CAIRO (AP) — Iranians are living between confusion and exhaustion as the country and its economy are squeezed between war and multiplying crises at home.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that he called off fresh strikes on Iran as he claimed a deal to end the war was imminent. Back-and-forth strikes earlier this week pushed a shaky ceasefire to the edge of collapse, which, if it happens, would inflict more havoc on Iran’s battered economy.

Strikes on steel and petrochemical industries and energy infrastructure earlier in the war have spurred a wave of business closures and job losses in Iran, where people now struggle to afford groceries in the face of triple-digit food inflation.

Many Iranians are desperate for peace

Along with the cratering economy, the specter of war has left many people desperate for an end to the turmoil and deeply anxious about the future. Huraz Ahmadi, a 19-year-old street vendor in the capital of Tehran, said he feared renewed fighting.

“I don’t think they will reach an agreement, given the way things are going. But I hope they make a deal. An agreement is much better than war,” Ahmadi said. “In wars, innocent and good people die. I personally lost a relative.”

In the past year, Iranians have faced two wars – first Israel’s 12-day war in 2025 against Iran followed by a joint assault with the U.S. that began on Feb. 28. Both attacks were launched in the middle of talks about Iran’s nuclear program.

Fresh U.S. strikes on Monday sowed confusion in Iran’s capital following growing optimism that Tehran and Washington were nearing a deal. One Tehran resident in his late 20s said the echo of explosions and air defenses in the capital triggered “maybe a half hour of panic.” Long lines formed at gas stations, but people returned within hours to “living normally,” he said.

“War is also becoming normal. And that is very upsetting,” the resident said, speaking on the condition of anonymity out of security fears.

“Everybody is stressed out for a thousand reasons,” he added. “Our lives are constantly in this political game where we can’t plan anything or know what’s going to happen.”

A country ‘tired of instability’

A critical demand in talks for Iranian negotiators is that the U.S. deliver some kind of sanctions or economic relief, besides lifting a naval blockade that has throttled Iran’s oil exports as well as imports of raw materials and other goods.

Many business owners are struggling to survive, a member of a council representing Iranian industrialists said.

“The main concern of many industrialists and entrepreneurs is the survival of their businesses and production. The concern is about the disruption of the supply chain of raw materials, parts and machinery due to the cruel U.S. blockade,” Mehdi Bostanchi said.

Iran’s rial currency has also lost over half its value in the past year. Exchange rates have crashed to around 1.8 million rials to the dollar, compared with 41,600 rials 10 years ago.

Economic woes stoke unrest and fear

The deepening economic problems have stoked unrest in Iran. In January, security forces shot thousands of anti-government protesters in the streets. Arrests of protesters and those expressing support for them has continued through the war.

Alongside fear of their own leaders, Iranians who oppose the government also fear a return to open war, said a social media influencer and therapist who lives in central Tehran and has participated in past anti-government protests.

“The war isn’t anything but destruction for us. And in reality, the attacks that happened killed a number of ordinary people and destroyed a number of homes and residential buildings,” she said, speaking on the condition of anonymity out of fear of retribution.

Residents contacted by The Associated Press also expressed worries that renewed conflict would lead Iranian authorities to cut internet service again. Repeated blackouts since the January protests have crippled what was a strong digital economy and stoked job losses. A partial restoration has seen a limited uptick in connectivity.

Next steps are unclear

A few hours after threatening to launch further attacks, Trump posted on social media that significant points in the negotiations “have been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved.” But a spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Esmail Baghaei, said in a live phone call on state television that mediators were active and nothing had been finalized to end the conflict.

Iran’s ability to withstand U.S.-Israeli assaults and to close the globally strategic Strait of Hormuz has also rallied the Islamic Republic’s hard-liner base. Authorities have organized nightly rallies in past weeks as they try to project popular support for a tough stance in U.S. talks.

Hamid Reza Bani Ebrahimi, a 47-year-old merchant, said he opposed any agreement that would limit what he sees as Iran’s right to enrich uranium and develop nuclear technology. Israel and the U.S. have repeatedly struck sites and figures linked with the country’s atomic program.

“Our scientists worked so hard to acquire this technology, and then they came and martyred them,” Bani Ebrahimi said.

Abdullah Hosseini, a 45-year-old university professor in Tehran, said Iranian strikes on Gulf states and Jordan this past week were part of an effort to deter further attacks.

“I don’t like war. I am extremely worried about people and children being killed,” Hosseini said. “But sometimes war is necessary, and now is the time for Iran to stand against its enemy.”

But Tehran-based analyst Rahman Ghahremanpour said the back-and-forth strikes this week had deepened concerns in Iran that the conflict “could turn into a crisis without end and in reality make running the country more difficult” in the face of economic pressures.

“Both America and Iran are looking for a way out of this situation with honor and claiming victory so they can strengthen their own domestic situation,” he said.

Arup’s review into hikes at Bishopthorpe Road, Heworth, Micklegate in 2025 found while due process was technically followed, the way they were enacted did not follow best practice.

Cllr Kate Ravilious, City of York Council’s Labour transport spokesperson, said they welcomed the findings which acknowledged the challenge of tackling congestion and they valued the review’s recommendations.

But opposition Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson Cllr Stephen Fenton said the findings were a damning verdict on the administration’s disastrous handling of the hikes.

It comes as the independent review’s findings are set to be discussed by councillors on Tuesday, June 16.

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Their publication follows a consultation which ran from December to February after the review was triggered by petitions lodged under the Traffic Management Act 2004’s Right to Challenge Parking Policies.

That followed hikes in 2025 which set parking charges at £4.85-an-hour for the first two from Sunday to Thursday and at £5.30-an-hour on Fridays, Saturdays and during events.

It saw charges at Bishopthorpe Road’s car park rise from 80p-an-hour and increases there and to on-street charges in Micklegate were later lowered following a backlash.

The ruling Labour group said at the time the increases were needed to tackle congestion but residents, traders and opposition councillors said they would harm local businesses.

Arup’s review received 1,016 responses across the four areas surveyed, including from 107 business owners and 909 residents and visitors.

Bishopthorpe Road car park (Image: Bishopthorpe Road Traders’ Association)

More than half, 56 per cent, of businesses who responded reported fewer customers and lower spending, while 15 per cent said there was no change.

More than four fifths, 81 per cent, of the residents and visitors who took part in the consultation drove to the destination under review.

Residents and visitors said they were using car parks less often, shortening their stays, leaving their vehicles elsewhere or travelling to different places.

Cheaper parking, improved public transport and walking, wheeling and cycling links were among suggested responses businesses, residents and visitors said the council could consider following the hikes.

Six businesses and 57 residents and visitors said they supported the increase in charges.

Consultants Arup said the hikes had broadly been in line with other similar places in the UK and the council had to balance competing priorities including dealing with congestion.

But they added the handling of the increases fed into local concerns which ultimately led to the review.

Arup’s recommendations following the review included looking free half-hour parking and other options to support short stays and promoting alternatives to driving.

They also called for more transparency and consultation on any future parking hikes, saying the latter had been absent at the time.

The review cost £120,000 to run, £30,000 across each of the four areas surveyed.

Council city development lead Garry Taylor said councillors would have the opportunity to discuss the findings alongside data for transport and the local economy at Tuesday’s Place Scrutiny Committee.

Opposition Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson Cllr Fenton said residents, traders and community groups had been telling them the hikes had hurt shops and made it harder to support local businesses.

He said: “Labour repeatedly dismissed those concerns, but this independent report shows they were right.

“Perhaps most tellingly, the report contains no evidence that the parking charge increases have achieved the modal shift Labour claimed they would deliver.”

Opposition economy spokesperson Cllr Ashley Mason said the Liberal Democrats called for spending £300,000 on introducing lower charges for half-hour stays but Labour chose not to support it.

Cllr Ravilious said the administration was seeking to balance survey respondents’ views with others including the quarter of residents who do not have a car.

She added the Liberal Democrats were unwilling to tackle the difficult issues caused by congestion.

Cllr Ravilious said: “The £300,000 investment the Liberal Democrats propose is populist cloud cuckoo economics.

“It wouldn’t be enough to freeze parking charges at last year’s prices, let alone reduce them.

“We value the recommendations that have emerged from the independent consultants but do not want to pre-empt the discussion and any proposals that will come from next week’s Scrutiny Committee meeting.”

The government has confirmed that roughly 15 million people — half of the entire workforce — are set to benefit from the Employment Rights Act 2025

Major reforms affecting all workers have now taken effect – with the Government confirming that approximately 15 million people, representing half of the entire workforce, stand to benefit. Seven crucial measures within the Employment Rights Act are now legally enforceable and will have implications for anyone feeling unwell before going into work.

One notable new change will affect anybody who calls in sick. Further employment law updates include ‘day one’ rights for parental and bereavement leave, as well as an end to exploitative fire and rehire practices.

Officials say the reforms will eradicate insecure work, unfair pay and poor working conditions, putting more money in workers’ pockets and raising living standards. These include extending sick pay to up to 1.3 million of the lowest-paid employees.

In a recent parliamentary question, Labour’s Dr Beccy Cooper asked Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden: “What assessment they have made of the adequacy of Statutory Sick Pay in meeting essential living costs for low-income workers.”

In response, Dame Diana Johnson, Minister of State at the Department for Work and Pensions, highlighted the new laws which are now in force. She said: “Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is designed to provide a minimum level of support and financial security for employees when they are unable to work due to sickness whilst also balancing the cost to employers.”, reports the Mirror.

“The government has made key changes to SSP, which came into force last month. Through the Employment Rights Act, we have removed the Lower Earnings Limit for SSP. Previously, employees had to earn at least £125 per week to be eligible to receive SSP from their employer. The removal of the Lower Earnings Limit has meant this threshold no longer applies.

“This means up to 1.3 million more employees will be covered, supporting low-income workers and those who work for more than one employer. We have also removed the waiting period, so people can access sick pay from their first day of sickness absence.

“These changes will mean that employees receive around an extra £400 million a year in sick pay.”

The changes include:

• Statutory sick pay is paid from the first day of absence, instead of the fourth day. The lower earnings limit has also been removed.
• Parental leave is more readily available – including paternity leave and ordinary parental leave, or unpaid parental leave, which became a day one right, and bereaved partner’s paternity leave.
• Disclosure of sexual harassment has become a ‘qualifying disclosure’, giving protections from dismissal and detriment.
• Fines for employers who do not consult in collective redundancy situations have doubled to 180 days’ pay for each employee affected.
• Trade unions can use a simplified statutory recognition process to gain the right to negotiate with employers over pay and conditions.
• Employers must keep records of annual leave and holiday pay.

At Work and Pensions questions following the introduction of the plans, Labour MP Yuan Yang put it to Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden: “What assessment he has made of the adequacy of rates of statutory sick pay.”

For further details on rule changes, click here. Mr McFadden outlined the changes: “I believe my hon. Friend will welcome the changes the Government have made to statutory sick pay, which came into force earlier this month. For the first time ever, we have removed the lower earnings limit for statutory sick pay, as well as the waiting period so that people can access sick pay as soon as they need it. These changes will mean that up to 1.3 million more people will be covered, helping the low paid and those who work for more than one employer in particular.”

Ms Yang emphasised a crucial element was the immediate payments: “I am indeed very proud of this Labour Government’s historic Employment Rights Act 2025, which, from this month, means that workers will get statutory sick pay from the first day they are ill, rather than having to wait till the fourth. Too many people in Reading-even those working in health and care settings-are working through their illnesses; this measure will protect them, their clients and patients and improve the productivity of their workplaces.

“While the ERA is an important step forward, does the Secretary of State accept that the current flat rate of statutory sick pay-at four fifths of average earnings-remains a barrier to those on low incomes, and thus remains a barrier to tackling illness in the workplace?” Mr McFadden added: “I believe that removing the three-day limit and giving access to statutory sick pay from day one, as well as making it available to those who work for multiple employers, should decrease the pressure on workers to have to work through illness.

“My hon. Friend will be aware that the “Keep Britain Working” review led by Charlie Mayfield also aims to work with employers to help keep people in jobs while they cope with some of the long-term sickness issues that can develop as workers get older.”

The TUC has stated that the new Act will bring significant advantages for the nation, including enhanced health, wellbeing and job satisfaction, together with reduced workplace disputes, resulting in higher economic output and employment rates.

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “The Employment Rights Act will deliver vital common sense reforms for millions of people across the country, including sick pay for all workers from day one, banning exploitative zero hours contracts and protecting workers from harassment.

“Too often in this debate the facts are ignored, but stronger rights at work are good for workers and employers – driving up labour market participation, improving health, raising productivity and boosting demand.

“The Employment Rights Act will deliver an estimated £10 billion boost to the economy – gains that far outstrip any costs. Britain will now be brought into line with other countries where workers already have better protections and, crucially, the legislation will give working people the higher living standards and secure incomes that are needed to build a decent life.

“Good employers will also welcome these changes: the Act protects them from competitors whose business models are built on low-paid, insecure employment.”

Research suggests that new sick pay entitlements are set to carry the greatest significance for both employees and businesses alike.

Fred Jerrome, Head of Workplace Policy at Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service), cautioned that employers could face considerable financial penalties. He said: “6 April marked more than the new tax year – it saw the roll out of the first major employment law changes in the Employment Rights Act 2025.

“But bringing new laws into force is just the first step. At Acas, we’re working on how these reforms can be successful in practice. As well as training managers and communicating with staff about individual rights, Acas encourages employers to take a proactive approach to dealings with trade unions. Our collective conciliation service is on hand to assist with emerging disputes. It will be employers and unions who are ready to work well together who see the most benefits from the changes in April and beyond.”

A study commissioned by conciliation service Acas examining the Employment Rights Act’s reforms revealed that new protections against unfair dismissal were also recognised as significantly impactful.

Firms identified new paternity leave entitlements as their third most pressing concern, while workers attached greater significance to the revised flexible working provisions. Acas stated the research would enable it to target support for employees and employers where it is most required.

Niall Mackenzie, Acas chief executive, said: “The Employment Rights Act is a major shake-up in employment law and will impact businesses and workers across the country.

“It’s crucial that both employers and employees get to grips with the new rules, and Acas remains best placed as independent experts helping everyone at work throughout this period of change.

“Acas will be working with employers, workers and their representatives on the implementation of the Employment Rights Act and we will be updating our advice and training.”

Among the most recognisable names is broadcaster Stephen Watson, who receives an MBE for services to broadcasting, kidney transplant awareness and fundraising in Northern Ireland

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Northern Ireland’s King’s Birthday Honours list is led by several well-known figures from broadcasting, business and public life, including BBC presenter Stephen Watson and Belfast Harbour chief executive Joseph O’Neill, alongside a wide range of recipients recognised for contributions to healthcare, education, business and community relations.

Among the most recognisable names is broadcaster Stephen Watson, who receives an MBE for services to broadcasting, kidney transplant awareness and fundraising in Northern Ireland. Also honoured are Belfast Harbour chief executive Joseph O’Neill, awarded a CBE for services to business and the Belfast community, and former Crown Solicitor for Northern Ireland Jennifer Bell, who receives a Companion of the Order of the Bath for services to the administration of justice.

The honours also recognise a number of prominent Northern Ireland business leaders, including Henderson Group executives Geoffrey Agnew and Martin Agnew, hospitality entrepreneur Trevor Annon of Mount Charles, and heritage advocate Mukesh Sharma. In sport, golf administrator Ian Bamford and disability football champion Alan Crooks are among those honoured.

Across the six counties, recipients are recognised for work spanning healthcare, agriculture, education, broadcasting, peacebuilding, entrepreneurship and charity, reflecting Northern Ireland’s strong tradition of civic leadership and community service.

Belfast

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

• Ian Bamford. For services to Amateur Golf. (Belfast, Belfast)
• Dr Susan Lagdon. Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Ulster University. For services to Ending Violence Against Women and Girls. (Belfast, Belfast)

County Antrim

Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

• Professor Ian Stuart Young. Consultant Chemical Pathologist, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and Chief Scientific Advisor to the Department of Health. For services to Health Services Research and Development and to Health Education. (Newtownabbey, County Antrim)

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

• Paul Finnegan. Chief Executive, Lighthouse. For services to Charity. ( Lisburn, County Antrim)
• Dr Helen Kirkpatrick MBE. Lately Chair QUBIS Board, Queen’s University Belfast. For services to Economic Development and Innovation. (Crumlin, County Antrim)
• Mukesh Sharma MBE DL. Deputy Chair and Trustee, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Chair, Northern Ireland Committee, National Lottery Heritage Fund. For services to Heritage. (Newtownabbey, County Antrim)

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

• Geoffrey William Agnew. Joint Executive Group Chair, Henderson Group. For services to Business and to the community in Northern Ireland. (Lisburn, County Antrim)
• Trevor Annon. Managing Director and Chair, Mount Charles. For services to Business, to Sport and to Charity in Northern Ireland. (Lisburn, County Antrim)
• Brian Duff. Lately Principal, Carnmoney Primary School, Newtownabbey. For services to Education in Newtownabbey. (Carrickfergus, County Antrim)
• David Francis Heggarty. Principal, Cregagh Primary School and Deaf Unit. For services to Education in Northern Ireland. (Islandmagee, County Antrim)
• Gordon John Kane. Curriculum Area Manager, Advanced Technologies, Northern Regional College. For services to Further and Higher Education in Northern Ireland. (Islandmagee, County Antrim)
• Dr Michael McBrien. Consultant Anaesthetist, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. For Voluntary Service. ( Templepatrick, County Antrim)
• David Andrew Radcliffe. For services to Education and to the community in Coleraine, County Londonderry. (Ballymoney, County Antrim)
• Frederick Michael Stewart. For services to Military History in Northern Ireland. (Larne, County Antrim)

Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

• Valerie Alexander. For services to Disadvantaged Young People in India. ( Ballymena, County Antrim)
• Roger Frederick Bell. For services to Local Cricket. (Carrickfergus, County Antrim)
• Robert Edward Cullinan. For services to Community Relations and to Brazilian JuJitsu. (Newtownabbey, County Antrim)
• Tanya Evelyn Mary Hughes. For services to the community of Ballybeen, Belfast. (Newtownabbey, County Antrim)
• Angela Jane Manson. For services to Youth Musical Theatre. (Lisburn, County Antrim)
• Gregory Walter Thompson McKinley. Operations Director, The Gallaher Trust. For services to the Economy in Northern Ireland. (Ballymena, County Antrim)
• Samuel Todd. Service Delivery Manager, Bus Service Operations, Translink. For services to Public Transport. (Ballyclare, County Antrim)
• Ruth Verner. For services to the community in County Antrim. (Antrim, County Antrim)

County Armagh

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

• Wesley David Aston. Lately Chief Executive, Ulster Farmers’ Union. For services to Agriculture. (Armagh, County Armagh)
• Pauline Frances Bothwell. Charity Secretary, Crossfire Trust. For services to the People of South Armagh. (Downpatrick, County Armagh)

Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

• Campbell Best. For services to the community in Portadown, County Armagh. (Portadown, County Armagh)
• Maxine Chambers. Senior Youth Support Worker, Goal Line Youth Trust and Co-Founder, Bluebell Trust. For services to Young People in Portadown, County Armagh. (Craigavon, County Armagh)
• Patricia Feeney. Leader, Caledon Playgroup. For services to Young Children in Northern Ireland. (Milford, County Armagh)

County Down

Companions of the Order of the Bath (CB)

• Jennifer Agnes Bell. Lately Crown Solicitor for Northern Ireland. For services to the Administration of Justice. ( Bangor, County Down)

Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

• Joseph O’Neill. Chief Executive Officer, Belfast Harbour. For services to Business and to the community in Belfast. ( Newtownards, County Down)

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

• Arlene Kee MBE. Director Youth Service, Education Authority. For services to Young People. (Newtownards, County Down)
• Paul Joseph McBride. For services to Education. (Belfast, County Down)
• Eileen Murphy. Chief Executive, Women’s Aid Armagh-Down. For services to Charity. (Newry, County Down)

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

• Martin John Agnew. Joint Executive Group Chair, Henderson Group. For services to Business and to the community in Northern Ireland. (Hillsborough, County Down)
• Dr Rosemary Elizabeth Agnew. Lately Director of Agricultural Policy, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. For services to Agriculture. (Dromore, County Down)
• Professor John Stanley Alan Anderson. For voluntary services to Education and to the community in Northern Ireland. (Newtownards, County Down)
• Thomas Malcolm Calvert. Senior Professional Technical Officer, Rivers Directorate, Department for Infrastructure, Northern Ireland Civil Service. For services to Flood Risk Management and Digital Transformation. (Belfast, County Down)
• Alan William Crooks. Disability Manager, Irish Football Association. For services to Disability Football. (Newtownards, County Down)
• Ivor William McKee Dunne. Prison Officer, Northern Ireland Prison Service. For services to Criminal Justice and the Rehabilitation of Offenders in Northern Ireland. (Lisburn, County Down)”
• Maurice Henry Geddis. Co-Founder and Co-Chair, Avondale Foods Ltd and ENE Ltd. For services to Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Northern Ireland. (Dromore, County Down)
• Richard Lyttle. For services to the Horse Racing Industry. (Ballynahinch, County Down)
• Agnes Jane McCullough. For services to the Art of Lacemaking and Needlecraft in Northern Ireland. (Bangor, County Down)
• Paul Robert Millar. For services to Architecture and the Arts in Northern Ireland. (Belfast, County Down)
• Rose Neill. For services to Broadcasting and to Charity. (Newtownards, County Down)
• Brian O’Hagan. For services to Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland. (Newry, County Down)
• Martin Howard Pitt. Chair, Radius Housing Association. For services to Social Housing. ( Holywood, County Down)
• Evelyn Elizabeth Jean Smyth. Medicines Management Specialist Nurse, Southern Health & Social Care Trust. For services to Health and Social Care. (Banbridge, County Down)
• Brenda Lydia Tighe. Chair, Northern Ireland Counselling Forum. For services to Counselling in Northern Ireland. (Newtownards, County Down)
• Claire Vincent. Deputy Director Marine and Fisheries Division, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. For services to Marine Science and to Women in Science. (Bangor, County Down)
• Brian Walsh. For services to Cricket. (Belfast, County Down)
• Stephen Watson. Broadcaster. For services to Broadcasting and to Kidney Transplant Awareness and to Fundraising in Northern Ireland. (Belfast, County Down)

Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

• Janet Beck. Sign Language Interpreter. For services to Interpreting and to the Deaf Community. (Holywood, County Down)
• Dr Nichola Booth. For services to the Autistic Community and their Families in Northern Ireland. (Bangor, County Down)
• David Coffey (Desmond Coffey). For Charitable Service. (Newtownards, County Down)
• Claire Margaret Anne Flowers. Chief Executive Officer, Girlguiding Ulster. For services to Girls and Young Women. (Bangor, County Down)
• Dr Stephen Jess. Lately Senior Scientific Officer, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute. For services to Agriculture in Northern Ireland. (Bangor, County Down)
• Henrietta June Kirk. For services to the community in Groomsport, County Down. (Bangor, County Down)
• Clare McCawley. Victorian Garden Manager, South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust. For services to Health and Social Care and to the Community and Voluntary Sector. (Castlewellan, County Down)
• Peter Scobie. Head Chef, Queen’s University Belfast. For services to Higher Education. (Newtownards, County Down)
• David Thomas Crowe Workman. For services to Rugby and to Community Relations in Ballynahinch. (Ballynahinch, County Down)

County Fermanagh

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

• The Very Reverend Dean Kenneth Robert James Hall. For services to Reconciliation and Peace Building in Enniskillen and County Fermanagh. (Enniskillen, County Fermanagh)
• The Right Reverend Monsignor Peter O’Reilly. For services to Reconciliation and Peace Building in Enniskillen and County Fermanagh. (Enniskillen, County Fermanagh)

County Derry

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

• John Paul Harkin. Director and Founder, Alchemy Technology Services. For services to Economic Development and to Entrepreneurship. (Coleraine, County Londonderry)

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

• George Alexander Fleming. Chair, Fleming Agri Products. For services to Business, to Employment and to Apprenticeships. (Londonderry, County Londonderry)
• Ian William John Glendinning. Managing Director, Irish Grouse Conservation Trust. For services to Country Sports and to Conservation. (Magherafelt, County Londonderry)
• William Robert Lyon Moore DL. For services to the Agriculture Sector in Northern Ireland. (Derry, County Londonderry)
• Dr Patricia Podmore. Consultant, Western Health Trust. For services to Dermatology in the Northwest of Northern Ireland. (Londonderry, County Londonderry)
• Sarah Marina Sweeney. For services to Counselling and Psychotherapy, to Community Education and to Peace Building through Restorative Dialogue. (Londonderry, County Londonderry)

Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

• Lloyd Wallace Magee. For services to the community in County Londonderry. (Londonderry, County Londonderry)
• Audrey Moore. Chair, Friends of Rossmar School. For voluntary services to Special Education. (Limavady, County Londonderry)
• David Stewart Smallwoods. For services to Local Football. (Londonderry, County Londonderry)
• Jennifer Elizabeth Smyth. For services to Disability Sport. (Londonderry, County Londonderry)

County Tyrone

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

• Kathleen Elizabeth Courtenay. Lately Head of Children and Disability Services, Southern Health & Social Care Trust. For services to People with Disabilities. ( Dungannon, County Tyrone)
• John Irwin Dickey Johnston JP. For services to Local History in Northern Ireland and the Adjoining Border Counties. (Clogher, County Tyrone)

Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

• Erica Sarah Maxwell. For services to the Economy and to the community in Northern Ireland. (Dunganon, County Tyrone)
• Joyce Montgomery. For services to the community in County Tyrone. (Dungannon, County Tyrone)
• Maurice Neely. For services to Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland. (Strabane, County Tyrone)

The now Sir Kevin has raised more than £11 million through endurance challenges, having been inspired by his friend and Leeds Rhinos team-mate Rob Burrow’s battle against the muscle wasting condition.

Kevin Sinfield crosses the finish line at York Minster in December 2023 (Image: PA/Danny Lawson)

His honour comes days after he announced his final ‘7 in 7’ challenge – in which he will try to complete an ultra-marathon every day for seven days – which will call at York in September.

It will be the third of Sir Kevin’s challenges to feature York, with hundreds of people turning out to greet the athlete after crossing finish lines at the Minster in November 2022 and December 2023.

Sir Kevin, 45, embarked on his first fundraising quest in 2020, running seven consecutive marathons with the initial intention of raising £777,777, inspired by Burrow’s famous shirt number.

His further gruelling challenges took the figure raised into eight figures, and contributed to the opening of the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in November 2025, just over a year after Burrow’s death aged 41.

Kevin Sinfield with his former teammate Rob Burrow who died in 2024 aged 41 (Image: Danny Lawson/PA Wire)

Sir Kevin praised the MND community after he was knighted and vowed to use his status as rugby league’s second ever knight to step up his inspirational battle to aid further research into MND.

“My playing career was everything I could ever have dreamed of as a young man but the last seven years have given me so much inspiration,” he said.

“The MND community are the very best of us and it has been my privilege to support them and put their battle on the stage it needs.”

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Sir Kevin showed his support for the family of Paul Bradley, 35, of Holgate, whose death from the disease in March left his loved ones with no income but a mortgage and bills to pay after he died.

The athlete wrote to Paul’s widow, Emma, saying the family had his “full support whenever you need it”, and that he would send them “something meaningful” to auction off to contribute to a fundraiser for them.

Paul and Emma Bradley. A fundraiser has been launched to raise money for Paul’s family after his death aged 35 from motor neurone disease (Image: Supplied)

Lindsey Burrow, widow of Rob, welcomed Sir Kevin being knighted.

“On behalf of the whole Burrow family, I would like to congratulate Kevin on his knighthood, we are all delighted for him and I can not think of a more deserving recipient,” she said.

“Kevin did so much for Rob but also the whole MND community with raising awareness and funds to support families and aid research.

“I know he has said he is dedicated to supporting the MND community for however long it takes to find a cure and that means so much to so many people to have a champion like Kevin in their corner.

“As Rob used to say, everyone should have a friend like Kevin and so many people will be pleased to see him get this recognition.”

Calls for Sir Kevin to be knighted in recognition of his fundraising exploits had grown in recent years. He was made an MBE in 2014 for services to rugby league, an OBE in June 2021 and a CBE in the 2024 New Year honours.

On June 13, Venus (the planet of love and pleasure) moves into Leo (the sign of drama, passion and self confidence), so expect your love life to heat up a lot.

This is all about attracting and giving attention. If you’re single, now is the phase to get out and about and catch someone’s eye that you feel chemistry with.

If you’re attached, then sizzle and schmooze! Date nights, intimate moments, escapades, and paying each other all the compliments (ideally with gifts and grand gestures thrown in too) is the order of the day.

Venus in Leo is the perfect start to 2026’s ‘summer of love’.

Let’s see what you need to acknowledge and express with my Zodiac Love Match oracle deck, which uses a unique colour-coded system to give you a full and frank love forecast covering everything you need to know.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

Tarot cards for Aries for Venus in Leo: Gemini, Power Couple, Set A Deadline 

Meaning: Timing matters in all relationships — fledgling, new, mature or fading. We can all carry our feelings for a long time before the opportunity arises to do something about them. You will be presented such an opportunity this coming month. You can set that deadline!

What to do? Well, the Gemini and Power Couple cards ask you not to ‘settle’. You are a high energy partner and need someone who can keep up and even challenge you. You thrive on passion, curiosity, adventure and ambition. You want someone to build a secure, fun, successful, and exciting lifestyle with, so you’re never bored, never stagnated, never feeling low or like you don’t know what’s next.

Light the spark in your love life, see who can match you, trust that, within the month, the opportunity to (re)build that power couple vibe is coming your way. Don’t miss it!   

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Tarot cards for Taurus for Venus in Leo: The Ex, Don’t Drink The Poison, Fading Feelings

Meaning: Your love life is going forwards, not backwards, and you might need to work on that consciously as tethers from your past try to curl around you again.

The truth is that all Taureans struggle to ever truly lose/give up on someone or someone they once loved. You have a possessive core.
But you must give up on it, no matter what they’re saying to you now.
The ex still has some kind of hold, even if it’s just lingering limiting self beliefs they left you with.

Don’t drink this poison any longer! Put down the bottle of old feelings and memories, pour it down the drain, throw it in the bin. Your feelings and ties to this past situation or person will fade, they already have, so don’t stoke it all up again. The best is all yet to come. What you’re building now is worthwhile, don’t look back.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

Tarot cards for Gemini for Venus in Leo: Free Spirit, Fun Fling, Say Goodbye

Meaning: This trio of cards absolutely spell: hot holiday romance. A summer fling! A casual encounter that reignites you in many ways… but is not meant to be a permanent fixture, it serves its purpose and then moves along, so let it be.

Don’t chase what fades. Be free spirited, be yourself, be untethered. Even if you’re attached, take your space and create your own adventures… you’ll have more to talk about together!

A fun fling doesn’t have to be sexual or even romantic, maybe it’s with a certain place, friend, hobby, interest or pursuit. A temporary but intense fascination that you enjoy. Either way, learn to let it go when it’s delivered whatever it’s meant to. Life is full of ebb and flow, comings and goings, and you will feel that energy this Summer.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Tarot cards for Cancer for Venus in Leo: Libra, Spill the Tea, Stormy Weather

Meaning: You see and know everything! Nothing escapes your ‘spidey senses’ and yet you rarely let on what you know. You prefer to keep in all inside. However, you are going to spill the tea this Venus in Leo season.

Some stormy weather or drama will activate your desire to speak the truth, tell it how it is, show that you’re not being played or fooled, that you can see the true motivations in play. Tell them, Cancer!

I feel like it will clear the air. The Libra card promises harmony and peace, after a phase of conflict and revelation. Sometimes you have to break eggs if you want to make a delicious omelette and you’re getting busy in the kitchen!  

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

Tarot cards for Leo for Venus in Leo: Leo, Do The Groundwork, Smooth Sailing

Meaning: Venus moving into your sign makes it all about you, even more than usual! Be bold, be beautiful, shine and glow wherever you go and bask in the attention you receive; the Leo card grants you full permission to be centre stage and love it.

In love, in relationships, make sure you’re doing the groundwork. Talking, planning, sharing, discussing, building, creating, aligning. If it doesn’t feel like it’s going anywhere and you’re not on the same page, then move along, it’s not for you.

You deserve harmony and bliss, a phase of smooth sailing, and if that’s not how it feels then question if this is where you belong. Your love life has the potential to be amazing and fulfilling right now.    

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Tarot cards for Virgo for Venus in Leo: Scorpio, Align Future Goals, Temptation

Meaning: Don’t bottle things up, play into keeping secrets, or suppress your true desires and feelings, Virgo. The Scorpio card is a warning that you’re protecting yourself by pretending you don’t feel a certain way or want a certain outcome. The truth will come out. Don’t prolong this limbo by pretending.

Align your future goals and focus. Know what you want from your love life and what you bring to it, and what suits you. You may be asking for commitment or clarity, that might make you feel vulnerable, but do it anyway. And, remember, that no answer is the answer…

Avoid temptation, be that distraction so you don’t have to face this, or honey-coated words that don’t align to reality. Be clear-eyed and clear voiced. Speak your mind. Get clarity.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Tarot cards for Libra for Venus in Leo: The Best Friend, Spill the Tea, Smooth Sailing

Meaning: Did you know that 80% of relationships come from initial friendships? We all like to take our time, and sometimes, we all benefit from getting to know someone before the attraction blossoms, because then it’s more than physical.

The Best Friend card puts you in that position (even if it’s a re-evaluation of your partner and you’re thinking how much you like them as well as love them). Spill the tea! Tell them how you really feel. Venus in Leo is the time for the reveal. Secret admirer role soon to be relinquished…

I think it will go well. I think this revelation or even just warmer levels of flirting will be reciprocated and met with equal fervour. Nothing to lose, right? Flirting can always be scaled back, or put back in the box altogether, if the reaction is neutral. Go on. See if you can take this to the next level… it’s time.  

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

Tarot cards for Scorpio for Venus in Leo: Virgo, Unlock New Insight, Uncharted Territory

Meaning: The route to the love life you yearn for is delivered in Virgo-type way; project-managed, planned, organised, seeking info and insight. How well you know someone will dictate how intimate and trusting you can be with them, so invest in unlocking new insight about your object of affection.

Ask weird questions, share something vulnerable about yourself to set the tone, brainstorm, play word associations, pick unusual themes for discussion, ask about their childhood, share a favourite memory- maybe show them or take them someplace. Make them a mix tape!

You’re heading into uncharted territory. The relationship you’re in, or about to enter, will go further, deeper than others, and will mean something new to you. This is exciting, go all in.   

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Tarot cards for Sagittarius for Venus in Leo: Aries, Don’t Drink The Poison, Power Couple

Meaning: Jealousy is in the air. Don’t drink the poison that others are offering to you, maybe with sly digs or hints about your object of affection. Question them, validate what they’re saying or debunk it. Be like Aries- brave, direct, passionate, heart worn on sleeve.

Sometimes you have to fight to protect what you love, sometimes other people try to get involved just for drama, out of boredom, or because they are jealous. You have got real ‘power couple’ energy around you and it attracts the gaze and imagination of folk.

You actually quite like being centre stage and knowing people are talking about you both, but don’t stoke the fires or get into squabbles. Challenge the haters, get the facts, and then sidestep them for good. You don’t need negative interference in your love life right now.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

Tarot cards for Capricorn for Venus in Leo: The Ex, Pause and Reflect, Spiritual Connection

Meaning: You know, life lessons occur to us at strange times and it’s often the case that the wisdom of an experience doesn’t become apparent until months or years later… when the emotions have faded and you can see look at it dispassionately.

The Ex and the Pause and Reflect card combine to bring you a fresh insight on an old relationship this Venus in Leo, and it’s a powerful one. Maybe the one that got away, the one that hurt you most, the one you never understood, the one that shocked you.

Use it. Use that insight to impact your closest relationship now, even if it’s just to share your processing and new opinion. They will be surprised and may reveal something of their own past or life lesson collection. Spiritual connections come from sharing wisdom and experience and your survival and out-take from it. Live and learn, together.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

Tarot cards for Aquarius for Venus in Leo: Capricorn, Take The Crown, Solitude

Meaning: Solitude is not an unwelcome state of affairs for Aquarius folk as you prize your independence, love space and freedom, and enjoy your own company. It can make for misunderstandings or tensions in close relationships and maybe you do need to take accountability for that right now.

Take the Crown means owning your actions and the consequences (intended or not) of them. Acknowledge the impact your need for solitude has had. Explain it. Ask for understanding, share something of your inner workings.

The Capricorn card reveals that practical actions can totally resolve this tension. Committing to certain time/place/activities. Being clear how much time you need in a planned period of time. Not fibbing about where you’re at (only to avoid an argument, but somehow it always backfires). Tackle this healthy conflict head on. Put measures in place to reassure them and also give you your space. It can work!

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

Tarot cards for Pisces for Venus in Leo: The Free Spirit, Pursue Passion, A Fun Fling

Meaning: Someone is due to enter your life during Venus in Leo that you find almost impossible to resist. Their presence may not be long-term, so if you’re happily attached then maybe this is a temptation you can ride out, so to speak.

But if you’re single, well, why not? They are a Free Spirit, a roving wanderer, a casual encounter. But the intensity of the chemistry between you is undeniable… and life is for living, right?

It will certainly be a fun fling, and maybe it has more potential, but for now it’s not something to bet your house on. That doesn’t mean it’s a waste of time. There is awakening energy to be drawn from this phase, and of course many happy memories to look back on. Don’t skip it… unless skipping it is the best thing to protect what you already have. Be shrewd.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Kerry King has been reading, teaching and creating tarot for 30 years. Join her magical, exclusive Tarot Club for forecasts, predictions, lessons and readings straight to your inbox. Enjoy one month free for all Metro readers (no lock-in or commitment) over on Patreon.

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

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(left to right) Queen Camilla, King Charles III, Prince Louis, the Prince of Wales, Prince George, the Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, London, to view the flypast following, the Trooping the Colour ceremony in central London, as King Charles III celebrates his official birthday. Picture date: Saturday June 14, 2025.

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With the new set up in this extended 48-team World Cup, third place could be enough to extend our trip a little longer.

If the Scotland players need to find any motivation at all going into our crucial opener tonight, they just need to look at the efforts of Craig Ferguson.

The Paisley lad walked the length of America, raising over £1million for men’s mental health.

After his gruelling walk from Hampden Park to Munich ahead of Euro 2024, it was hard to imagine what he could possibly do to top that feat.

But in a bid to mark our first World Cup in 28 years in style, the charity campaigner has truly outdone himself.

He was greeted at Boston Common by delighted fans yesterday as the world’s media once again surrounded the Tartan Army superhero, desperate to get his reaction at the end of the mammoth trek.

The Scotland fan will now get some well-deserved downtime before getting to enjoy our opening match against Haiti at the Gillette Stadium – and no one deserves to see us pick up that vital win more than him.

Elsewhere in the city fans are once again soaking up the glorious sunshine as they gave us their predictions ahead of the big match.

There is a real sense of anticipation. A feeling that this could be our time – our chance to finally get out of a group at a major tournament.

No one needs to be reminded that history isn’t kind to us when it comes to this sort of thing.

But the feeling across the pond is that things could – and should – be different this time.

With the new set up in this extended 48-team World Cup, third place could be enough to extend our trip a little longer.

One huge performance could be enough – and no one who has made the long trip over here wants to see us go home early again.

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Fans who have made the long trip across to Boston are desperate for us not to blow it.

The Tartan Army have issued a rallying cry to the national team ahead of our crucial World Cup opener against Haiti as fans beg… don’t mess this up.

We can give our chances of progressing through the group stage of a major tournament for the first time ever a huge boost by seeing off the Caribbean outfit on Saturday night – and fans who have made the long trip across to Boston are desperate for us not to blow it.

After a night of partying as we celebrated our arrival back on the world’s biggest stage, supporters brushed off the hangovers and headed out early again on Friday.

Temperatures had dropped ever-so-slightly to around 30C, but many fans who still haven’t been able to adapt to this kind of heat were seen diving into air conditioned eateries and boozers for cover.

We can only hope the Scotland team, who arrived over in the States over a week ago, have had time to adjust as we prepare for the big match – and supporters heading to the match tomorrow are feeling confident we can do it.

John Mackay, 33, an engineer from the Highlands, told the Record: “We came up here from Virginia on Thursday morning. It’s my first time seeing Scottish people in years.

“It’s been good catching up with some of the people from back home. When the draw came out, I was just praying for the east coast. It could have been anywhere, but Boston was perfect.

“We’ve got tickets for the Haiti game. We got them through resale, so we had to pay a huge amount for them.

“But it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity – we’ve waited all this time. It’s a bucket list item.

“We kind of had our World Cup final in November when we beat Denmark to qualify. The euphoria of a nation.

“We will never experience that ever again – but we can’t waste this opportunity. I think we’re going to get a big win and finally get out of a group. 4-0 Scotland.”

Glasgow brothers Gary Collins, an operations manager who now lives in York, and Paul Flynn, a chef who now lives in Brisbane, linked up in Boston for the trip of a lifetime.

Gary, 53, told the Record: “We’ve already had a tremendous time, it’s been terrific.

“It has really been magic, a great atmosphere. We’ve been made to feel at home. The Bostonians have been fabulous, really friendly.

“We’ve got tickets for the Haiti game and the Brazil match. We have to win on Saturday – but we know what history’s like. I think this group of players are different, though. I don’t think they’ll let us down.”

There’s been a family friendly atmosphere in the city with fans enjoying the American hospitality.

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Donna Sweeney, a social worker from Gartcosh, and her son Murray, 12, have been stopped everywhere they’ve went with locals desperate to get a picture of the youngster in his Duke of Wellington style traffic cone hat.

Donna, 47, said: “The atmosphere’s amazing. It’s really family friendly. Everybody’s been talking to us. We’ve done loads of trips and we’re going to the game tomorrow.

“We’re really looking forward to that. I’m confident we are going to get the result we need. 3-0 Scotland!”

Murray added: “I’ve had so many people come up to me, random people saying oh, nice hat! It’s been crazy. I’m taking the hat with me to the game. Hopefully it brings us luck.”

Kevin Findlay, 47, his wife Andrea, 45, and their son Aaron, 13, have travelled from St John’s in Canada.

Kevin, who is originally from Aberdeen, said: “We all live in Canada now and we travelled down yesterday and it’s been a blast ever since we landed here.

“As soon as I heard, we qualified we knew we couldn’t miss it for the world.

“We’ve got tickets, the three of us, so we’re getting the trained down at 4 o’clock to start the party straight away.

“I don’t want to be overconfident but I think we’re gonna make it past this round. Definitely. No question.”

Andrea added: “We’re really excited about the game. We can’t wait to see all the Scotland fans. The vibe has been amazing, and we’re ready to go. Come on Scotland!”

It look Mark Batchelor, 37, his wife Michelle, 37, and their kids Lewis, 14 and Sophie, 10, two days to get to America from Airdrie – but now they’re here they just can’t wait for kick off.

Michelle said; “I’s just been amazing. Just getting here, and the atmosphere – the train stations, airports, taxis, buses, it’s been a journey.

“But we’re here now and it’s the experience of a lifetime.”

Mark added: “Imagine getting to bring your kids to something like this. It’s really is once in a lifetime thing.

“The kids weren’t even born the last time we qualified but I can just the agony of France 98 – but it’s going to be differnet this time!”

Jack Wattie, 37, an agricultural worker from Aberdeenshire, added: “The weather has been amazing – it’s been great.

“We came out here on Wednesday and we’re going home on Monday but we have tickets for the Haiti game. It’s going to be some buzz. It feels like this is our time. We won’t get a better opportunity than this.

“I fancy us to win 2-0. We need to play a 442, play two strikers up top and really go for it. That will put us in a really good position to get out of the group. Come on Scotland!”

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The Finest Hotel in Kabul: A People’s History of Afghanistan is about an institution tasked with the job of housing strangers – Kabul’s Intercontinental Hotel. Through this hotel, which sits high on a hill, and the people within it, seasoned BBC journalist and current foreign affairs editor, Lyse Doucet, attempts tell an immersive history of the sweeping changes that have faced Afghanistan since it opened in 1969.

The book has won the third ever Women’s prize in non-fiction. As an scholar of the region, I can tell you that the hotel is a useful lens through which to tell the recent history of Afghanistan.

The modern state of Afghanistan occupies an integral position in the Silk Road region. It was home to an expansive and historic civilisation in which commerce and hospitality had long been entwined with one another.

Inns, better known as caravanseries in the region, played a central role in the provision of security, the exchange of information, and the formation of identity for traders.

Beyond caravanserais, caring for strangers occupied a critical place in the local moral universe of people in the region. In some contexts this took place in communal gathering places; in others, in villages or the guesthouses of the wealthy and powerful. Across the region, though, social institutions designed to receive, respect, and protect outsiders, from near and far, were a prominent feature of everyday life. While a very different sort of resting place, The Kabul Intercontinental sits within this rich history.

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As with other bold architectural buildings of the 1960s, whose history is also tied up to a flow of western capital, the hotel stood for a vision of Afghanistan’s future – of modernity, development and international prestige. As the years passed, the reality ebbed and waned.

Its initial guests included Pan American Airlines flight crews and Afghan socialite and fashion designer Safia Tarzi, a scion of the country’s ruling royal family. People staying in its plush rooms enjoyed local delicacies like drinks from the Afghan-Clemd factory (a state-owned distillery) whose products included the rare taste of alcohol imported from Mongolia and others flavoured with the finest Afghan red raisins.

This luxury, however, would change as the final decade of the cold war ripped Afghanistan and its families to shreds. This is when Doucet’s relationship with the hotel began as she first checked in on Christmas eve 1988.

In its walls she experienced the Soviet evacuation. She saw armed mujahideen commanders from the hills, internationally renowned terrorists, and Taliban leaders tear out the hotel’s bars and smash the bottles of brandy they discovered within. Gone was the glamour, along with the music and mixed-gendered dancing in the hotel’s ballroom.

After the events of 9/11, the international jetset did return. However, these guests were uniformed Nato officials, local elites, international journalists and the employees of aid organisations. They flocked to the hotel, but often pursued by Taliban fighters who tracked them down with ruthless and bloody efficiency.

So Kabul’s “finest hotel” became to be associated with the cloistered and security-cordoned lives of Afghan and international elites and their acolytes. But as Doucet emphasises throughout, it was ordinary people who kept the institution afloat. Responding to changes of personnel and ideological direction, they navigated the changing, violent and deeply unpredictable world around them with deftness and skill. Many losing their lives in the course of doing so.

Around the world, similar hotels were built to demonstrate prestige and signal prosperous futures. However, while the Intercontinental’s doors never closed, others have either fallen into disrepair or come to be used for purposes quite different from those for which they were designed.

Take the Sevastopol Hotel in Moscow, which was built in 1979 to accommodate visitors for the 1980 Moscow Olympics. In the 1990s, it was transformed by Afghan merchants. Rooms built to house guests visiting for Olympics were transformed into commercial offices and retail shops; the hotel’s underground levels becoming warehouses packed full of Chinese-made toys, hardware items, and suitcases.

Doucet’s book is one of the few conventional journalistic accounts of Afghanistan that depicts the country’s ordinary people as rounded individuals seeking to lead respectable lives amid violence and unpredictability. It is a welcome corrective work and a worthy winner.

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