Latest news with #MiddleEastern-inspired
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
That time a Marine general led a fictional Iran against the US military
In 2002, the U.S. military tapped Lt. Gen. Paul Van Riper to lead the opposing forces in the most expensive and expansive military exercise in history up until that point. He was put in command of an inferior Middle Eastern-inspired military force – essentially a fictional Iran – and his mission was to go against the full might of the American armed forces. In the first two days, he sank an entire carrier battle group. In fact, he had achieved such great success that it prompted the U.S. military brass to cry foul. The exercise, called Millennium Challenge 2002, wasn't just big. It was huge. It was designed by the Joint Forces Command over the course of two years to include 13,500 participants and numerous live and simulated training sites. The idea, mandated by Congress, was to pit an Iran-like Middle Eastern country against the U.S. military, which would be fielding advanced technology that the United States had not planned to implement until five years later. It would begin with a forced-entry exercise that included the 82nd Airborne and the 1st Marine Division. When the Blue Forces issued a surrender ultimatum, Van Riper, commanding the Red Forces, turned them down. Since the Bush Doctrine of the period included preemptive strikes against perceived enemies, Van Riper knew the Blue Forces would be coming for him. And they did. But the three-star general didn't spend 41 years in the Marine Corps by being timid. As soon as the Navy was beyond the point of no return, he hit them and hit them hard. Missiles from land-based units, civilian boats, and low-flying planes tore through the fleet as explosive-laden speedboats decimated the Navy using suicide tactics. His code to initiate the attack was a coded message sent from the minarets of mosques at the call to prayer. In less than ten minutes, the whole thing was over and Lt. Gen. Paul Van Riper was victorious. How did 19 ships and some 20,000 U.S. troops end up at the bottom of the Persian Gulf? It started with the opposing forces' leadership. Van Riper was the epitome of the salty Marine Corps general officer. He was a 41-year veteran, both enlisted and commissioned, serving in various capacities from Vietnam to Desert Storm. Van Riper attended the Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School, the College of Naval Command and Staff, the Army War College, and the Army's Airborne and Ranger Schools. In fact, the three-star general had been retired for some five years by the time he led the Red Forces of Millennium Challenge. He was an old-school Marine capable of some old-school tactics and has insisted that technology cannot replace human intuition and study of the basic nature of war, which he called a 'terrible, uncertain, chaotic, bloody business.' When Van Riper told the story of the Millennium Challenge to journalist Malcolm Gladwell, he said the Blue Forces were stuck in their mode of thinking. Their vastly superior technology included advanced intelligence matrices and an Operational Net Assessment that identified OPFOR vulnerabilities and what Van Riper was most likely to do next, selected from a predetermined range of possible scenarios. They relied heavily on the technology. When the United States took out the fictional Iran's microwave towers and fiber optics, they expected Van Riper's forces to use satellite and cell phones that could be monitored. Not a chance. Van Riper instead used motorcycle couriers, messages hidden in prayers called over the muezzin, and even coded lighting systems on his airfields, all tactics employed during World War II. In fact, Van Riper hated the kind of analytical decision-making the Blue Forces were doing. He believed it took far too long. His resistance plan included ways of getting his people to make good decisions using rapid cognition and analog yet reliable communications. 'I struck first,' he said in 'Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking,' Gladwell's 2005 book. 'We did all the calculations on how many cruise missiles their ships could handle, so we simply launched more than that.' The other commanders involved called foul, complaining that a real opposing force would never use the tactics Van Riper used — except Van Riper's flotilla used boats and explosives like those used against the USS Cole in 2000. 'And I said 'nobody would have thought that anyone would fly an airliner into the World Trade Center,'' Van Riper replied. 'But nobody [in the exercise] seemed interested.' In the end, the Blue Forces were all respawned, and Van Riper was prevented from making moves to counter the Blue Forces' landing. The fix was in. Fictional Iran had no radar and wasn't allowed to shoot down incoming aircraft that it would have otherwise accurately targeted. The rest of the exercise was scripted to let the Blue Force land and win. Van Riper walked out when he realized his commands were being ignored by the exercise planners. The three-star general wrote a 21-page critique of the exercise that was immediately classified. Van Riper spoke out against the rigged game anyway. 'Nothing was learned from this,' he told the Guardian in 2002. 'A culture not willing to think hard and test itself does not augur well for the future.' We Are The Mighty is a celebration of military service, with a mission to entertain, inform, and inspire those who serve and those who support them. We are made by and for current service members, veterans, spouses, family members, and civilians who want to be part of this community. Keep up with the best in military culture and entertainment: subscribe to the We Are The Mighty newsletter. 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Hindustan Times
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Kunafa chocolates bring exotic flair to Chandigarh tricity's patisseries
As people celebrate their love for all things cocoa on World Chocolate Day (July 7), chocolate lovers in and around Chandigarh are embracing a delightful new trend — kunafa chocolates. This Middle Eastern-inspired delicacy, which blends the traditional shredded filo pastry of kunafa with rich, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate, has fast become Chandigarh tricity's latest indulgence. This Middle Eastern-inspired delicacy, which blends the traditional shredded filo pastry of kunafa with rich, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate, has fast become Chandigarh tricity's latest indulgence. (Adobe Stock image for representational purpose only) Local chocolatiers, premium patisseries, and home bakers in tricity and beyond have reported a surge in demand for kunafa chocolates over the last six months, with chocoholics drawn to their unique texture, sophisticated presentation, and fusion of flavours. Harkamal Singh, founder of Peggy Ice Cream, says kunafa chocolates are among their signature products. (Instagram) 'We introduced kunafa chocolates to our collection this February and the response we got was tremendous,' says Harkamal Singh, founder of Peggy Ice Cream, a dessert shop with outlets across tricity. 'It's our signature chocolate product. We've now made it a permanent feature on our menu,' he adds. Gaurav Sharma, manager of Mozimo Chocolates in Sector 9, says a lot of research and development has gone into crafting the kunafa chocolates they offer. (Instagram) Gaurav Sharma, manager of Mozimo Chocolates in Sector 9, vouches for the research and development that has gone into crafting the kunafa chocolates they offer. 'Our in-house chef has global expertise when it comes to chocolates, and it reflects in the products we make,' he says. Reimagining kunafa A trained baker who honed her skills in Dubai, Neha Bhatia has given her own spin to the beloved kunafa dessert. Neha Bhatia's moist cake filled with a crunchy pistachio kunafa layer and topped with a luscious chocolate glaze. 'I created a moist cake filled with a crunchy pistachio kunafa layer and topped with a luscious chocolate glaze,' she says. 'It quickly became one of my bestsellers — so much so that someone even ordered a whole tub all the way from Rajasthan. It just goes to show that a good dessert knows no boundaries,' adds Neha, who runs her bakery from Chandigarh's Sector 18 and can be contacted on Instagram @ Our viral chocolate kunafa cake strikes the perfect balance of silky chocolate, crunchy kunafa pastry, and rich ganache. Aditi Goel's viral chocolate kunafa cake. (Instagram) For Aditi Goel, pistachio and chocolate are truly a match made in heaven. 'Our viral chocolate kunafa cake strikes the perfect balance of silky chocolate, crunchy kunafa pastry, and rich ganache, finished with a sprinkle of pistachio crumble,' she says. A home baker based in Sector 6, Panchkula, Aditi showcases her creations on Instagram @abodeofcakes. Riha Malhotra's one of five varieties of kunafa chocolates — Red Velvet. (Instagram) One of the chocolatiers has taken it a step further, experimenting with innovative versions such as Biscoff, corn crisp crunch chocolate, fruits and nuts, and red velvet. Riha Malhotra, who is based out of Mohali's Phase 11, says, 'I travelled to Dubai to explore bakery and chocolate shops, and discover the finest products. My chocolates are epitome of luxury, sophistication, and opulence. I have crafted five varieties of kunafa chocolates, and each one has been a hit among customers.' She takes orders on Instagram @rihaschocolate_weddingboxes. Though based in Punjab's Sirhind, I cater to customers across the country. Shefali Sachar's bite-sized kunafa chocolates. (Instagram) 'I launched my business in 2023 and have been experimenting with a variety of recipes ever since,' shares Shefali Sachar, whose skills shine through the exquisite cocoa creations she crafts. 'Along with kunafa, I also specialise in chocolates made with dates, caramel, and other unique ingredients. Though based in Punjab's Sirhind, I cater to customers across the country,' says Shefali, who can be found on Instagram @choco_sheff.
West Australian
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
WIN Dim Sum and Fun for 4 at Ugly Baby
SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE Get ready to dive into Dim Sums Done Different for a Sunday afternoon you won't forget! West Rewards is giving you and three mates the chance to experience dim sum dining reimagined at Stories' Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant, Ugly Baby . Join Head Chef Mike, a self-proclaimed dim sum enthusiast, as he serves up a unique menu filled with traditional dishes where vibrant Middle Eastern spices are the main ingredient. Think small plates bursting with flavour, all accompanied with bottomless wines! Delicious menu? Check. Bottomless Wines? Definitely. Your seat could be waiting. Find out more about what Ugly Baby has to offer here . For your chance to win, enter your details below. Entries close on Sunday 15 June at 11:59 pm. All entrants may only enter once. All entrants found to have entered more than once per entry form will have their subsequent entries disqualified. T&Cs apply.
Scottish Sun
16-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Shoppers spot bargain chain is selling Dubai chocolates for 14p each
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SHOPPERS are raving after spotting a bargain chain selling Dubai chocolates for 14p each. A savvy customer shared the sweet deal in the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook group. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Shoppers can buy 35 mini bars for £4.99 Credit: Facebook 2 The discounted treats are available at Home Bargains Credit: Alamy Home Bargains is selling packs of 35 mini bars from the Dubai Chocolate brand for just £4.99. That works out at just 14p per bar — but some shoppers aren't convinced they're worth the price. One user commented: "They're nasty lol." "Nothing special about it, I wouldn't waste your money," another wrote. This shopper added: "Looks like someone smashed peas into the chocolate." "Not sure why everyone is raving on about this chocolate," a fourth said. Shoppers should visit their nearest Home Bargains to buy the discounted treats. Earlier this month, the popular bargain chain revealed it would be stocking up on the indulgent, Middle Eastern-inspired treat and scanning bags of Dubai Chocolate Cookies for just £1.25. The discount shop posted on its official Instagram feed and urged fans of the viral treats to "run" as stores were stocking something else to satisfy sweet tooths. Shoppers have hailed the pistachio paste biscuits and flocked to social media to discuss. Foodies race to buy new Dubai chocolate Easter egg in popular supermarket - the 'filling is crazy' and it's selling FAST One said: "These look insane!" Another added: "Stop it now! A third wrote: "Adding to shopping list!" Someone else posted: "[These are] 75p cheaper than Iceland!" Meanwhile, Iceland is also jumping on the trend, with two Dubai-style chocolate bars now in stores. The Nelino Dubai-Style Chocolate (£2 for 62g) and Bolci Dubai Chocolate (£5 for 100g) both feature a luxurious pistachio cream filling and kadayif pastry. Iceland is the first UK retailer to stock Nelino's version, while Bolci's Turkish-made treat is also available at Morrisons. These new arrivals are already proving a hit. It comes after a major retailer sent shoppers wild after slashing the price of popular chocolate to just pennies. And Asda shoppers have claimed the "bargain of the year" as clothes from the retailer's George line scan for just 50p.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
8 ways to make quinoa recipes more interesting
Bored of eating the same roti or rice? Then it's time to give your diet a healthy twist with quinoa, which is one of the healthiest grains that is loaded with nutrients such as high protein, gluten-free and healthy fibers that not only make quinoa a wholesome meal but also ensure a delightful meal experience. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now However, for most of us, how to cook quinoa still remains a big question; thus, we have got your back with some easy recipes to decode the tricks of making this healthy grain at home. Read on to try out… Toast it before cooking Before boiling quinoa, try toasting it in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil. This simple step brings out its nutty flavor and adds a slightly crisp texture. Stir continuously over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. This toasty base will enhance any dish you prepare with it. Cook it in broth One of the easiest ways to add more flavor to quinoa is by cooking it in broth instead of plain water. Chicken, vegetable, or beef broth infuses the grains with savory notes, making it richer and more satisfying. To accentuate the taste of quinoa, one can add a bay leaf or sprig of thyme while simmering. Fresh herbs Quinoa's amazing taste, flavour and texture go well with fresh herbs. After cooking, try tossing it with chopped parsley, cilantro, mint, or basil. The burst of freshness will transform it from bland to vibrant. For a Mediterranean twist, add dill and a squeeze of lemon juice. Add roasted vegetables Roasting vegetables like bell peppers, sweet potatoes, and carrots caramelizes their natural sugars, bringing a hint of sweetness to your quinoa. Combine roasted veggies with cooked quinoa for a hearty and colorful side dish that's both healthy and filling. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Add nuts and seeds Crunchy additions like toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds add both texture and flavor to quinoa. Sprinkle them on top just before serving, or stir them in for a nutty boost. This also increases the protein and healthy fat content, making it even more nutritious. Use citrus zest and juice Adding a splash of lime or orange can instantly amp up the taste and experience of any dish, and quinoa is no exception. Lemon, lime, or even orange zest paired with a squeeze of juice will lift the flavors, giving it a fresh and tangy taste. This method is especially good for summer salads or light side dishes. Breakfast bowl Quinoa isn't just for lunch or dinner; it can be a hearty breakfast option too. Cook it with almond milk, cinnamon, and a bit of honey. Top with fresh berries, sliced bananas, and chopped nuts for a nutrient-packed start to your day. Think beyond plain quinoa by turning it into a pilaf. Sauté onions, garlic, and spices like cumin or paprika, then cook your quinoa in the mixture. Add raisins, chopped apricots, or cranberries for a touch of sweetness. This Middle Eastern-inspired dish pairs well with grilled meats or as a main dish. Can't eat your food without snapping a picture first? Join our Food Photography Contest and stand a chance to win exciting prizes! Join our WhatsApp Food Community to discover delicious recipes, enjoy fascinating food stories, and stay updated with the latest food news!
