Latest news with #Hizbullah
Irish Examiner
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Thousands flock to Dublin's Fairview Park for sold-out Kneecap gig
Back on Irish soil, Kneecap took to the stage at Fairview Park in Dublin on Thursday night. Despite swirling controversy, the West Belfast rappers are at the peak of their musical careers, having played several European festivals this summer and now their sold-out Fairview Park gig. The group is also set to play two 3Arena gigs on December 16 and 17. Kneecap fans Aoibhe Shankly,Hannah Coomerford and Rachel OKeefe pictured arriving to fairview park Dublin. Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos. With their politically provocative lyrics and working-class commentary, the group, consisting of Móglaí Bap, Mo Chara, and DJ Próvaí, has grown in popularity both at home and abroad. Kneecap fans Dylan Keating and Shannon Iveagh pictured arriving to fairview park Dublin. PIcture: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos. Their success, however, hasn't come without some controversy, with the cancellation of some gigs following their outspoken support for Palestine. Kneecap had faced some backlash over their comments about Gaza during their Coachella performance earlier this year. Kneecap fans pictured arriving to fairview park Dublin. Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos Separately, member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who performs as Mo Chara, appeared before Westminster Magistrates Court in London to face a terror charge for allegedly displaying a Hizbullah flag at a gig in London last November. Taking to the stage at Fairview Park on Thursday, Mo Chara exclaimed, 'I'm a free man' to a crowd of cheering fans. This week also marked the first anniversary of the group's debut album Fine Art, which was released in June 2024. Read More Seven red giraffes to parade through streets of Cork city this weekend
Irish Times
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Fans rally behind Kneecap after London court appearance: ‘If you're supporting Ireland, you're supporting Kneecap'
Kneecap's place in the Irish zeitgeist was voiced without hesitation by fans of the Irish-language rap group streaming into Dublin's Fairview Park venue in their thousands on Thursday evening. Having jockeyed for position in cultural and social spaces in recent years, for many fans the group now stands both at the intersection and forefront of Irish music and politics. Eimear O'Connor from Finglas, Dublin, has been a fan of Kneecap since the release of their song Cearta. For her, the group is all encompassing – from Bohemian Football Club and Bang Bang coffee shop to recognising the lasting impact of colonialism on Ireland and Palestine . 'Rapping as Gaeilge is a huge way to bring Irish into modern culture and get people interested in it,' O'Connor said. 'Also, given Irish traditional music and the linguistics of Gaeilge, it works so well with rap.' READ MORE Like other fans, she was excited to hear what Kneecap might have to say about Mo Chara's (AKA Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh) London court appearance on Wednesday . Ó hAnnaidh was charged under UK antiterrorism legislation with showing support for a proscribed organisation after it was alleged he draped himself in a Hizbullah flag at a London gig last November. Rebecca Nichols and Keith Henderson said they are unsupportive of the case against him. 'It's absolutely ridiculous, there's no evidence,' Nichols said. 'Even if you don't agree with what he said, does he not have free speech to say it?' Pointing to the Irish Tricolours and Palestinian keffiyehs donned by surrounding concert goers, she added: 'If you're supporting Ireland, you're supporting Kneecap.' [ Kneecap case: 'A woman pointed to a sniggering Móglaí Bap as the magistrate asked if anyone knew an Irish interpreter' Opens in new window ] Henderson said it is more important than ever to show support for the group, who he originally began to follow because of their use of the Irish language. 'It's good to keep the Irish language alive,' Henderson said. 'It's also funny rap, it's entertaining'. Rhia McConnell, an Irish teacher from Cork, credits Kneecap with reviving her students' interest in the language. 'It's given some of them a huge love for Irish, the Kneecap film really helped a lot,' McConnell said. 'People in their 20s and 30s relate to them too because their music is just so modern.' The link between their music and advocacy seems undeniable – fan Cheryl Walshe said they have introduced children to what colonialism truly means and 'also act as a counter to some of the racist rhetoric' that young people may be exposed to. Thursday night marked the numerical pinnacle of their career with Fairview Park hosting their biggest solo gig to date with a capacity crowd of 8,000. Another appearance at Westminster Magistrates Court awaits Mo Chara who is contesting the charge and has not yet entered a plea. The group may face rocky times ahead, but steady support is strongly behind them.
Memri
a day ago
- Politics
- Memri
Saudi-Owned Al-Hadath News Outlet: Hizbullah To Intervene In Israel-Iran War If It Perceives Iranian Regime To Be In Danger
On June 18, 2025, Saudi Arabia's Al-Hadath News outlet posted a quote on its X account from "a source close to Hizbullah" which stated that Hizbullah would intervene in the war being waged between Iran and Israel "only if it perceives that the [Iranian] regime is beginning to waver."[1] The above image appeared with the Al-Hadath post on X (Source: June 18, 2025) On the following day, on its website, Al-Hadath posted additional quotes from the same source, according to which Hizbullah was supposed to play a more significant role in the war between Iran and Israel, but the blows that the organization received in its most-recent round of fighting with Israel have prevented it from doing so. According to the source, it is the developments in the Iran-Israel war which will determine whether there is a need for Hizbullah's intervention. The website commented that if Hizbullah did join the fighting alongside Iran, this would mean that it would use "its heavy weapons." The source stated that the organization "still has capabilities." It also said that "the elimination of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would unequivocally mean the end of Hizbullah." The website further quoted "a source familiar with Hizbullah's way of thinking" which claimed that Iran can cope alone with the current confrontation, without the help of its allies, which is why Hizbullah is currently adopting a "wait and see" approach to the situation.[2] The above image depicts the funerals in Beirut of several members of Hizbullah (Source: June 19, 2025)
Memri
a day ago
- Politics
- Memri
Syrian Journalists And Activists Celebrate Israel's Attack On Iran: This Is One Of Our Most Joyous Days
The war between Israel and Iran has generated widespread media and political discourse throughout the Middle East, including in Syria, where many are celebrating the Israeli strikes in Iran and the elimination of numerous senior members of Iran's security establishment. Many Syrians regard this as historical justice in light of Iran's consistent support for the Bashar Al-Assad regime throughout the Syrian civil war, up until his downfall on December 8, 2024. During the war, Iran and its affiliated Shi'ite militias, chief of them Hizbullah, established military bases across Syria and took part in the fighting against Assad's opponents, killing many of them and driving others into exile.[1] Syrians on social media welcomed the 'humiliation' of Iran and the elimination of its officials, presenting this as punishment for its crimes against Syria and other Arab countries such as Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen, and as proof that the Iranian era in the region is over. However, the glee at Iran's misfortune was not accompanied by praise for Israel, which Syrians regard as an enemy as well, especially in light of its current military presence in the south of the country and its repeated attacks on Syrian soil over the years. Some of the writers therefore wished both side success in pummeling each other. Conversely, the new Syrian regime, headed by President Ahmed Al-Sharaa and the Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) organization, has so far refrained from taking a stance on the Israel-Iran war, in contrast to many Arab countries that condemned Israel and sided with Iran.[2] Israeli airstrikes in Tehran ( June 14, 2025) This report presents a sampling of responses by Syrians welcoming the attacks on Iran. Syrian Journalist Eiad Charbaji: Look And Revel In The Elimination Of The Leaders Of Evil In Tehran Syrian journalist Eiad Charbaji called on Syrians to rejoice in what was happening in Iran, writing: "Oh Syrians, look at and revel in the elimination of the leaders of evil in Tehran... We wish the Iranian people health and that this should be an opportunity for it to bring down these Satans who burned us [all] together."[3] Eiad Charbaji's post on Facebook (Source: June 13, 2025) Syrian Journalist Ahmad Kamal: The Day Iran's Nuclear Project Is Destroyed Will Be One Of The Most Beautiful Days In History Syrian journalist Ahmad Kamal rejoiced at the Israeli strikes on Iran, writing on X: "Today, June 13, 2025, the day of the destruction of Iran's nuclear program, is one of the most joyous days for the Arabs, because today they are freed from the lethal danger that [Iran] was preparing for them. Today the fangs of the Iranian regime have been extracted, and perhaps even its head will be torn off. Today is one of the three most beautiful days in our modern history: the day of the fall of the ethnic Qardahaite[4] [i.e. Assad] regime in Syria; the day of the assassination of the Shi'ite Lebanese Hizbullah commanders; and today."[5] In another post, Kamal lashed out at those defending Iran because of its aid to the Palestinians, stating that this does not excuse it for its many crimes against other Arabs. He wrote: "Oh asses, as a Muslim country, Iran is not forgiven for its crimes against the Muslims in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen. On the contrary, oh asses, it makes it even more grave, and base, and more reprehensible. Indeed, when it is your brother who attacks you, it is a thousand times worse than an attack by some foreign element... There is no justification for what Iran has done and is still doing in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen, and it cannot be forgotten... no matter what it does in [support of] Palestine. This is because if a criminal rapes four of your sisters, his crimes will not be forgiven [even] if he helps your fifth sister [fend off] another criminal and rapist..."[6] Syrian Journalist Adnan Abd Al-Razak: The Blood Curse Has Reached The Murderers – Even If It Came Late Syrian journalist Adnan Abd Al-Razak, of the Qatari Al-Arabi Al-Jadid daily, wrote on his Facebook page: "[This] is Allah's justice on earth. A year ago, at most, the Syrians had almost lost hope in everything, [including in] all of humanity. At that time, the Persians' plan was almost a reality in the region; the burnishing of the Assad regime's image had increased, and the Syrians' dream of freedom and statehood had almost evaporated. Most Syrians had no option left but to feel frustration, appeal to God for help or [pursue] their individual plans. Then came the liberation of Syria and the overthrow of the criminal regime following the assassination of its supporter in Lebanon [i.e. Hizbullah leader Hassan Nasrallah] and the humiliation of its ally in Tehran, in an event that was more like a miracle... "Today, justice and the natural course of history are continuing, and Iran is humiliated and paying a price for some of what it has done in the region – killing, expulsion, humiliation, distortion of the present and of history, and doing damage to the future… I am not saying that I am happy, or gloating, but I am saying that the Persians are the lowest and most dangerous thing for the region, for the Arabs, for Islam, and for humanity..."[7] Syrian Political Activist: Iran, That Spread Chaos And Violence, Has Reached Its End Ahmad Ramadan wrote on X that the Iranian era had come to an end and that Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei would be eliminated: "Iran, that threatens its neighbors, has come to an end! I have in the past called it a dismantled state and said that its regime is fragile. Its military and security situation reveal it to be a paper tiger, and the coming attacks will strike at political leaders, including Khamenei. Iran, which sowed chaos and violence, deployed militias, and destroyed and participated in the killing of over three million Arabs, has come to an end forever... "A new regime is coming to Iran and Iraq, and there will be a change in Yemen and Lebanon (the end of the Houthis and Hizbullah). The Iranian era is over, a different Middle East has begun [to form], and we must all get ready."[8] Other Syrian Activists Wish Success To Both Iran And Israel Alongside the condemnation of Iran, several Syrians expressed the wish that Iran and Israel would damage each other. For example, Syrian journalist Nour Abu Hassan wrote on X: "We hope that neither side will act with restraint. Thank you."[9] Abu Ali Mahamid from southern Syria wrote sarcastically, "We wish victory to both sides."[10] Syrian Journalist In Saudi Daily: This Is The End of The Iranian Era In The Region, And Of The Obama Doctrine Similar claims to those posted by Syrians on social media appear in the article by Syrian journalist Aliya Mansour in her column in the Saudi daily Al-Majallah: "After the recent Israeli operation in Iran, we can declare the end of the Iranian era in the region, the end of the era of this country's domination of [other] countries and peoples. We can also declare the end of the disastrous 'Obama doctrine' in the region, [conceived by] a man who wanted Tehran to have the influence and authority in this region, in disregard of the region's identity, [which has a Sunni majority] of the interests of countries that have – or lack – [various] alliances, and of the will of the peoples… "The first slap sustained by the 'Iranian Empire' project was the elimination of [Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qods Force commander] Qassem Soleimani. [Then] came [more] slaps and blows, one after the other, from the pager operation [by Israel against Hizbullah] to the elimination of Hizbullah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah and the effective removal of [his] party [Hizbullah] from the circle of regional influence, to the elimination of Hamas political bureau head Isma'il Haniya while he was staying in Tehran and the fall of the Bashar Al-Assad regime [in Syria], which cut off [Iran's] supply line [via Syria]. "After all of this, Iran was given a chance. It was invited to negotiate about its nuclear project, but it did not conduct itself properly, did not understand the magnitude of the hour and did not realize that its project was over and that its death would be pronounced [either] at the negotiating table or on the battlefield. Today, whether the war will be brief or prolonged, its outcomes are known [in advance]: Tehran will drink the cup of poison and Iran will be restored to the Iranian [people], which will ensure that this loathsome regime will meet its end and the Iranian people will [be given] their chance to speak."[11]
Irish Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Times
Last November Israel decided covert operations would not quell Iran's nuclear threat
In recent decades Israeli actions against Iran have focused on covert operations led by military intelligence, special forces and the Mossad. In November last year, following the heavy setbacks for Hizbullah in Lebanon , when Donald Trump was elected US president indications were received that Iran was advancing towards a nuclear breakout. Israel decided covert operations were no longer enough. Air force and intelligence officers conducted in-depth discussions on the conditions required for a war to remove Iran's nuclear threat. The war aims were set as striking Iran's missiles, air defences, nuclear programme, command and control centres, economic targets, key regime leaders and military industries. Israel decided the attack on Iran would take place in 2025 and concluded that achieving Israeli air superiority was the key to a successful outcome. A dedicated team of about 120 experts from the elite intelligence unit 8200, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), intelligence directorate and the air force was established to map Iran's air defence systems. READ MORE [ Israel-Iran latest: Ali Khamenei threatens 'irreparable damage' if US intervenes Opens in new window ] A comprehensive bank of targets was established, based on years of intelligence and the long reach of the air force, including command centres, nuclear scientists, nuclear facilities and missile launchers that posed immediate threats to Israeli civilians. In the interim period, massive airlifts of ordnance from the US to Israel, including items frozen during Joe Biden's administration, ensured Israel would have the weapons to do the job. The meticulous intelligence planning paid off, and air superiority was accomplished in the first 24 hours of the war, with the destruction of more than 40 Iranian air defence systems – a number that has since risen to more than 70. These strikes enabled Israeli jets to operate freely and opened the flight paths to Tehran and further afield. The distance between Tel Aviv and Tehran is almost 2,000km. This is Israel's first long-distance war. Recent attacks against Houthi targets in Yemen were seen as a practice run. Some 600 intelligence officers continue working around the clock at the IDF's targeting centre. Commanders report that the extent of damage achieved so far against Iranian scientists and military commanders is about three times initial estimates. This is a complex mission that cannot be sustained indefinitely given the burden on pilots, aircraft, technical units and the command centres. Israel's primary challenge is to maximise military achievements without being dragged into a protracted war of attrition that would exact a high toll, both on the home front and on the battlefield. If the US joins the war, the fighting could conclude far quicker – especially regarding the uranium enrichment facility in Fordow and other fortified targets that have not yet been dealt with.
