All posts tagged: return

What al-Maliki’s return would mean for Iraq and the region | Opinions

What al-Maliki’s return would mean for Iraq and the region | Opinions

Published by Sam Flores

Two weeks ago, incumbent Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced his withdrawal from the premiership race. Amid political negotiations following the November elections, this move effectively paved the way for former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to return to power. This development is not just an act of political recycling; it reflects the failure of Iraqi state-building after the United States invasion of 2003. Under al-Maliki, Iraq may well go back to the disastrous policies that in 2014 led to the rise of ISIL (ISIS). Sectarian politics In reflecting on what al-Maliki’s return could possibly mean for Iraq, it is important to examine his track record. In 2006, when he was first nominated for the prime minister’s post, the administration of US President George W Bush supported him. Washington did so in the name of stability and trust, despite the early red flags. By November 2006, just six months after al-Maliki came to power, US National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley was already raising concerns about his ability to rein in violence against the Sunni population. …

Andy Burnham ‘disappointed’ after bid to return as MP blocked by Labour’s governing body | Politics News

Andy Burnham ‘disappointed’ after bid to return as MP blocked by Labour’s governing body | Politics News

Published by Sam Flores

Andy Burnham has said he is “disappointed” after Labour’s governing body blocked him from standing as an MP at the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election. Mr Burnham formally requested permission to stand for the contest on Saturday. As mayor of Manchester, he needed permission to contest a different political election. Mr Burnham’s return to Westminster was seen by many as a potential challenge to Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership. Labour‘s National Executive Committee (NEC) voted to block the mayor’s request on Sunday. Sky News understands the 10-person panel voted eight to one to block Mr Burnham’s bid, with only Deputy Leader Lucy Powell backing him. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, chair of the NEC – Labour’s governing body – abstained. Image: Sir Keir Starmer voted personally to block Andy Burnham’s bid to return to Westminster as an MP. Pic: Reuters The prime minister was among those voting against Mr Burnham, joined by union figures and other Labour Party representatives. Mr Burnham said he was “disappointed” by the decision, and said he was “concerned about its potential impact …

Andy Burnham opens door to Commons return and will seek to stand in by-election | Politics News

Andy Burnham opens door to Commons return and will seek to stand in by-election | Politics News

Published by Sam Flores

Andy Burnham has said he has sought permission to enter the selection process to run as a candidate for the Labour Party in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election. The Greater Manchester mayor said on X: “I have today written to the Chair of Labour’s National Executive Committee seeking permission to enter the selection process for a candidate for the forthcoming Gorton and Denton by-election.” It comes after former minister Andrew Gwynne formally stepped down on Friday on health grounds. As a directly-elected mayor, Mr Burnham needs to get approval from Labour’s ruling national executive committee (NEC) before entering the race to be the party’s candidate. X This content is provided by X, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable X cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options. Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you …

The Traitors: When Will It Return For Season 5 And Celebrity Season 2?

The Traitors: When Will It Return For Season 5 And Celebrity Season 2?

Published by Sam Flores

From Amanda’s kamikaze mission to Fiona’s explosive argument with Rachel – not to mention, of course, that action-packed finale – season four of The Traitors has consistently had us on the edge of our seats over the last four weeks. Now that the castle gates are closed for another season, fans around the nation will no doubt already be getting withdrawal symptoms. Fear not, though, because lots Traitors action is coming to our screens in the near future, with plenty of shocking banishings, dramatic missions and betrayals to look forward to. So, when are we in for the next instalment of The Traitors…? Has The Traitors UK season 5 been confirmed, and when will it air? Claudia Winkleman with the cast of The Traitors 2026 BBC/Studio Lambert/Cody Burridge/Matt Burlem The BBC has already confirmed another series of The Traitors is in the pipeline, and they are looking for new and willing Traitors and Faithfuls to take part. Applications opened for the series in November last year, so if you’ve spent the last four weeks telling …

Politics Home Article | Labour MPs Divided As Andy Burnham Eyes Westminster Return

Politics Home Article | Labour MPs Divided As Andy Burnham Eyes Westminster Return

Published by Sam Flores

Keir Starmer with Andy Burnham in 2024 | Alamy 5 min read3 hr Andrew Gwynne’s resignation may have cleared a path for Andy Burnham’s return to Westminster, prompting a stark divide among Labour MPs and a fresh headache for Keir Starmer. The Mayor of Greater Manchester is perceived as having been ‘on manoeuvres’ for months. He has been openly critical of Starmer’s leadership style and reported that Labour MPs have encouraged him to consider a leadership challenge, fuelling speculation about his intentions should a Commons seat become available. As first reported by The Times, former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner is understood to be planning to publicly support Burnham on Saturday to stand in the Gorton and Denton by-election – going against the current No 10 wish to block him. Burnham’s support base within the parliamentary party, who sit on its soft left and left, are unhappy with the Prime Minister’s performance and government’s direction of travel. They hope that improved communications and a stronger sense of purpose could turn things around for the party, which is polling badly. “He’s shown …

EU moves closer to backing ‘return hubs’ for migrants: A right-wing turn on asylum policy – Talking Europe

EU moves closer to backing ‘return hubs’ for migrants: A right-wing turn on asylum policy – Talking Europe

Published by Sam Flores

To display this content from YouTube, you must enable advertisement tracking and audience measurement. Accept Manage my choices One of your browser extensions seems to be blocking the video player from loading. To watch this content, you may need to disable it on this site. Try again TALKING EUROPE © FRANCE 24 Issued on: 23/01/2026 – 16:31Modified: 23/01/2026 – 16:33 12:39 min From the show Reading time 1 min EU member states have backed a hardening of migration policy, endorsing the controversial idea of “return hubs” beyond EU borders to process asylum seekers whose applications have been rejected. This as a key EU Migration and Asylum Pact is set to come into effect in June. We ask why this more hardline approach is taking shape, and what our guests think of the “hubs” concept. Programme prepared by Isabelle Romero, Perrine Desplats and Oihana Almandoz Europe Rendezvous © FRANCE 24 Juan Fernando López Aguilar Spanish MEP, Socialists and Democrats Kristoffer Storm Danish MEP, European Conservatives and Reformists Source link

Return to Silent Hill star reveals why the film is not a perfect Silent Hill 2 recreation

Return to Silent Hill star reveals why the film is not a perfect Silent Hill 2 recreation

Published by Daniella Wilson

While video game adaptations have been enjoying a great moment on the small screen of late – thanks to TV hits such as The Last of Us and Fallout – we’re perhaps still awaiting the first truly great film based on a popular game. Certainly, the previous movies in the Silent Hill franchise have failed to win much acclaim – with both 2006’s Silent Hill and 2012’s Silent Hill: Revelation faring negatively with critics. Now, almost 15 years on from the previous attempt, a new entry in the series is here, with Return to Silent Hill taking its cues from Silent Hill 2 and starring Outlander: Blood of My Blood star Jeremy Irvine in the lead role. Unfortunately, early signs suggest this is set to be another critical dud – it sits on just 9 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes at time of writing – and speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com ahead of release, Irvine explained the difficulties of adapting such a well-loved property in a different medium. “I mean, you’re walking a tightrope,” he said, …

Carrie Underwood showcases toned legs in plaid miniskirt ahead of American Idol return

Carrie Underwood showcases toned legs in plaid miniskirt ahead of American Idol return

Published by Daniella Wilson

Carrie Underwood showcased her toned legs as she stepped out with her fellow American Idol judges, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, for an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Thursday. The country superstar looked incredible in a patterned gray sweater, a collared shirt, and a dark green plaid miniskirt. She completed the look with white crew socks and dark-colored glossy shoes, and wore her dark blonde hair down in subtle waves. The 42-year-old shared that she tried to bring some of her own experiences as a previous Idol contestant to the new season. “Hopefully I gave some wisdom, having been in their shoes, that I can impart on them and help them along in that way,” she said. © ABC/Jimmy Kimmel Live!Carrie wowed in a plaid miniskirt and gray sweater Carrie, Luke and Lionel will return to our screens on Monday, January 26, with the latest season of American Idol. This season will mark Carrie’s second year in a row on the judging panel, after she won the competition back in 2005. The mother of two opened up …

“Bigger than Oasis”: Tenacious D’s Gass says band will return following Trump gaffe

“Bigger than Oasis”: Tenacious D’s Gass says band will return following Trump gaffe

Published by Sam Flores

Tenacious D is plotting a return, according to a new interview with band member Kyle Gass. The comedic band, co-led by Jack Black, went on hiatus after Gass made a joke onstage about Donald Trump hours after an assassination attempt in Butler. The faux pas happened during a show on Gass’ birthday in Sydney, Australia.  He blew out the candles on a birthday cake with a wish of “Don’t miss Trump next time.” The joke got laughs but ignited a firestorm. The band cancelled their remaining tour dates after Black made a statement on Instagram distancing himself from Gass. Speaking to Rolling Stone, Gass said he “made a mistake.” “I was going for a joke. But timing is everything. If there was ever a ‘too soon,’ it was this,” Gass said. Gass said he doesn’t blame Black for distancing himself from the situation, telling the outlet, “I might have deserved it.” “He had to protect himself from his loose cannon partner over here,” he said. “We hashed it out. And it was hard. It is like …