aftermath of US strikes on PMF group in Jurf al-Nasr, Iraq.

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

5 months

Today, Iran targeted a city in Iraqi Kurdistan with ballistic missiles, killing multiple civilians. I’m watching Iraq’s government to see how it will respond to this flagrant and public violation of national sovereignty and wanton manslaughter of Iraqi innocents by its neighbor.

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

2 years

It’s his third day and I’m already getting razzed by the new @CNASdc Middle East Security intern!! What have you done to me, @alexbward and @laraseligman ?!

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

8 months

Were this the beginning of the Congress, the answer would be absolutely no. The House must elect a speaker before it can turn to any other business. 2/

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

2 months

The reported Israeli strike in Syria successfully targeting IRGC-QF general Mohammad Reza Zahedi comes a day after Iraq-based militias claimed credit for a UAV strike on the Port of Eilat. 1/2

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

10 months

Happy Friday, friends, we made it. This is a reminder to live your life with the bold confidence of a person that street parks their McLaren in DC.

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

8 months

In terms of impact of the failure of intel and IDF military readiness, 1973 Yom Kippur War was worse — that was an existential threat to the State of Israel. As horrific as this Hamas assault is, there is no question Israel will continue to exist. 5/

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

5 months

Hope is not a strategy. If @alexbward ’s account is accurate, I’m concerned there are just too many weak assumptions in US planning/strategy aimed at stopping Houthi attacks. Let’s review the bidding. 🧵

Alex Ward

@alexbward

5 months

This is how the Biden administration plans to end the Houthi crisis

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

3 months

Strategic chickens are coming home to roost. I warned in December that absent a US-led stabilization mission in Gaza, Israel will not succeed in defeating Hamas and Palestinian suffering would grow. 🧵

Barak Ravid

@BarakRavid

3 months

NEW: The Biden administration asked Israel to stop targeting members of the Hamas-run civilian police force who escort aid trucks in Gaza. U.S. officials warn "Gaza is turning into Mogadishu". My story on @axios

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

25 days

The Rafah offensive is happening faster than many anticipated -- even Israelis themselves. Washington's reservations stemmed from assessments that civilians were many and Hamas few. New assessments may emerge that they had it backward- many civs have left, Hamas has dug-in. 🧵

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

1 year

20 minutes ago, Aeroflot 515, Reg. RA-73739 took of from Iman Khomeini Intl in Tehran, bound for Sheremetyevo Intl in Moscow. Iran has long-used its commercial airliners to smuggle weapons. We should be scrutinizing both RUS and IR planes, as they may be trafficking UAVs & SRBMs.

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

8 months

We witnessed this during McCarthy’s protracted election process, in which the business of forming committees and executing house oversight was postponed for an uncomfortably long time. 3/

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

5 months

Former Mossad chief Zvi Zamir dies at 98. He led Israel’s foreign intel agency during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. He warned of Egypt/Syria’s imminent attack, based on intel provided my a critical HUMINT source, that would later be revealed as Ashraf Marwan.

Zvi Zamir, Israeli spy chief amid war and tragedy, dies at 98

Mr. Zamir directed Mossad operations against Palestinian militants after 11 Israeli Olympic team members were killed at the 1972 Games in Munich.

www.washingtonpost.com

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

8 months

Right now, Israelis are single-mindedly focused on finding or recovering their missing loved ones, defeating Hamas, and deterring attacks from other potential aggressors. 7/

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

8 months

Nothing justifies overlooking Hamas’ atrocities. And if any people should know and recognize that from their own experience, I believed it would have been Iraqis. 🧵

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

2 years

Pleased to welcome my friend @MAShummary to @CNASdc to discuss #Iraq ’s government formation.

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

3 years

I’d like to express my gratitude to the journalists on whom I absolutely rely to keep me informed on #iraq . @shellykittleson , @leloveluck , @GebeilyM , @lcmporter , thank you for your timely and crucial reporting!

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

8 months

Upon leaving office, McCarthy selected Patrick McHenry. McHenry planned to convene the House this coming week to appoint a new speaker. That is not anticipated to be a smooth process. 5/

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

6 months

I’ll admit I felt ambivalent about attending and watching this footage, some of which I’d seen on social media the day of the attack, before it was removed. I’ll never forget what I saw then and what I saw today. Words can’t convey. But we must bear witness.

Alex Plitsas 🇺🇸

@alexplitsas

6 months

🧵 I just witnessed ~45 minutes of footage of the October 7th terrorist attack at the @AtlanticCouncil courtesy of @IsraelinUSA along with colleagues from think tanks across the ideological spectrum. What I saw was worse than I’ve ever seen. Pure evil. ***Trigger Warning***

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

8 months

This morning, @SecDef announced 2k more forces placed on heightened state of readiness, will be prepared to deploy to the Middle East, if needed.

Statement from Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh on Force Posture

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III placed approximately 2,000 personnel and a range of units on a heightened state of readiness through a prepare to deploy order, which increases the DOD's

www.defense.gov

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

1 year

@JimLaPorta

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

8 months

I would suspect that if there is enough bipartisan support to bring legislation on behalf of Israel, however the rules might be interpreted by some, McHenry could be allowed to bring a bill to the floor. 7/

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Jonathan Lord

@JonathanLordDC

8 months

De emes.

Barak Ravid

@BarakRavid

8 months

Biden's address was perhaps the most powerful statement of support for Israel by a sitting U.S. president since Harry Truman recognized the Jewish state in 1948. As American Jews often say, Biden spoke from his "kishkes". My story on @axios

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