Katy Perry to perform in China eight years after visa denial
The American pop star Katy Perry has been invited to perform in China this year, despite having been denied a visa for wearing a controversial sunflower dress during a previous tour in apparent support for Taiwan.
The singer, who this month made a brief trip into space on a Blue Origin rocket owned by Jeff Bezos, is due to hold two concerts in an 18,000-seat stadium in Hangzhou, eastern China, on November 21 and 22, according to a notice from Zhejiang province's culture and tourism bureau.
In 2017 Perry, 40, was denied entry into China for a Victoria's Secret fashion show in Shanghai. Beijing never confirmed the visa rejection.
The New York Post's Page Six gossip column reported at the time that Perry was banned
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Libyan Express
20 hours ago
- Libyan Express
Power, dominance and the fractured Middle East
Ahmed Mayouf, Libyan analyst, warns of the region's slide from influence to existential threat In the years following the incomplete revolutions of the Arab Spring, a fundamental reality has come into sharper focus: nearly every state, whether powerful or peripheral, seeks to assert hegemony—be it political, economic, cultural or military. This pursuit of influence is not confined to global superpowers. It is a defining feature of international relations today, shaped by a fluid global order where national interests increasingly override shared principles. While some states have resisted such efforts—either through internal cohesion between the people and their rulers, or through the endurance of institutional structures—external attempts at domination have continued. The erosion of the post-war international system and the decline of multilateral norms have only emboldened expansionist actors. In this shifting landscape, two powers—Iran and Israel—stand out as key architects of new regional dynamics. Each pursues a distinct project of influence, shaped by history, ideology, and hard power. Yet, the implications of their ambitions differ in scope and consequence. Iran: Ideology and strategic depth Since the 1979 revolution, Iran has pursued a long-term vision to shape the Middle East through a combination of ideological influence, strategic alliances, and calculated geopolitical manoeuvres. Ayatollah Khomeini's call for 'exporting the revolution' and 'awakening the Islamic world' signalled Tehran's intent to become the vanguard of a transnational Islamic resurgence. While this rhetoric was not explicitly aimed at dismantling nation-states, it did promote political independence from Western powers and a reimagined regional order grounded in Islamic unity. Over the decades, Iran has operationalised this vision by forging alliances with non-state actors and governments that share its opposition to Western dominance. From Hezbollah in Lebanon, to the Houthis in Yemen, to the Popular Mobilisation Forces in Iraq, and its enduring alliance with the Assad regime in Syria, Iran has developed a regional network of influence that has proven highly resilient. Iran's perception of threat has been equally influential in shaping its strategy. The presence of American military bases across the Gulf, alongside Israel's regional footprint, is viewed in Tehran as a direct challenge to its sovereignty and national security. In response, Iran has pursued 'strategic depth' by projecting power beyond its borders, establishing influence over neighbouring states, and controlling chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz—a vital artery through which 20% of the world's oil and gas flows. This geographical leverage has enhanced its bargaining power not only with regional actors but with global powers reliant on energy security. Yet Iran's ambitions are not pursued through outright occupation. Instead, it relies on ideological appeal, asymmetrical warfare, and proxy networks. Through this approach, it has carved a sphere of influence that extends from the Persian Gulf to the eastern Mediterranean—a formation often referred to as the 'Shia Crescent.' Despite some setbacks, particularly in Syria following shifts in the Assad regime's fortunes, Iran has succeeded in embedding itself within the region's political and security landscape. Israel: From survival to supremacy If Iran's project is ideological and defensive in origin, Israel's project is fundamentally existential and expansionist in trajectory. Since its creation in 1948, Israel has operated within a regional environment that questions its legitimacy. In response, it has adopted a posture grounded in security imperatives and strategic superiority. Over time, however, this has evolved into a more assertive quest for political normalisation, territorial consolidation, and demographic engineering. Israel's security doctrine, once centred on deterrence and survival, has expanded to include a range of political and ideological objectives. At the heart of these lies the ambition to be recognised not merely as a state, but as the nation-state of the Jewish people—a status formalised in the 2018 Jewish Nation-State Law. This law, passed by the Knesset, declared Israel as the exclusive national home of the Jewish people and downgraded the status of Arabic from an official language to one of 'special standing.' Though symbolic, it carries profound implications, entrenching legal inequalities and signalling a vision of the state that excludes its Arab citizens and Palestinians under occupation. This internal legislative shift is mirrored by an external diplomatic campaign. Over recent decades, Israel has succeeded in breaking Arab consensus on Palestine by normalising ties with key Arab states. From the Camp David Accords with Egypt, to the Wadi Araba Treaty with Jordan, and more recently the Abraham Accords with the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan, Israel has progressively dismantled the historical Arab front against normalisation. The strategic result is twofold: the marginalisation of the Palestinian cause and the legitimisation of Israeli regional leadership. Were it not for the Hamas-led attacks of 7 October 2023, more Arab states might have joined this path. Instead, the war on Gaza has crystallised a new phase in Israel's trajectory—one that moves beyond occupation to what many observers now describe as systematic ethnic cleansing, enabled by overwhelming Western support and in open defiance of international humanitarian law. A regional reckoning The current reality in Gaza, marked by mass displacement, destruction of infrastructure, and the collapse of humanitarian systems, represents more than a military campaign. It signals an Israeli strategy to permanently alter the demographics of Palestine, thereby resolving its so-called 'demographic dilemma' through force rather than negotiation. In this sense, Israel's hegemonic ambitions are not merely political—they are existential in their impact on others. The goal is not just influence, but erasure. In comparison, Iran's project—however destabilising—is rooted in strategic depth and deterrence. It seeks influence without necessarily dismantling states. Israel, on the other hand, is now engaged in reshaping borders, narratives, and entire populations. Its expansionist logic, some fear, aligns with earlier Zionist visions of a Greater Israel stretching 'from the Nile to the Euphrates.' This comparison is not meant to justify Iranian interference or downplay its impact. Iran's role in fuelling regional polarisation is real. But it does underscore the disparity in scope and intent. Where Iran seeks regional leverage, Israel appears to seek regional supremacy. Conclusion: The anatomy of hegemony Hegemony is not a static concept. It evolves with power, narrative, and opportunity. Many states, including Libya under Gaddafi, have sought regional influence, often projecting ideology or capital to assert leadership. Saudi Arabia exported Wahhabism; Qatar used the Muslim Brotherhood as a tool of soft power; the UAE has leveraged its economic might to counter revolutionary movements and reshape post-Arab Spring transitions. Yet none of these actors pose the same existential threat to the region as Israel currently does. Israel's project, bolstered by diplomatic cover, military superiority, and ideological conviction, aims not just at dominance—but at the displacement and elimination of a people. The forced demographic restructuring of Palestine, should it continue unchecked, could serve as a blueprint for similar campaigns elsewhere. If today Iran is the primary target of containment, tomorrow others may face the expansionist appetite of a state emboldened by impunity. The lessons of the Arab world's silence and complicity in the face of unfolding tragedy will not be forgotten. In the end, the region must ask: is it hegemony we fear—or annihilation we are failing to prevent?
Libyan Express
4 days ago
- Libyan Express
US airstrikes set back Iran's nuclear program but don't destroy it
US airstrikes only set back Iran's nuclear program by months, initial US intelligence assessment finds A preliminary assessment by US intelligence indicates that recent American airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities have not eliminated the country's nuclear capabilities but have set the program back by a few months. This development coincides with a fragile ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump between Iran and Israel. On Tuesday, both Iran and Israel indicated a pause in their air conflict following Trump's public reprimand over violations of a ceasefire he announced earlier that day. After 12 days of hostilities — including US attacks on Iran's uranium-enrichment sites — both sides claimed success. Over the weekend, President Trump stated that the deployment of large bunker-buster bombs had 'obliterated' Iran's nuclear program. However, according to sources familiar with intelligence reports, initial assessments do not fully support this claim. These sources said Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles remain and much of the nuclear infrastructure, which is largely underground, was only partially damaged, resulting in a delay estimated at one or two months. Iran maintains its nuclear work is for civilian energy purposes. The White House dismissed the intelligence report as inaccurate. The Defense Intelligence Agency's evaluation reportedly concluded that while entrances to two nuclear sites were sealed, the underground facilities were not destroyed. Some centrifuges reportedly remained intact following the strikes. In remarks to the United Nations Security Council, the US administration described the strikes as having 'degraded' Iran's nuclear program, falling short of earlier claims of total destruction. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attacks removed the immediate threat of nuclear weapons and vowed to prevent Iran from rebuilding its program. 'We have removed two existential threats: nuclear annihilation and the threat of ballistic missiles,' Netanyahu said. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described the ceasefire as a 'great victory' and reportedly told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that Tehran was ready to address differences with the US. The conflict began on June 13 with an Israeli surprise airstrike on Iranian nuclear facilities and senior military commanders. Iran responded with missile attacks on Israeli military sites and cities. Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons. By Tuesday evening, Israel lifted military restrictions, and Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv reopened. Iranian airspace was also reported to be reopening. The White House said Trump personally facilitated the ceasefire agreement with Netanyahu and maintained communication with Iranian officials. Both Iran and Israel took several hours to acknowledge the ceasefire and accused each other of violations. Trump criticised both but particularly Israel, urging it to 'calm down now.' Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated Israel would respect the ceasefire unless Iran violated it. Iranian officials made a similar commitment contingent on Israel's compliance. The sustainability of the ceasefire remains uncertain given longstanding tensions. Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir described the pause as the end of a 'significant chapter' but said operations against Iranian-backed groups in Gaza would continue. Iran's military warned Israel and the US to learn from the 'crushing blows' it delivered during the conflict. Iranian authorities reported 610 deaths and over 4,700 injuries from Israeli strikes. Iranian missile attacks resulted in 28 deaths in Israel, marking the first significant breach of Israeli air defences. Following the ceasefire, global oil prices fell and stock markets rose, reflecting reduced concerns over supply disruptions from the Gulf region. Earlier on Tuesday, Trump expressed frustration with both sides over ceasefire violations, particularly criticising Israel. Netanyahu's office confirmed an Israeli strike near Tehran in response to Iranian missile launches shortly after the ceasefire was due to start. Iran denied missile launches and accused Israel of continuing attacks beyond the ceasefire deadline. For many Iranians, the end of hostilities brought relief. 'The war is over. It never should have started,' said Reza Sharifi, returning to Tehran.
Tatler Asia
20-06-2025
- Tatler Asia
11 films with love triangles to get you ready for ‘Materialists'
Past Lives (2023) Above The film stars Greta Lee, Teo Yoo and John Magaro (Photo: IMDb) In Materialists director Celine Song's feature film debut, two childhood friends contemplate the nature of their relationship as they grow apart, live separate lives and finally reunite. The film stars Greta Lee, Teo Yoo and John Magaro. The Notebook (2004) Above The film stars Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, James Marsden and James Garner (Photo: IMDb) A young couple in the 1940s falls passionately in love despite obstacles trying to keep them apart. Directed by Nick Cassavetes, the film stars Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, James Marsden and James Garner. The Dreamers (2003) Above Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, the film stars Eva Green, Louis Garrel and Michael Pitt (Photo: IMDb) Set against the backdrop of the 1968 Paris student riots, a young American student becomes entangled in a strange dynamic with a French brother and sister. Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, the film stars Eva Green, Louis Garrel and Michael Pitt. Y Tu Mamá También (2001) Above The film stars Diego Luna, Gael García Bernal and Maribel Verdú (Photo: IMDb) In this seminal coming-of-age drama, two teenage best friends embark on a road trip with an older woman across rural Mexico. Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, the film stars Diego Luna, Gael García Bernal and Maribel Verdú. Bridget Jones's Diary (2001) Above The film stars Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant (Photo: IMDb) Bridget Jones, a thirty-something single woman in London, decides to start keeping a diary while she searches for love. Directed by Sharon Maguire, the film stars Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant. My Best Friend's Wedding (1997) Above The film stars Julia Roberts, Dermot Mulroney and Cameron Diaz (Photo: IMDb) A New York City food critic attempts to sneakily sabotage her lifelong best friend's wedding to a wealthy college student. Directed by PJ Hogan, the film stars Julia Roberts, Dermot Mulroney and Cameron Diaz. The Age of Innocence (1993) Above The film stars Daniel Day-Lewis, Winona Ryder and Michelle Pfeiffer (Photo: IMDb) Based on the novel by Edith Wharton, this Gilded Age romance follows a wealthy lawyer drawn to a mysterious countess despite his engagement to her cousin. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film stars Daniel Day-Lewis, Winona Ryder and Michelle Pfeiffer. Sabrina (1954) Above The film stars Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart and William Holden (Photo: IMDb) A chauffer's daughter returns home from Paris and catches the attention of both a playboy bachelor and his business-minded brother. Directed by Billy Wilder, the film stars Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart and William Holden. The Earrings of Madame de… (1953) Above The film stars Charles Boyer, Danielle Darrieux and Vittorio de Sica (Photo: IMDb) An aristocratic woman sets off a series of unexpected events after she sells a pair of earrings given to her by her husband. Directed by Max Ophüls, the film stars Charles Boyer, Danielle Darrieux and Vittorio de Sica. Gone with the Wind (1939) Above The film stars Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable and Leslie Howard (Photo: IMDb) This historical epic follows a manipulative Southern belle and a roguish bachelor as they endure the collapse of their high-class society during and after the American Civil War. Directed by Victor Fleming, the film stars Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable and Leslie Howard. NOW READ 12 best Hollywood films about Hollywood 10 inspirational sports films to watch 7 times that 'Oscar baiting' worked for films
