Alexander Katiraie
Blog
Roman-Era Treasures Stolen From Syria’s National Museum
The Damascus museum theft set off an official investigation in what may be one of Syria’s largest losses of antiquities in recent years.
Published: November 11, 2025, 7:24 pm
The Mysterious ‘Louvre Detective’ Was a 15-Year-Old Passer-by
The photo of a dapper man in a fedora sparked many questions: Was the person real? A Sherlock Holmes-inspired detective on the case? Or just being very French?
Published: November 11, 2025, 4:47 pm
Ban a Pro-Palestinian Group? The U.K. Government Thought Few Would Care.
Official advice provided to the government before its ban on Palestine Action underestimated the significant public protests that followed, records show.
Published: November 11, 2025, 4:47 pm
Sarah Jessica Parker Describes Her Year as a Booker Prize Judge
The actor had to read so many books (153) she bowed out of most family activities. Still, she said, collaborating to pick a winner was worth the sacrifice.
Published: November 11, 2025, 4:54 pm
Iraqis Are Voting for a New Parliament. Here’s What to Know.
Iraq is caught in a power struggle between Washington and Tehran, with the Trump administration insisting that the next government disarm powerful Iran-backed militias.
Published: November 11, 2025, 3:56 pm
As Iraqis Vote for a Parliament, U.S. Presses to Rid Country of Iran’s Influence
After a U.S. occupation, years of sectarian violence and a jihadist insurgency, Iraq has become an improbable haven of calm in the Middle East.
Published: November 11, 2025, 5:19 pm
2025 Booker Prize Goes to David Szalay’s ‘Flesh’
The rags-to-riches tale had already made fans of Zadie Smith and Dua Lipa. Roddy Doyle, who chaired the judging panel, called the book “singular” and “extraordinary.”
Published: November 11, 2025, 8:17 am
Why the BBC Is Facing Its Gravest Crisis in Decades
The British public service broadcaster apologized on Monday for a misleadingly edited documentary about President Trump. But the scandal had already claimed two of its top executives.
Published: November 11, 2025, 12:02 am
Trump Threatens to Sue the BBC for $1 Billion After Jan. 6 Documentary
A lawyer for President Trump said the BBC’s editing of a speech he gave was “defamatory.” The broadcaster apologized on Monday for an “error in judgment.”
Published: November 11, 2025, 2:12 am
Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Agencies Push Back Despite Zelensky Pressure
Months after Ukraine’s president tried to cripple them, the agencies said they had uncovered a major scheme involving the state-owned nuclear energy company.
Published: November 10, 2025, 9:35 pm
What to Know About the BBC Resignations and Turmoil Over a Trump Speech Edit
Two top executives quit after a memo by a former adviser said that the broadcaster had misleadingly edited a speech by President Trump.
Published: November 10, 2025, 10:32 pm
Nicolas Sarkozy, Former French President, Is Released From Prison Pending Appeal
Nicolas Sarkozy served about three weeks of a five-year prison sentence for his conviction in a campaign finance scandal.
Published: November 10, 2025, 5:57 pm
F.B.I. Director Is Said to Have Made a Pledge to Head of MI5, Then Broken It
The episode has contributed to concerns among intelligence allies that Kash Patel, brash and partisan, is also unpredictable and even unreliable.
Published: November 11, 2025, 8:39 am
As the Russia War Continues, Ukraine Faces a Major Draft Evasion Problem
Ukraine faces a major draft-evasion problem, but no place is quite like Vylkove, a Danube River town where men of draft age have all but vanished, many of them trying to avoid military service.
Published: November 10, 2025, 8:03 pm
BBC Director Tim Davie and CEO Deborah Turness Quit Following Trump Documentary Turmoil
The abrupt moves followed furor over claims that a documentary had misleadingly edited footage of President Trump’s speech before the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
Published: November 11, 2025, 3:26 pm
Emma Raducanu the rugby player? Tennis star is put through her paces as she pays visit to England squad ahead of crunch New Zealand clash
The tennis star shared her Grand Slam experiences as she joined up with Steve Borthwick's squad who are attempting to land their first victory over New Zealand since 2019.
Published: November 11, 2025, 7:21 pm
DAN BIGGAR: Why England WILL beat the All Blacks (and how I think they'll do it), my encounter with Thierry Henry and why South Africa are in a league of their own right now
The All Blacks are still a magnificent team. But I really do believe the aura of invincibility that once surrounded them isn't there now.
Published: November 11, 2025, 3:18 pm
England without two injured stars as Steve Borthwick names team with seven changes to face the All Blacks in huge Test
ALEX BYWATER: Steve Borthwick looked forward to the 'special challenge' of facing New Zealand but his England team will have to do so without a key duo.
Published: November 11, 2025, 2:37 pm
Sir Cliff Richard proves he's still got it at 85 as veteran singer wears a trendy double denim outfit ahead of his final Australian tour date in Brisbane
One could be forgiven for thinking Sir Cliff Richard was en route to the Australian jungle as he made his way across Brisbane Airport on Tuesday morning.
Published: November 11, 2025, 11:40 am
Mick Lane dead aged 99: British and Irish Lions star who was the final surviving member of first touring side after World War 2 passes away
The world of rugby is in mourning after Lane, who featured in the iconic team's first tour after World War 2, died in his home in Cork on Sunday.
Published: November 11, 2025, 10:58 am
England head coach Steve Borthwick monitoring injuries to key stars ahead of crunch New Zealand clash
ALEX BYWATER: Both players suffered their fitness issues in last Saturday's 38-18 victory over Fiji and were replaced in the second half. If they are absent, it will be a significant blow.
Published: November 11, 2025, 8:47 am
Iconic New Zealand rockers Split Enz set to reunite at Bluesfest 2026
Iconic New Zealand rockers Split Enz are reuniting to play their first shows in 17 years.
Published: November 11, 2025, 6:09 am
Revealing update on NRL star who had to have brain surgery after devastating series of head knocks as his loved ones continue their bedside vigil
Tongan forward Eli Katoa remains in hospital more than a week after he had to be given oxygen on the sideline after suffering a seizure.
Published: November 11, 2025, 3:54 am
Disgraced footy star who was jailed for smuggling 2kg of ice takes a HUGE step towards getting his life back on track
Former NRL player Manu Vatuvei has revealed that he is about to step into an exciting new chapter in his life by unveiling that he and his partner Eva have bought a house.
Published: November 10, 2025, 11:18 pm
Shirtless Jelly Roll is seen enjoying the sun on his hotel balcony in Sydney as he is slammed for cancelling his Auckland concert one hour before he was due on stage
Jelly Roll was spotted in Sydney on Friday just hours before he cancelled his New Zealand concert.
Published: November 10, 2025, 3:03 pm
American country music star is caught up wild brawl at a Melbourne Macca's after man 'spat at female worker'
The fight broke out during the Melbourne leg of the highly successful tour.
Published: November 10, 2025, 2:18 pm
Report: Andrew Mountbatten Windsor may have hyphen added to surname
After his titles were stripped, the ex-Duke was reintroduced to the world as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor - notably missing the hyphen traditionally used in the royal family's double-barrelled surname.
Published: November 11, 2025, 11:29 am
Little girl is fighting for her life after crash involving lorry
A young girl has been airlifted to hospital in a critical condition after a crash involving a lorry. The horror unfolded before 4pm on Monday.
Published: November 11, 2025, 3:58 am
CHRISTOPHER STEVENS reviews Trespasses on Channel 4: This wretched 70s-set Belfast drama is drowning in hatred, poverty and gin
At the end of the second episode of Trespasses, primary school teacher Cushla (Lola Petticrew) searches the house for her mother's hidden stashes of booze, and finds enough to fill Belfast docks.
Published: November 11, 2025, 1:36 am
Trespasses viewers have big complaint about Channel 4 drama - with 'shocking' issue distracting from Gillian Anderson's 'mesmerising' performance
Trespasses, which made its debut on Sunday night, stars Sex Education actress Gillian, 57, The Gold's Tom Cullen and Say Nothing's Lola Petticrew.
Published: November 10, 2025, 10:00 am