Despite its perilous location, Dubai has generally been insulated from the wars and conflicts that intermittingly roil the region. It is making the Gulf states walk a tightrope on Iran, the US and Israel where balance is impossible to maintain. The Gulf states are now being put in a position where they have to set aside their neutrality and pick a side. For many Irish expats who have put down roots in the region, this may be a moment of reckoning. Raymond Barrett is an Irish journalist based in the Washington, DC area and the author of Dubai Dreams: Inside the Kingdom of Bling

On February 15th, 2003, 100,000 people marched through Dublin city centre to demonstrate against the impending US and British invasion of Iraq. An infamous dossier produced by the Tony Blair-led British government claimed Iraq could launch WMDs within 45 minutes. The speeches at the Dublin protest were directed more against the Irish government than against the US and UK. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald accused Taoiseach Micheál Martin of “soft-pedalling” his comments to avoid antagonising US president Donald Trump. Trump also belittled British prime minister Keir Starmer with a stinging putdown: “This is not Winston Churchill we are dealing with.”Martin faces a nerve-racking assignment in Washington.

Roy Keane meets the Cork lord mayor Dan Wallace ahead of the 1986 Kennedy Cup final. The first time I played against Roy Keane’s Rockmount, was in the under-12s, and I was wearing the blue and white of Glasheen. We were managed by Tony Connolly, charismatic wing back on the Cork hurling team that ended the great All-Ireland famine in 1966. Roy Keane with the Republic of Ireland under 21s before a match against England in Cork in 1990. Roy Keane in 1996, thinking, or not, about all those who have travelled in his orbit.

My middle name is Padraig, and I love the extreme Irishness of Niall Padraig Sweeney. Anyway, on that drive, he piped up, “Why don’t you take Sebastian?” I’m especially proud of the combination of the family lineage meeting the New World, when my fabulous brother made this hilarious suggestion. And my parents are still very much alive in my head, still have an attitude toward the work I’m doing. When I’m conscious that I’m hitting those moments, I’m happy. I think that’s fortunate, because I wouldn’t like such heavy baggage.

He asked on Instagram whether any of his followers had noticed “a change in colour, flavour and texture” of Kerrygold. The company’s own posts, promoting various methods of consuming Kerrygold products, also feature the occasional comment querying the “change”. Speculation on the cause was rife, from the plausible-sounding (it’s winter) to the obviously wrong (it’s not butter any more). They “certainly have not changed our ingredients or how we make Kerrygold”, she said. Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, a 1999 winner, returns to chair The Irish Times debate in 2026.

Tom Byrne, Patrick McCormick, Teresa Roche, Richard Moeran and Christine Friel - IFA members who occupied the offices of Bord Bia on Pembroke Road for 28 days. The initial group of 50 depleted to what became known as “the Bord Bia Five” – a small group of IFA demonstrators who occupied the building for 28 days. Gorman had been prepped for a forward-looking interview, expecting the Minister to be focused on the independent review of Bord Bia. For 25 years, “Brazilian beef” has been an incendiary term to Irish farmers and the Government was genuinely concerned that Murrin was undercutting the domestic market. [ Demands by farmers for the head of the Bord Bia chair are delusional and dangerousOpens in new window ]Why would the IFA go out on a ledge like this?

The size of the private credit sector has increased from about $2 trillion (€1.69 trillion) in 2020 to $3 trillion at the end of 2025, according to Morgan Stanley. How the conflict in the Middle East is already affecting Irish consumers Listen | 36:47Given that background, the tremors in the private credit market in recent weeks have been notable to say the least. US firms First Brands and Tricolor, which both utilised private credit heavily, blew up in the United States before Christmas amid accusations of poor underwriting standards. In the United Kingdom last week, Market Finance Solutions, a non-bank mortgage lender, collapsed, leaving its lenders on the hook for billions. Much of the money financing private credit firms, it turns out, came from the big banks themselves.

Iranian women have commanded attention across the world in recent years for their “Women, Life, Freedom” anti-regime protest movement. She is worried about both an escalation and a political or military settlement with the Iranian regime, which could cause it to retaliate against people inside the country. Moreover, she is worried about a crackdown against Iranians by Iranian security forces, including mass arrests, as happened last year. We celebrated, but we cried, we danced, and we mourned at the same time.”She hopes this is a step towards freedom. The Iranian people have shown, again and again, that they want dignity, accountability, and a democratic future.

Girl disappears in early hoursThere is concern for the teen's welfareView Image Krystal is missing (Image: South Wales Police)UPDATE - South Wales Police confirmed that Krystal has been found. ‌A 16-year-old girl has been missing since the early hours of Saturday. ‌A South Wales Police spokesperson said there is concern for Krystal's welfare. They added: "Anyone who has seen Krystal or has information on her whereabouts is asked to contact South Wales Police quoting 2600071200." Article continues belowYou can contact police by calling 101, give information online here, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111.

Iran has the largest Shia population of any country in the world. Photograph: Majid Saeedi/Getty ImagesJust as with Christianity, there are many denominations in Islam, with two major ones – Sunni Muslims and Shia Muslims. Iran has the largest Shia population of any country in the world, at 90 to 95 per cent of its 92 million people. Iran and Iraq fought a prolonged and bitter war between 1980 and 1988, despite Iraq’s large Shia population. Another country in the region with a substantial Shia population is Lebanon, where 31 per cent of its total population of 5.8 million are Shia.

Thus Formula One’s batty new era was seized on day one, as his confident calculation suggested it would be, by George Russell. Admittedly, there was his one lock-up in the Australian Grand Prix the Briton won comfortably and assuredly. He carries the strut of a man who knows he is the early favourite for the title. The slip occurred as a virtual safety car came out after Isack Hadjar’s Red Bull engine gave up the ghost. After all, there was no guarantee that an additional safety car, virtual of otherwise, would show up at a timely moment.

That Christmas, one of the brand's photo frames was spotted on Queen Elizabeth II's desk during her annual speech from Buckingham Palace. The design quickly became a signature piece for the brand and is still available to buy today for just £60, making it a thoughtful gift for Mother's Day or any special occasion. In recent years, Addison Ross has expanded well beyond frames, introducing an array of covetable home accessories. A personal favourite is the mother-of-pearl alarm clock - a chic detail guaranteed to elevate any bedside table. Whether you're refreshing your own home or searching for the perfect Mother's Day present, my edit below offers pieces guaranteed to delight.

Weekend Today co-host Michael Atkinson has been slammed online after he made some shock comments about menstruation during Sunday's episode. At one point, the male guest, Gavin, lowered his head as his female partner, Louise, spoke openly about the subject - prompting some questionable remarks from co-host Michael. Weekend Today co-host Michael Atkinson has been slammed online after he made some shock comments about menstruation during Sunday's episode. 'Literally International Women's Day,' a third chimed in. In February, Michael was announced as the new co-host of Weekend Today.

“That’s OK, Prime Minister Starmer, we don’t need them any longer — But we will remember. Mr Starmer later granted permission for “defensive” US action against Iranian missile sites from UK bases. The prime minister agreed on Sunday to allow the US to strike Iran defensively from Fairford and Diego Garcia, an island in the Indian Ocean. Writing in the Sunday Mirror, Mr Starmer said at moments like this the country needs “seriousness, not political games”. “The prime minister must stand firm against Trump’s bullying and avoid getting sucked further into this illegal and damaging war,” Ed Davey said.

Greenville, TX (75401)TodayMostly clear this evening then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low near 60F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph..TonightMostly clear this evening then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low near 60F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.