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The recent conflict between the United States and Iran has sparked concerns over military overextension and the US's strategic approach in the Middle East. The war, initiated by President Donald Trump, has been characterized as a 'boomer war,' with limited support among younger generations. According to the article, the conflict's popularity declines with each younger cohort, with only one in five adults under 30 supporting the war.The author, Stephen Wertheim, argues that the war is anachronistic and reflects an outdated approach to foreign policy. He notes that every president since Trump, most notably Trump himself, has repudiated regime-change wars in the Middle East. The conflict has also raised concerns about the US's military capabilities and its strategic priorities in the region.Wertheim suggests that the war may be a last-ditch effort by older generations to impose their will on the region. He notes that sympathy for Israel is declining among millennials and Gen Z, which may have factored into the decision to launch the war. The article also highlights the risks of escalation and the potential for further conflict in the region.The author concludes that the US must reevaluate its approach to the Middle East and avoid tying itself to the region's problems. He argues that Americans must act to make warmakers pay a steep political price to prevent future conflicts. Ultimately, the article suggests that the US-Iran conflict is a critical moment for the US to reassess its foreign policy priorities and avoid further entanglement in the region.

Lonely lives, falling between the gaps, are at the heart of this 1935 psychological thriller by Rodney Ackland, adapted from Hugh Walpole's novel. It's an atmospheric period piece, but isn't entirely a stretch to reflect on our own concerns about solitude in an ageing population.The three ladies in an English cathedral town are without partners, families or much of an income. They eke out their genteel poverty in a rickety boarding house. They weren't raised to work; Miss Beringer, in desperate need of a job, can only imagine becoming a paid companion or, possibly, flower arranging.In Brigid Larmour's finely etched production, irritable passions ferment beneath the frowsty knits and beads. The characters are prey to spite and greed, nerves and night terrors. Voices are tremulous; eyes glance at a fearful future.Beringer is the new lodger: Catherine Cusack, whittled by anxiety, timidly nibbles on a scallop-edged biscuit. She is welcomed by Julia Watson's Mrs Amorest, flustered but keeping up appearances. Down to her last £10, she writes into the void to a long-absent son.The third lady is Agatha. Fruitily overblown in the novel, that's how Edith Evans played her in 1935. Abigail Thaw makes her disconcertingly eccentric: forbidding in jet black, she mocks and snaps at quivering Miss Beringer. She covets Beringer's one cherished possession – a translucent chunk of amber from a beloved female friend.It's a play of cross-hatched conversations and melodramatic plotting. Larmour's design team help turn the screw: the dank-toned house and clothes in tones of moth and cobweb, a bitter wind blowing.Ackland's plays about rackety lives are increasingly revived. He, Walpole and John Gielgud, the play's original director, were all queer artists, and it's tempting to imagine them drawn to these lives on the margins of British society. Though these ladies don't so much rage against the dying of the light as wait, fearfully, to be snuffed out.

Bruce Hornsby, the acclaimed pianist and musician, has experienced an unexpected resurgence in his career, releasing four studio albums in just five years. His latest album, Indigo Park, marks a significant shift towards more personal and reflective songwriting.In a recent interview with The Guardian, Hornsby shared insights into his life and music, revealing a dry and zany personality with an innocence that belies his years. He discussed his upbringing in the segregated south, where his aunt was a prominent voice in support of integration, and how these experiences influenced his music, including his hit song The Way It Is.Hornsby's musical journey has been marked by eclectic influences, from jazz and classical to rock and folk. He studied jazz in Miami and later attended the prestigious Berklee College in Boston. His respect for the everyday beauty of American music is evident in his work, which often combines atonality with satisfying resolutions.The artist has had a long and varied career, playing with notable artists such as Sheena Easton and Huey Lewis, and even being an unofficial member of the Grateful Dead. His political activism is also reflected in his music, with songs like The End of the Innocence and The Don of Dons, a satire of Donald Trump.Indigo Park, described as "an old bastard looking back on life," showcases Hornsby's musical genius and emotional depth. The album was inspired by personal experiences and dreams, including one where his late father appeared in his bedroom. Hornsby's creative process involves driving to the center of Williamsburg to play his music for friends and family, seeking their reactions and validation.As Hornsby continues to tour and perform, he remains cautious about his health and selective about his engagements. His music halls and festival tours with his jam band, the Noisemakers, are highly anticipated events.

The recent news of a six-year-old girl killed in Lebanon by an Israeli bomb has left many in tears. The child's tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of war. As we bear witness to such horrors, it's essential that we don't turn away, but instead, take a moment to reflect on the human cost of conflict. The girl's death is a heart-wrenching example of the innocent lives lost in the ongoing violence. It's crucial that we acknowledge the pain and suffering of those affected, rather than becoming desensitized to the news. By doing so, we can work towards a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding these conflicts. The international community must consider the long-term effects of war on civilians, particularly children. The emotional toll of such experiences can be profound and lasting. As we move forward, it's essential that we prioritize empathy and compassion in our response to these tragedies. Ultimately, it's our collective responsibility to stay informed and engaged, ensuring that the voices of those affected are heard and their stories are told. By doing so, we can work towards a more nuanced understanding of the world and its complexities.

Ben Jennings, a renowned cartoonist for The Guardian, has created a thought-provoking cartoon titled 'Ben Jennings on Donald Trump and the moon mission.' This satirical piece delves into the intersection of US politics and space exploration, specifically focusing on Donald Trump's involvement in the moon mission.The cartoon, published on March 30, 2026, presents a visual commentary on the political landscape and the ambitious goals of space exploration. While the exact details of the cartoon are not provided, it is clear that Jennings' work aims to stimulate discussion and reflection on the current state of affairs.Jennings' cartoons are known for their insightful and often humorous take on contemporary issues. This particular piece is no exception, offering a unique perspective on the relationship between political figures and scientific endeavors.

The 2000 film 'The Beach', directed by Danny Boyle and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, evokes a sense of nostalgia and adventure in its viewers. The movie follows Richard, a young traveler who embarks on a journey to discover a hidden beach in Thailand, symbolizing the pursuit of freedom and the unknown. At its core, 'The Beach' is about living wildly and embracing uncertainty, a theme that resonates with many travelers. The film's protagonist, Richard, is driven by a desire to escape the monotony of daily life and find something more meaningful. This sentiment is echoed in the film's iconic soundtrack, which features tracks like 'Porcelain' by Moby. However, the film also critiques the impact of mass tourism on local environments and cultures. The movie's portrayal of a utopian island community, led by the enigmatic Sal (played by Tilda Swinton), ultimately unravels into chaos, highlighting the fragility of idealistic worlds. The article's author reflects on the film's enduring appeal, noting that it continues to inspire a sense of wanderlust and adventure in viewers. Despite its dated CGI and mixed reviews, 'The Beach' remains a beloved film that captures the raw spirit of travel and exploration. In a poignant twist, the real-life beach where the film was shot is now overrun with tourists, serving as a testament to the film's prophetic commentary on the consequences of unchecked tourism.

A powerful and unusual weather pattern has unleashed severe thunderstorms across parts of the Middle East, battering countries including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The Arabian peninsula, typically dominated by arid desert climates, received up to 150mm of rain in just a few days.The deluge was caused by an abnormally strong jet stream, which helped a deep area of low pressure to develop north of Saudi Arabia. This, in turn, drew moist tropical air from the Indian Ocean and triggered intense storms.In Oman, hailstones as large as tennis balls fell during Wednesday evening's storms, alongside torrential rain. Doha, Qatar's capital, experienced flooding the same day.Further thunderstorms developed on Thursday evening, with a more organised line crossing the UAE and hitting densely populated areas such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Gusts of up to 80mph, large hail and intense lightning were reported, as heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding.A weather station on Jebel Yanas in northern UAE recorded 244mm of rainfall, with many others exceeding 100mm in just a few days, far surpassing typical annual totals of 60-100mm. The event reflects a broader global trend of storms bringing more intense rainfall as the climate warms.Attention is shifting to the Mediterranean, where a developing low-pressure system south-east of Italy is expected to bring heavy rain and thunderstorms to Greece, Turkey and other countries in south-east Europe this week.

Ella Hopkins recounts her experience of walking in London while wearing noise-cancelling headphones, absorbed in her own world, until one evening when she noticed a stranger in distress on the pavement. Without her headphones, she was able to respond and call for help. The incident made her realize how much she had been missing by being isolated in her own bubble of sound. She decided to ditch her headphones and become more aware of her surroundings. As she started to notice the world around her, Hopkins discovered a new appreciation for the city. She heard hedges humming with bees, snippets of conversations between friends, and preachers shouting about saving souls. She became more open to talking to people and even started learning about bird calls. Hopkins reflects on the benefits of being present, including a greater sense of connection to her community and a newfound appreciation for the beauty of nature. While she still enjoys listening to music and audiobooks, she now does so more consciously, as a choice rather than a crutch. The experience taught her the importance of being aware of her surroundings and the positive impact it had on her life. She concludes that sometimes, it's the simple act of being present that can make all the difference.

A sexual assault survivor has spoken out against Travelodge's decision to cancel a meeting with MPs, calling it 'shocking'. The meeting was intended to discuss the hotel chain's security processes and procedures that allowed the assault to occur.The survivor, who was attacked by Kyran Smith in December 2022, expressed her disappointment and frustration with Travelodge's handling of the incident. More than 20 MPs had demanded the meeting to discuss the matter, including details of the chain's security processes and procedures that led to it offering the victim an 'insulting' £30 refund after the incident.Prime Minister Keir Starmer had written to Travelodge's CEO, Jo Boydell, saying he was 'very concerned' about the meeting's cancellation. He pressed the hotel chain to 'seriously engage' with MPs over the 'utterly appalling' assault.The survivor told ITV's Good Morning Britain: 'I think if you are the CEO of a company, then you have a responsibility to answer these questions and engage in that situation, and say how you're going to now improve.' She also expressed her skepticism about Boydell's claims that the hotel rooms had deadbolts, saying it was 'deflection'.Boydell has apologized to the survivor and said the company had made immediate changes to its door key policy. However, the survivor is taking legal action against the hotel chain.