IPS Fellow Phyllis Bennis directs the New Internationalism Project at IPS, focusing on the Middle East, U.S. militarism, and UN issues. She is also a fellow of the Transnational Institute in Amsterdam.

In 2001 she helped found the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights and more recently spent six years on the board of Jewish Voice for Peace, where she now serves as its International Adviser. She works with many anti-war and Palestinian rights organizations, writing and speaking widely across the U.S. and around the world. She has served as an informal adviser to several top UN officials on Middle East issues and was twice short-listed to become the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Phyllis has written and edited 11 books. Among her latest is the 7th updated edition of her popular Understanding the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict, published in 2018. She is also the author of Before & After: U.S. Foreign Policy and the War on Terror and Challenging Empire.

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Latest

Washington’s War in Afghanistan is Over. What Happens Now?

President Biden was right to withdraw U.S. troops. But we should have no illusion that this will end the war for Afghans.

Taliban’s Sweeping Offensive in Afghanistan Was “Inevitable” and Stems from Brutal U.S. War

Phyllis Bennis joins Democracy Now! to discuss the latest from Afghanistan, including the Taliban’s recent capture of three more provincial capitals.

The Triumph and Tragedy of the Olympic Refugee Team

It’s beautiful that there’s an Olympic team for 82 million displaced people. But have we accepted mass displacement as the new normal?

Ben & Jerry’s Is Carrying on a Proud Tradition of Boycotts for Human Rights

Pulling out of Israel’s illegal settlements, encouraged by a petition campaign in their home state of Vermont, is consistent with their history — and U.S. public opinion.

War Criminal Found Dead at 88

The human and economic costs of Donald Rumsfeld’s wars are staggering.

The Real Danger of Israel’s New Government

Some in Washington may be so glad to be rid of Netanyahu that they’ll welcome his even more hardline successor.

To End Poverty in the United States, End Militarism

Congress rarely links poverty to militarism, but that’s about to change.

Four Things to Know About Israel’s New ‘Change Coalition’

The new government — if it takes power at all — is united only around ousting Netanyahu. Here’s what that could mean.

What Is Joe Biden’s Israel Policy, Exactly?

The Biden administration thought it could muddle through with the usual pro-Israel platitudes, but rising awareness of Israeli apartheid is making that impossible.

Conversations with The Nation | Anti-Imperialism in the 21st Century

Conversations with The Nation | Anti-Imperialism in the 21st Century

Understanding Israel’s Latest Attack on Gaza — and Who Benefits

Netanyahu’s political troubles — and an arms industry eager to battle test new wares on Gazans — may help explain the latest escalation of violence.

The Latest From Jerusalem and Kabul

Phyllis Bennis discusses the latest developments in Jerusalem and Gaza, and the explosion at a girl’s school in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Why Human Rights Watch Designating Israel’s Crimes as Apartheid Is a Very Big Deal

The report reflects the power of decades of work in defense of Palestinian rights.

Reviewing President Biden’s First 100 Days

In his first 100 days, has President Biden fulfilled any of his campaign promises?

What Does Biden’s Decision to Withdraw From Afghanistan Mean?

Ending the war will take more than bringing home the troops, but it’s a start.

If Impoverished Countries Can Host Millions of Refugees, the U.S. Can Welcome a Few Thousand

The factors that drive displacement are often complex, but welcoming refugees isn’t.

Withdrawing U.S. Troops From Afghanistan Is Only a Start. We Have to End the Air War Too.

The war is a failure. Continuing to wage it will only result in further devastation.

Dangerous U.S. Bombing of Syria Worsens Regional Instability and Threatens Iran Nuclear Deal

Regardless of who is giving orders to U.S. bombers, we know that deploying U.S. troops, drones, and warplanes across the region does not provide safety or security for anyone.

‘If Our Goal Is to Stop Killing Afghans, We’re Going About It All Wrong’

CounterSpin interview with Phyllis Bennis on ending the Afghan War.

U.S. Taxpayer Dollars Should Support Vaccine Equality, Not Vaccine Apartheid

Let’s spend less on supporting vaccine apartheid abroad, and more on ending it at home.

Program Director

New Internationalism

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anti-war movements, International Law, Iran, Iraq, ISIS, Israel-Palestine, Middle East, military budget, Refugees, sanctuary movement, Saudi Arabia, Syria, terrorism, Torture, U.S. foreign policy, U.S. wars, United Nations, War on Terror, Yemen

Talkies

KPFA | March 22, 2024

Israel’s Occupation Before UN Court

Al Jazeera | February 21, 2024

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