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The Dark Side of the Plate: What It's Like to Be a Dictator's Personal Chef Kim Jong-il loved pepperoni pizza. Saddam Hussein couldn’t resist a fish barbecue. Idi Amin reportedly had the capacity for an entire roasted goat. The menus may have differed, but the appetite was the same. For history’s most notorious strongmen, the dining table doubled as a stage for power. For the cooks who served them, every meal came with extraordinary stakes. The Lives of Dictators' Chefs In his latest film, How to Feed a Dictator, which premieres at the Tribeca film festival, five private chefs recount their intimate experiences serving some of the world’s most feared dictators and the ever-present dangers that came with the job. Based on the 2020 book by the Polish journalist Witold Szabłowski, the 95-minute documentary probes the fraught terrain between morality and survival, asking viewers to consider the choices these chefs made – and the choices they never really had. The Moral Complexity Much like the menu on offer, the perspectives vary wildly. We meet Keo Samoun at the unkempt gravesite of her former boss, the Cambodian dictator Pol Pot, laying out a spread of fish, fruit and rice for a man she still regards almost as a god. Famed pizzaiolo Ermanno Furlanis, by contrast, recalls the terror of making pies for Kim Jong-il – his life under surveillance, his passport under guard, the state apparatchik who barged into his kitchen to ensure the olives on one pizza were spaced just so. The Price of Loyalty No chef is as tormented by their service as Ugandan Charles Otonde Odera. He describes his early days working for Ugandan despot Idi Amin as life-changing – a poor villager scraping by one day, and the next driving a Mercedes, supporting eight wives, and living in extraordinary comfort as Amin terrorized and brutalized the local masses. For all the chefs, comfort was the trade. By most measures, theirs was a great gig – logic that can excuse almost anything. The Future of Accountability The dissonance appears to bring Samoun to a breaking point. “Even though he made mistakes, it couldn’t all be bad,” she says, weeping. The film implicitly makes clear that the thought of playing the hero and poisoning a dictator never occurs to these chefs. Entry into a dictator’s inner circle requires a level of deep trust that also ensures distance from those on the outside.

The Lead: 100 Days of Conflict Beirut, Lebanon – Tuesday marks 100 days since the beginning of Israel's second military intensification against Lebanon in less than two years. Over the last 100 days, Israeli forces have destroyed dozens of villages in southern Lebanon. Despite rounds of direct diplomatic talks between Israel and Lebanon, multiple efforts to fully implement a ceasefire have fallen by the wayside. The Event Details: Escalating Violence Israel's latest war on Lebanon began on March 2, shortly after Hezbollah fired six rockets at Israel. Since then, Israel has killed more than 3,600 people in Lebanon, according to the country's Ministry of Public Health, including at least 245 children. Another 11,000 people have been wounded in Israeli attacks, among them at least 900 children. The Data Analysis: Humanitarian Crisis At least 1.2 million people have been forcibly displaced from their homes in southern Lebanon, eastern Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, and Beirut's southern suburbs. Many of them have been displaced more than once. Israel's military has also driven deeper into Lebanese territory – occupying about 2,000sq km (770sq miles) – than at any point since it occupied south Lebanon in 2000. The Impact Analysis: Regional Implications The conflict has drawn in regional powers, with Iran pledging to link the conflict to any ceasefire deal it makes with the United States and Israel. Hezbollah's main benefactor, Iran, has also tried to tie Lebanon to any ceasefire agreement between itself and Israel and the US. The Lebanese government is trying to impose its authority, and is under pressure from the US and Israel to crack down on Hezbollah. The Prediction: Uncertain Future Analysts believe Israel is not planning on withdrawing from Lebanon, with Israeli officials stating they will occupy up to the Litani River. The situation remains volatile, with no lasting ceasefire in sight. Hezbollah's secretary-general Naim Qassem labelled the latest ceasefire agreement a “shameless” attempt to annihilate part of the Lebanese people.

Five civilians were killed in Russian missile and drone strikes across Ukraine’s Kharkiv and Donetsk regions on 8‑9 June 2026, including a pregnant woman, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised a recent phone call with U.S. special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner aimed at reviving diplomacy.Deadly Russian Strikes Hit Kharkiv and DonetskOvernight missile attacks hit the town of Chuhuiv in the northeastern Kharkiv region, injuring six people and damaging residential buildings and shops. In the city of Kharkiv, a drone strike wounded 16, including children, and set a building ablaze. Separate strikes in Donetsk’s Bilozerske and Druzhkivka killed two people, while 11 others were injured in Sloviansk and Shabelkivka.Casualties and Damage: The Human TollKharkiv region: 3 dead (including a pregnant woman) + 6 injured in Chuhuiv.Kharkiv city: 16 wounded in drone attack.Donetsk region: 2 dead in Bilozerske and Druzhkivka; 11 injured elsewhere.Diplomatic Momentum: Zelenskyy’s Call with US EnvoysPresident Zelenskyy posted on X that his conversation with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner was “very positive.” He thanked them for their readiness to “rein­vigorate diplomacy aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine” and noted that, despite global focus on Iran, “our shared goal of peace in Europe remains on the agenda.”Geopolitical Ripple Effects: G7, NATO and Coalition CoordinationFollowing Zelenskyy’s call, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron issued a joint statement reaffirming “unwavering support” for Ukraine. They discussed leveraging upcoming G7, NATO and the “Coalition of the Willing” summits to increase pressure on Russia’s war economy and to boost military and defence assistance.Outlook: Prospects for Negotiations and Military SupportZelenskyy’s interview with The Guardian suggested internal divisions within the Russian leadership, hinting that “half of them want to continue this war, half want to stop.” While President Vladimir Putin dismissed a direct meeting as premature, the combination of intensified Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil facilities and heightened diplomatic activity could create leverage for future negotiations, especially as the G7 summit approaches in France.

In late May 2026, almost 700 students gathered on Leipzig University’s central square, raised yellow cards and voted overwhelmingly for the student council to sever all ties with Israeli universities—a move that epitomises a rapidly expanding wave of Palestinian solidarity on German campuses. The Leipzig Student Council Vote to Cut Israeli Ties The vote, described by 22‑year‑old Orlando Becker of Students for Palestine Leipzig as a “historic moment for Germany,” called for an immediate halt to collaborations with five Israeli partner universities, which the activists argue are linked to Israel’s military complex. University officials later denied the students permission to use a lecture hall for a general assembly, citing concerns over “partisan statements” and alleged restrictions on academic freedom. Numbers Behind the Campus Boycott Wave 700 students participated in the Leipzig vote. 1,300 signatures were collected to trigger a general student assembly. Student councils in Berlin (Hertie School) and Dusseldorf (Heinrich‑Heine University) have also passed or debated similar BDS‑style resolutions. At the Hertie School, the BDS resolution passed with over 90 % in favour and no opposition. Previous campus actions include a November 2023 occupation at Free University of Berlin and a May 2024 takeover of Humboldt University’s Institute of Social Sciences. Implications for German Academia and State Policy The surge in student‑led boycotts challenges Germany’s long‑standing “Staatsraison” – the perceived national interest of supporting Israel – and raises questions about the autonomy of state‑funded universities. While the Bundestag labels BDS as extremist, it remains legal, creating a gray area for institutions that must balance legal freedom of expression with political pressure. Experts such as Uffa Jensen of the Center for Research on Antisemitism at TU Berlin note that, unlike the swift government‑mandated cut‑off of Russian university ties after the Ukraine invasion, German authorities have so far allowed collaborations with Israeli institutions to continue, signaling a differentiated policy response. Future Trajectory of BDS Support in German Universities Analysts anticipate that the momentum will continue as more student bodies organize petitions, occupy lecture halls and demand transparency about research links to the Israeli defense sector. However, potential legal challenges, funding threats and heightened security measures could temper the pace of change. Should the movement sustain its current scale, universities may face increased scrutiny over joint projects, especially in fields such as archaeology, surveillance technology and weapons research, prompting a re‑evaluation of partnership criteria across Germany’s higher‑education landscape.

The World Cup Stage Set The 2026 FIFA World Cup is on the horizon, and football fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the tournament's group stage. Groups E-H promise to deliver some of the most compelling matchups of the competition, featuring traditional powerhouses and emerging nations vying for a place in the knockout rounds. Groups E-H: Tournament Structure Groups E-H will form the second half of the World Cup's initial stage, following the conclusion of Groups A-D. Each group consists of four teams, with the top two advancing to the round of 16. The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded format with 48 teams competing across 16 groups. Team Breakdown: Groups E-H Group E features Spain, Costa Rica, Japan, and Ecuador. Spain enters as the favorite with their experienced squad and technical prowess. Group F contains Belgium, Morocco, Panama, and Canada, with Belgium looking to rebound from previous tournament disappointments. Group G includes Brazil, Ivory Coast, Turkey, and Australia, where Brazil is expected to dominate. Finally, Group H comprises Germany, Colombia, South Korea, and Ghana, with Germany seeking to reestablish their World Cup dominance. Key Matchups to Watch Several fixtures stand out as potential tournament-defining games. In Group E, Spain vs. Japan promises a tactical battle between European and Asian styles. Group F features Belgium vs. Morocco, a rematch of the 2022 World Cup. Group G's Brazil vs. Turkey encounter could showcase the South American giant's attacking prowess. In Group H, Germany vs. South Korea presents an intriguing clash of football philosophies. Tournament Impact Analysis The composition of Groups E-H creates several compelling narratives. The presence of multiple European powerhouses (Spain, Belgium, Germany) means these groups will be particularly competitive, with no guaranteed advancement. Additionally, the inclusion of host nation Canada in Group F adds an emotional dimension to their matches. The geographical spread of teams across these groups ensures global representation in the knockout stages. 2026 World Cup Outlook As the tournament approaches, Groups E-H are expected to produce some of the most dramatic moments. Traditional football powers will face challenges from emerging nations, potentially creating upsets that define the tournament. The expanded format means more teams will have realistic chances to advance, increasing the unpredictability and excitement of the World Cup's opening stage.

The Unwelcome Reception Donald Trump’s appearance courtside at Madison Square Garden was supposed to be a historic moment, as, for the first time, a sitting president of the United States was attending an NBA Finals game. A Divided Crowd Instead, his arrival became part of the story, drawing boos from sections of the crowd and triggering a massive security operation that reshaped the atmosphere around the storied New York arena on Monday night. When his image flashed up on the big screen during the national anthem, many fans jeered, underlining how sharply divided the country remains even in a space usually reserved for shared celebration. A Tense Security Operation Outside, Manhattan’s streets were locked down. Metal fencing, airport-style screening and a heavy Secret Service and police presence kept ticketless fans blocks away. Long queues formed as supporters queued early, while others gathered at public viewing areas across the city. A Star-Studded Event Inside, however, the spectacle went on. Hollywood actors, musicians, former players and New York fixtures filled the front rows, turning the event into a star-studded night out. The Game Between the celebrity sightings, the political undertones and a tense 115-111 Spurs win, this was a New York basketball night unlike any other – on and off the court.

US Revokes Iran’s World Cup Ticket Quota Amid Diplomatic TensionsIran’s Football Federation (FFIRI) announced that the United States has withdrawn the ticket allocation earmarked for Iranian supporters at the 2026 World Cup group‑stage matches. The statement, released less than three days before the tournament’s kickoff, accuses the co‑host nation of deliberately obstructing Iranian fans under the shadow of a broader diplomatic row.Ticket Allocation Mechanics and the 8% RuleFIFA regulations grant each participating federation 8 percent of the seats for every match, to be distributed through official channels. FFIRI confirmed it had already begun selling tickets for the three group matches against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, after receiving its quota.New Zealand vs Iran – Los Angeles, June 15Belgium vs Iran – Los Angeles, June 21Egypt vs Iran – Seattle, June 26Financial and Logistical Implications of the WithdrawalThe sudden revocation means the federation cannot provide even a single ticket to its supporters, despite fans having already booked travel and accommodation. While exact ticket numbers were not disclosed, the 8% share across three matches would represent several thousand seats, translating into lost revenue for both the federation and local vendors.Broader Repercussions for US‑Iran Sports RelationsThe ticket dispute follows a series of visa denials that have kept roughly 15 Iranian staff members out of the United States. It also prompted Iran to relocate its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico. Both sides have yet to comment publicly, but the episode underscores how geopolitical friction can spill over into global sporting events, challenging the principle of neutrality that FIFA espouses.What May Come Next for Iranian Fans and FIFAFFIRI has called on FIFA and the tournament organisers to uphold fairness and ensure Iranian supporters can attend. Potential outcomes include:FIFA intervening to mediate a ticket re‑allocation.Iran seeking alternative channels, such as third‑party ticket resellers, albeit at higher costs.Further diplomatic pressure on the United States to ease bureaucratic barriers before the tournament concludes.The situation remains fluid, and the resolution—or lack thereof—will likely set a precedent for how host nations handle political disputes during future international competitions.

The Record MENA Presence at World Cup 2026The Middle East and North Africa region (MENA) will be represented by a record eight teams at the 2026 World Cup: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia. Iran, which is geographically in the Middle East, is part of the Central Asian Football Association.The participation of so many Arabic-speaking teams at a World Cup is unprecedented. Morocco's historic feat of becoming the first Arab nation to reach the World Cup semifinals at the World Cup in Qatar in 2022 has bolstered the confidence of other MENA countries. Some teams believe they now have a shot at reaching the knockout phases in North America.Algeria: Desert Warriors Seeking RedemptionWorld Cup appearances: 5 (1982, 1986, 2010, 2014, 2026)Best finish: Round of 16 (2014)Overall record: W3 D3 L7FIFA world ranking: 28Algeria return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014, carrying a familiar sense of optimism tempered by questions over consistency. The Desert Warriors were one of Africa's most feared sides after winning the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), but the years that followed brought more frustration than success, including the heartbreaking failure to qualify for Qatar 2022. Now, back on football's biggest stage, Algeria arrive with a talented squad, a blend of experienced leaders and emerging stars and a chance for their golden generation to make one last statement.StrengthsFew African teams can match Algeria's attacking depth. With Riyad Mahrez providing experience and creativity alongside emerging talents such as Mohamed Amoura and Adil Boulbina, the Desert Warriors possess the quality to trouble any defence. The squad also benefits from a strong core of players competing at a high level in Europe.WeaknessesDefensive inconsistency remains Algeria's biggest concern. Head coach Vladimir Petkovic has occasionally struggled to mould his attacking talent into a balanced unit, while uncertainty in the goalkeeping department could become a significant issue heading into the tournament.The drawAlgeria face a difficult challenge in Group J alongside defending champions Argentina, Austria and World Cup debutants Jordan. The opening match against Argentina will be a big test, but the Arab derby against Jordan could prove decisive in the battle for qualification before the Desert Warriors conclude the group stage against Austria. If they can avoid defeat against Jordan and take something from Austria, a place in the knockout rounds is well within reach.Players to watchMahrez remains Algeria's talisman and most recognisable player. Amoura brings pace and directness in attack, while Boulbina offers another exciting attacking option.PredictionElimination in the round of 32Egypt: Pharaohs Seeking First World Cup VictoryWorld Cup appearances: 4 (1934, 1990, 2018, 2026)Best finish: Group stageOverall record: W0 D2 L5FIFA world ranking: 29Egypt and the conundrum at the heart of African football. This is a headline that could well sum up Egypt's story with the World Cup. The Pharaohs remain the dominant force in the AFCON with seven trophies, yet they are still chasing their first World Cup victory. For a country that has dominated the continent for decades and produced a long list of stars, this conundrum remains remarkable. So while other Arab teams would be looking to progress further in the tournament, most Egyptians would cherish a victory in the group stage as an achievement in itself.StrengthsEgypt are one of Africa's most dangerous and lethal attacking units. They combine technical quality, experience and pace in transition. Added to this, the Pharaohs benefit from years of competing in high-pressure continental tournaments, a fact which has helped forge a resilient mentality capable of handling the demands of a World Cup.WeaknessesDespite their attacking talent, Egypt can be overly reliant on a handful of key players to provide moments of inspiration. Defensive lapses against top-level opposition have also been a recurring issue, and the team has occasionally struggled to impose itself against the world's elite sides.The drawEgypt have been handed a mixed draw in Group G and will fancy their chances of competing for qualification. They will begin their campaign as underdogs against Belgium, given the Red Devils' superior depth and quality, but they will view the game against New Zealand as the one they must win before facing one of Asia's most disciplined sides, Iran.PredictionElimination in the round of 32Iraq: Lions of Mesopotamia Return After 40 YearsWorld Cup appearances: 2 (1986, 2026)Best finish: Group stage (1986)Overall record: W0 D0 L3FIFA world ranking: 56Iraq return to the World Cup after a 40-year absence, carrying the hopes of a football-crazy nation that has spent decades waiting for this moment. While reaching the tournament is already an achievement, Iraqis are optimistic the team could do more than just make up the numbers. Iraq secured their spot in the competition after a gruelling qualification campaign, and with luck, they can cause huge upsets.StrengthsIraq's greatest strength is their mentality. They have built a reputation for grinding out results, often winning by narrow margins and showing remarkable resilience under pressure. Set pieces are another key weapon, with Aymen Hussein among the best aerial threats in Asian football. Veteran goalkeeper Jalal Hassan also provides security at the back after recording one of the best clean sheet records in Asian qualifying.WeaknessesGoals could be difficult to come by against elite opposition. Iraq's attacking play relies heavily on Aymen Hussein and a limited number of attacking patterns. If opponents successfully negate those threats, the team can struggle to create chances consistently from open play.The drawIraq face one of the toughest draws of any Arab nation at the tournament. The Lions of Mesopotamia have been grouped with France, Senegal and Norway, leaving little margin for error. The opening match against Norway could effectively shape the entire campaign as it may represent Iraq's best opportunity to claim points before facing France in the second game. The final group match against Senegal will also be a key test against one of Africa's strongest sides.Players to watchHussein remains Iraq's biggest attacking weapon thanks to his aerial dominance and ability to deliver in crucial moments. Veteran goalkeeper Jalal Hassan brings leadership and experience after playing a key role in qualification. Midfielder Zidane Iqbal offers creativity and composure in possession, while Ali Jasim is regarded as one of Iraq's brightest young talents, who is capable of producing moments of individual brilliance on the biggest stage.PredictionElimination in the group stage, but capable of making life difficult for Group D opponentsJordan: First-Time Participants Aim to ImpressWorld Cup appearances: 1 (2026)FIFA world ranking: 63Jordan enter their first ever World Cup with a determination to make a positive impression despite being drawn into a challenging group featuring Argentina, Algeria and Austria. After remarkable progress in recent years, highlighted by reaching the AFC Asian Cup final, Jordan are seen as an emerging force built on defensive discipline and quick transitions. Under head coach Jamal Sellami and represented by key players such as Mousa Al-Tamari and Ali Olwan, Jordan hope their debut can become more than just a memorable appearance.StrengthsJordan's strengths are their organisation and team cohesion. The squad is well-drilled defensively, difficult to break down while relying on compact shape and disciplined positioning. The team is also dangerous on the counterattack, with Mousa Al-Tamari providing pace, creativity and the ability to create chances in transition. Jordan's recent success at the Asian Cup demonstrated their ability to compete with stronger opponents through collective effort and tactical discipline.WeaknessesA lack of World Cup experience could be a significant obstacle. Jordan also lack the overall squad depth and individual star power of the other teams in the group. As a result, injuries or suspensions to key players could have a notable impact. Scoring consistently against elite opposition may also prove challenging if the team is forced to spend long periods without possession.The drawJordan face one of the toughest groups possible on their World Cup debut. Defending champions Argentina are clear favourites, while Algeria and Austria appear to be direct rivals in the battle for second place. The match against Algeria could be the one Jordan would target as the route to the last 32.Players to watchMousa Al-Tamari is Jordan's standout player and biggest attacking threat, capable of changing games with his dribbling and pace. Ali Olwan provides an important goal-scoring presence in attack.PredictionElimination in the group stageMorocco: Atlas Lions Aim to Build on Historic 2022 RunWorld Cup appearances: 7 (1970, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2018, 2022, 2026)Best finish: Fourth place (2022)Overall record: W6 D6 L11FIFA world ranking: 7Morocco enter the 2026 World Cup with a very different status from previous tournaments. The Atlas Lions are no longer viewed as outsiders capable of causing an upset. They are now expected to challenge the world's best after becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the semifinals in 2022. With a settled squad, a winning mentality and a blend of established stars and emerging talent, Morocco arrive in North America believing another deep run and a shot at the biggest prize are possible.StrengthsMorocco possess one of the most complete squads in the tournament. The Atlas Lions combine defensive solidity with technical quality and attacking flair, while years of playing together have created a strong sense of cohesion. With world-class players across the pitch, Morocco have the ability to adapt to different opponents and match situations.WeaknessesUnlike other Arab teams, the only weakness that could hinder Morocco's World Cup dream is the pressure of expectation, which may prove to be the biggest challenge. The Atlas Lions will no longer benefit from being underestimated by opponents.

The Booker Prize Foundation is rolling out a new Quick Read anthology titled All Around the World this week, aiming to boost reading among adults who struggle to finish books, a problem highlighted by recent literacy research.Quick Reads Expands with “All Around the World” AnthologyThe collection features stories by Booker winners Anne Enright, David Szalay and International Booker nominee Nadifa Mohamed, curated by former winner Roddy Doyle. It will be sold for £1 from Thursday, with the foundation donating 12,000 copies to readers facing barriers, including the prison‑reading programme Books Unlocked. The Big Issue will distribute 300 physical copies and offer a free digital and audio download to its readers.Reading Habits Data Highlights Growing Literacy Gap55% of UK adults say they read less than they intend to.19% of 16‑ to 24‑year‑olds feel their culture is under‑represented in books.Four in ten respondents abandon books because they “lose interest”.22% cite lack of time, and 21% cite cost as barriers.The forthcoming State of the Nation’s Adult Reading report, due later this summer, underpins the Quick Reads push.Potential Ripple Effects on UK Literacy and PublishingBy delivering affordable, curated stories, the initiative seeks to:Increase accessibility for low‑income and incarcerated readers.Provide representation that may re‑engage disengaged demographics.Strengthen the market for short‑form literature, encouraging publishers to invest in similar projects.Roddy Doyle describes the book as “an invitation to read”, emphasizing how bite‑size narratives can lower entry barriers.What’s Next for Adult Literacy Initiatives in the UK?The Reading Agency will publish the full adult‑reading report this summer, likely shaping policy and funding decisions. If the Quick Reads model proves successful, we may see:Expanded partnerships with retailers and community organisations.More free digital‑audio bundles targeting underserved groups.Potential scaling of the model to other regions beyond England.Stakeholders will watch sales, donation uptake, and feedback from the Big Issue distribution to gauge impact and inform future literacy strategies.