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7 Airports That Are So Beautiful, They’re Destinations Themselves

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7 Airports That Are So Beautiful, They’re Destinations Themselves

People often see airports as places to pass through as quickly as possible. However, some airports have become attractions in their own right, thanks to their impressive architecture, world-class facilities, cultural displays, and unique experiences. These beautiful airports offer much more than departure gates—they provide travellers with memorable moments before their journey even begins.

From indoor waterfalls to futuristic terminals and stunning local designs, here are seven airports that are destinations themselves.

1. Singapore Changi Airport – Singapore

Widely regarded as one of the world’s best airports, Singapore Changi Airport consistently ranks at the top for passenger experience. Its most famous attraction is the Jewel complex, home to the spectacular Rain Vortex—the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.

Visitors can also enjoy:

  • Indoor tropical gardens
  • Butterfly Garden
  • Canopy Park
  • Free movie theatres
  • Rooftop swimming pool
  • Countless shopping and dining options

Many travellers intentionally schedule long layovers here just to explore everything the airport has to offer.

Highlights:

  • World’s tallest indoor waterfall
  • Award-winning customer service
  • Family-friendly attractions

2. Hamad International Airport – Qatar

Located in Doha, Hamad International Airport combines luxury with modern art and architecture. The spacious terminal features high ceilings, elegant design, and impressive public artworks, including the famous giant yellow teddy bear sculpture.

Passengers can enjoy:

  • Luxury shopping
  • Fine dining
  • Quiet lounges
  • Indoor tropical garden
  • World-class business facilities

Its calm atmosphere makes even long layovers enjoyable.

Highlights:

  • Luxury shopping
  • Stunning public art
  • Premium passenger lounges

3. Incheon International Airport – South Korea

Incheon International Airport has long been recognised for combining efficiency with entertainment. It offers much more than transportation.

Visitors can explore the following:

  • Korean cultural performances
  • Traditional craft experiences
  • Ice skating rink
  • Museum displays
  • Indoor gardens
  • Excellent restaurants

The airport beautifully showcases Korean culture while providing exceptional customer service.

Highlights:

  • Cultural exhibitions
  • Family attractions
  • Outstanding cleanliness

4. Istanbul Airport – Türkiye

One of the world’s largest airports, Istanbul Airport impresses visitors with its grand architecture inspired by Turkish culture. Its bright, spacious terminal blends modern engineering with elegant design.

Passengers enjoy:

  • Extensive duty-free shopping
  • Premium lounges
  • Turkish cuisine
  • Comfortable waiting areas
  • Easy international connections

The airport is becoming a major global aviation hub linking Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Highlights:

  • Massive modern terminal
  • Elegant architecture
  • Excellent shopping

5. Marrakesh Menara Airport – Morocco

Marrakesh Menara Airport is famous for its stunning Islamic-inspired architecture. The intricate geometric patterns and beautifully designed glass façade create a striking first impression for visitors arriving in Morocco.

Natural light fills the terminal throughout the day, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Passengers admire:

  • Traditional Moroccan design
  • Bright open spaces
  • Beautiful decorative details
  • Modern passenger facilities

Highlights:

  • Unique Moroccan architecture
  • Elegant geometric design
  • Excellent natural lighting
beautiful

6. Beijing Daxing International Airport – China

Nicknamed the “Starfish Airport” because of its distinctive shape, Beijing Daxing International Airport is one of the world’s most futuristic aviation hubs.

Designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, the airport combines innovative engineering with efficient passenger movement.

Features include:

  • Futuristic architecture
  • Spacious interiors
  • Advanced technology
  • Energy-efficient design
  • Fast connections between gates

Its design has become an architectural landmark.

Highlights:

  • Futuristic layout
  • Iconic architecture
  • Innovative passenger experience

7. Denver International Airport – United States

Denver International Airport is renowned for its unique tent-like roof, inspired by the nearby Rocky Mountains. The airport also attracts attention for its impressive public art collection and local history exhibits.

Visitors enjoy:

  • Mountain-inspired architecture
  • Large art installations
  • Regional dining options
  • Spacious terminals
  • Scenic views

It has become one of America’s most recognisable airports.

Highlights:

  • Distinctive roof design
  • Public art collection
  • Beautiful mountain setting
beautiful

What Makes These Beautiful Airports Special?

These airports stand out because they offer far more than transportation. Their appeal comes from a few key features:

  • Stunning architectural design
  • Cultural experiences
  • Luxury shopping and dining
  • Indoor gardens and green spaces
  • Entertainment for families
  • Comfortable lounges
  • Efficient passenger services
  • Memorable photo opportunities

Instead of simply waiting for a flight, travellers can enjoy experiences that rival many tourist attractions.

Tips for Enjoying Beautiful Airports

If you’re passing through one of these airports:

  • Arrive early to explore the terminal.
  • Check for free tours, exhibitions, or gardens.
  • Visit observation decks if available.
  • Try local cuisine before your flight.
  • Take advantage of airport lounges during longer layovers.
  • Capture photos of unique architecture and public art.

A little extra time can turn your layover into part of your holiday.

outside airport

Frequently Asked Questions

Which airport is considered the most beautiful in the world?

Many travel experts consider Singapore Changi Airport the most beautiful airport thanks to its indoor waterfall, lush gardens, luxury amenities, and outstanding passenger experience.

Why do some airports become tourist attractions?

Modern airports feature impressive architecture, cultural exhibitions, entertainment, luxury shopping, and unique attractions that make them worth visiting even without an upcoming flight.

Which airport has the world’s tallest indoor waterfall?

The Jewel complex at Singapore Changi Airport features the Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.

Are airport attractions open to non-passengers?

Some attractions, such as the Jewel complex at Singapore Changi Airport, are accessible to visitors without a boarding pass, while others are located within secure departure areas.

Conclusion

Today’s beautiful airports have transformed the travel experience. Rather than being simple transportation hubs, they have become architectural landmarks and attractions that showcase innovation, culture, and hospitality. Whether you’re admiring the indoor waterfall at Singapore Changi Airport, exploring traditional Korean culture at Incheon, or marvelling at the futuristic design of Beijing Daxing, these airports prove that the journey can be just as memorable as the destination itself.

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New Zealand 40 – 21 Ireland

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New Zealand 40 – 21 Ireland

Patrick Teupolotto, Ardi Savia, Will Jordan, Asafo Oma, Damian McKenzie, and Anton Leinert-Brown scored tries as New Zealand’s All Blacks beat Ireland at Eden Park in the Nations Championship. Ireland scored through Jack Conan and Joe McCarthy and Hugo Cannon but nothing happened.

Last updated: 18/07/26 19:41pm

A ruthless All Blacks display ensured they would end their home block of rugby’s inaugural Nations Championship with three wins from three, after an emphatic 40-21 defeat of Ireland at Eden Park.

With Ireland missing 12 players through injury, their performances were disappointing, with their attacks particularly poor and lacking zip or threat.

Defensively, Andy Farrell’s side also conceded six tries, with lock Patrick Tuipulotu, No. 8 Ardie Savea, wing Will Jordan, hooker Asafo Aumua, full-back Damian McKenzie and substitute Anton Lienert-Brown all crossing for New Zealand, who were lucky not to miss Loco’s card. For a dangerous clear-out.

Ireland scored three tries through No. 8 Jack Conan, lock Joe McCarthy and fullback Hugo Cannon, narrowly trailing 14-7 late in the first half and twice in the second to 14 points, but could not get a fourth score to leave with at least a bonus point.

New Zealand – Tries: Teupolotto (15), Savia (22), Jordan (35), Ouma (39), McKenzie (56), Leinert-Brown (79). Cons: Love (15, 23, 36, 40, 57).

Ireland – Tries: Conan (33), McCarthy (45), Cannon (63). Cons: Prendergast (34, 45, 64).

Instead, Ireland’s mistakes – there were too many in the competition – were preyed upon, resulting in a disappointing end to the visitors’ season.

Dave Rennie’s selection paid off early as the reshuffled Topo Wai made a blistering start, combining with the new second row of Tuipulotu and Josh Lord for the first try on 15 minutes.

A strong carry from Vaa’i down the right tore apart the Ireland defence, and Tuipulotu ⁠dropped on the line to thunder past Lord.

Lockpatrick Teupoloto scored the first try of the contest in the 15th minute.

⁠Less than 10 minutes later, New Zealand doubled their lead, Savia breaking through a poor Irish defence from near the try line for his second.

The All Blacks’ momentum was halted when loose forward Jacobsen received a yellow card and an off-field review for clearing out Josh van der Flier’s head with a broken arm. Surprisingly, the review did not bring up an upgraded red card for the incident.

All Blacks captain Ardi Savia crashed over poor Irish defending for his second try.

Ireland rallied through their forwards and on the line, with a charging Conan crashing over two metres out and scrum-half Jamieson taking a fuzzed pass from Gibson Park at a ruck.

Ireland’s jubilation turned to disappointment two minutes later when Jordan scooped up an errant pass inside the Irish 22 from the restart and cantered over for his sixth try of the season – Stuart McCloskey and Sam Prendergast appeared to cross the wire.

With Ireland within seven points, Will Jordan happily accepted the gift of the restart try.

Omua scored four tries for the hosts after a TMO review showed he had put the ball on the chalk near the right post at the end of half-time.

Locke McCarthy provided the spark for Ireland early in the second half, successfully grounding the ball over the line under the posts, thanks to skipper Dan Sheehan’s helpful assist.

Once again, the All Blacks hit back quickly with rapid pace and relentless pressure.

Moving the ball down the left with quick hands, fly-half Ruben Love was stopped a foot from the line but full-back McKenzie scooped up the recycled ball and headed it over.

Ireland's attack proved poor on the day, lacking zip and threat and riddled with errors.

Ireland again closed to within two converted tries after the hour mark, with Cannon’s cross going unmarked in the left corner following another attack led by the forwards.

The All Blacks had the final answer, though, as an offload from Jordan found Lennart Brown, who finished Ireland off with a sixth try in the final minute.

Farrell lamented Ireland’s ‘mistakes’ and ‘lack of flow’

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell said after the match:

“Wrong word. Our consistency was off; we weren’t flowing for all kinds of reasons, whether it was discipline, throwing the ball, throwing the ball into touch, etc.

“The character and fight is there for all to see, and we saw it against Australia.

“But you can’t make that many mistakes against a quality team like New Zealand.

“When there’s an injury, it’s somebody else’s chance. With what’s coming up in the next 15 months, it’s priceless for us.”

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell lamented his team's mistakes and poor attack.

McKenzie: Our most physical test of the summer – great to come away with a hard-fought win

Man of the match Damien McKenzie said after the match:

“A tough Test match. Ireland came out strong, and we knew we had to start well.

We had to get on with our work, and we knew the second half was still going to be a grind. The Irish boys are a tough team.

“We had to work really hard for our points in the second half. It’s a real boost to come away with a hard-fought Test win.

“These tests are more physical every week.”





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Kawartha Butter Tart Factory: Peterborough’s Pastry Paradise

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Kawartha Butter Tart Factory: Peterborough’s Pastry Paradise

Discover Peterborough, Ontario.

The City of Peterborough sits along the Otonabee River with an easy, relaxed charm. It’s the kind of place you think you know until you arrive and realise you’ve underestimated it. The city isn’t just a stop on the way to cottage country. It has its own pulse, its own flavour, and a community that is genuinely proud of where they live.

You can watch boats rise at the lift lock in one moment. Minutes later, you’re downtown following the trails along the river and Little Lake. The streets feel lively but never rushed. Local shops, small cafés, and musicians provide the area with the area a warm, lived-in feel. History is everywhere, but it blends naturally with the city’s creative streak.

What really stands out, though, are the small businesses. They provide Peterborough its personality. They’re run by people who care deeply about what they make and how they share it. And tucked among these streets is one bakery that captures that spirit perfectly — a spot that feels like a discovery the moment you walk through the door.

Kawartha Butter Tart Factory: Peterborough’s Sweet Little Obsession

We first learnt about The Kawartha Butter Tart Factory several years ago. We were on an autumn road trip to Bancroft and passed their old location – a giant blue building northeast of Peterborough. From that moment on, it has become necessary to visit whenever we are in Peterborough. Their current location sits in a simple building in Peterborough, but the moment you step inside, you understand it. The smell alone could convince anyone to stay. Warm pastry. Brown sugar. Butter is doing its best work.

Kawartha Butter Tart Factory and Bakery

The place feels friendly and unfussy. Locals swing in for a quick box. Travellers hover by the counter, trying to stay calm while their eyes dart between flavours. The staff move with the easy confidence of people who know their product is good. The treats all look like they were made by someone who actually enjoys baking. Despite the name, nothing here feels factory-made. You can see the handwork in every edge and swirl.

Roguetrippers Best donuts in Ontario

This bakery isn’t trying to be trendy or flashy. It’s all about doing the basics really well. Good ingredients. Real technique. Zero shortcuts. And a whole lot of pride in a classic Canadian treat. If you’re anywhere near Peterborough, this place deserves a stop. And honestly, once you’ve had one tart, you’ll start planning your next visit before you hit the parking lot.

The Kawartha Butter Tart Factory is one of those places you don’t just “visit.” You make a point of going.

The Best Butter Tarts In Peterborough

Butter tart Appearance

Best Butter Tarts in Peterborough Ontario

Each tart looks hand-shaped, with a little florette pattern that never repeats the same way twice. The pastry has natural variation, with some edges rising higher and creating a rustic, homemade look. The crust is evenly baked, with a warm golden hue that signals a proper blind bake. The filling settles into a glossy amber top that glimmers in the light. A slight overflow caramelises along the rim, creating that thin, sugary edge that bakers secretly love.

Crust

Where to find the best bakery in Peterborough

The crust has that light, flaky lift you only get from well-laminated pastry. It feels simple and classic, with no unnecessary fuss. The shell is thick enough to stay intact, even when you eat it one-handed. It never crumbles into chaos. Each bite provides a clean, crisp snap that signals a proper bake. There’s a gentle sweetness in the dough, just enough to balance the filling. The edges stay crunchy, thanks to a perfect golden finish. It’s a sturdy, well-structured pastry that holds its shape yet remains tender.

Butter Tart Filling – Real Butter

Real BUtter is used in these Butter Tarts

The filling is thick and smooth, with a soft, gelatinous set that holds its shape. It has a rich, buttery depth that hits fast. These are the hallmarks of a butter tart made with real butter. The brown sugar base gives it a warm, caramel sweetness without going overboard. The texture is velvety, almost custardlike, and it glides across your palate with zero graininess. There’s no sugar crystal hiding at the bottom, just a clean, even bake from top to base. The flavour is bold and buttery, with a finish that lingers longer than you expect.


Crust-to-Filling Ratio

What a butter tart made with real Butter looks like

The tarts are filled right to the rim, with barely any overflow. Each bite delivers pure filling from top to bottom. There are no hidden air pockets or gaps, just a clean, even set. The ratio feels intentional, with the sturdy pastry supporting the generous interior. The crust never steals the spotlight, but it holds everything together beautifully. It’s a balanced build that lets the filling shine without overwhelming. These tarts travel well too, staying intact and delicious long after you leave the bakery.


Overall Experience

Roguetrippers Best Butter Tarts in Ontario

This tart delivers a rich, buttery hit from the first bite. The filling is smooth, creamy, and beautifully balanced. Nothing feels cloying or heavy, which makes the sweetness a pleasure to enjoy. The crust holds firm, so you can eat it while walking without a single drip. No crumbling, no sticky fingers, no runaway filling. It’s a tidy, well-built tart that travels as well as it tastes. You can finish a whole one without feeling overwhelmed. It’s indulgent but never too much — the kind of treat you enjoy anytime, anywhere.

Beyond the Butter Tarts

When you go on a road trip to Peterborough, make sure you have a cooler pack. Kawartha Butter Tart Factory doesn’t stop at butter tarts. While the majority of their shop is dedicated to their namesake item, their doughnuts deserve their own fan club.

The fritters are enormous, packed with real fruit, and fried to a deep golden finish. Each one has that crackly, caramelised edge that bakers dream about. The cream-filled doughnuts are even wilder.

They’re stuffed with housemade cream that’s so fresh it practically tries to escape. The filling is silky, light, and unapologetically rich. We never leave without buying a couple – lemon, raspberry, strawberry rhubarb, etc. We always enjoy a cream-puff doughnut on the drive to Marmora – it’s messy, but worth it.

These are the kind of doughnuts that break diets and ruin willpower. And honestly, they’re worth every bite. Their cheese biscuits are also a must.

The Best Butter Tart JUDGE.
Kawartha Butter Tart FactoryPeterborough Ontario

Staying Power of the Butter Tarts

These tarts don’t just travel well — they’re shockingly resilient. We grabbed a box on the way to a cabin near Bancroft and promptly forgot about them.

They bounced around the car for days without losing their shape. No collapsed crusts. No leaking filling. When we finally opened the box at home, they still looked bakery-fresh.

The pastry stayed crisp, and the filling kept its smooth, buttery texture. It was the kind of durability you only get from a properly baked tart.

Where to Find The Butter Tart Factory and Bakery

Address: 1135 Lansdowne St W Unit 20, Peterborough, ON K9J 7M2

Make Peterborough your next Ontario destination.

Peterborough, Ontario, always surprises us in the best way. The city mixes small-town comfort with a creative, food-forward energy. We stop at the Kawartha Butter Tart Factory every single time we pass through. It’s become a nonnegotiable road trip ritual.

The city offers far more than great desserts. Peterborough delivers river views, indie shops, local makers, and a downtown that feels genuinely welcoming. It’s the kind of place that turns a quick detour into a full day out. Visit for the butter tarts, stay for the city’s charm, and leave already planning your next trip to Peterborough.

Would you like me to continue the #BUTTERTARTQUEST?

Please leave a comment with your suggestions for which bakery I should feature next.





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The Latest Gig Economy Hustle? Restaurant line-sitting is turning waiting into a pay cheque.

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The Latest Gig Economy Hustle? Restaurant line-sitting is turning waiting into a pay cheque.

The gig economy continues to evolve in surprising ways, and one of its newest trends is restaurant line-sitting. While food delivery, ride-sharing, and freelance work have become common sources of income, waiting in line for someone else is now becoming a legitimate side hustle.

In many major cities, popular restaurants attract long queues that can stretch for hours. Instead of wasting valuable time in line, customers are now hiring professional line sitters to hold their spot until they arrive. This unusual service is creating new earning opportunities while offering convenience to busy diners.

But how does restaurant line-sitting actually work, and why is it becoming so popular? Here’s everything you need to know.

What Is Restaurant Line-Sitting?

Restaurant line-sitting is precisely what it sounds like. A person is paid to stand in line outside a restaurant until the customer is ready to take their place.

Instead of arriving hours early for a famous brunch spot or the newest viral restaurant, customers hire someone to:

  • Wait in line on their behalf
  • Hold their position in the queue
  • Notify them when the front of the line is near
  • Transfer the place in line before entry

The customer then arrives shortly before being seated, saving valuable time.

Several trends have helped this niche gig grow rapidly.

1. Viral Restaurants

Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram regularly make restaurants famous overnight. Long waiting times have become common for trendy locations.

Some diners simply don’t want to spend two or three hours standing outside.

2. Busy Professionals

Many professionals have demanding schedules.

Rather than taking half a day off to wait for a table, they prefer paying someone else to do it.

Time has become more valuable than money for many customers.

3. Tourists

Visitors often have limited time in a city.

Instead of wasting precious sightseeing hours, they hire a line sitter and continue exploring while waiting.

4. Special Events

Restaurant openings, celebrity chef appearances, seasonal menus, and limited-time food events often attract massive crowds.

Line sitters help customers secure access without the inconvenience.

How Restaurant Line-Sitting Works

The process is surprisingly simple.

Step 1: Customer Books the Service

Customers use gig platforms, local marketplaces, or personal contacts to hire a line sitter.

Step 2: The Line Sitter Arrives Early

The worker reaches the restaurant before opening or during busy hours.

They secure a suitable place in the queue.

Step 3: Updates Are Shared

Many line sitters send regular updates through text messages or messaging apps.

These updates include:

  • Queue length
  • Estimated waiting time
  • Current position
  • Expected seating time

Step 4: Customer Takes Over

Once the customer arrives, they replace the line sitter and continue into the restaurant.

Some restaurants allow this process without issue, while others prohibit line transfers.

How Much Can Restaurant Line Sitters Earn?

Income depends on several factors.

Typical pricing includes the following:

  • Hourly rates
  • Flat booking fees
  • Rush charges
  • Overnight waiting premiums
  • Holiday pricing

In major cities like New York, Los Angeles, London, or Tokyo, experienced line sitters may earn significantly more during high-demand periods, especially for exclusive restaurant openings or limited-time dining events.

Workers willing to wait several hours can sometimes make more than they would from other short-term gig jobs.

Skills Needed for Restaurant Line-Sitting

Although the work appears simple, successful line sitters require several important skills.

Patience

Standing for long periods requires both physical endurance and mental patience.

Reliability

Customers depend on workers to maintain their position honestly.

Late arrivals or abandoning the queue can damage reputations.

Good Communication

Regular updates build trust.

Most customers appreciate photos or estimated waiting times.

Local Knowledge

Experienced line sitters understand:

  • Peak dining hours
  • Restaurant policies
  • Best arrival times
  • Local demand

Benefits for Customers

Hiring a restaurant line sitter offers several advantages.

Saves Time

Customers avoid spending hours waiting.

Greater Convenience

People can continue working, shopping, or sightseeing while someone else waits.

Reduced Stress

Long restaurant queues can be frustrating.

Knowing someone else is handling the wait makes dining more enjoyable.

Better Access

For restaurants that frequently sell out or reach capacity quickly, hiring a line sitter can increase the chances of getting a table.

Benefits for Gig Workers

For workers, restaurant line-sitting provides flexible earning opportunities.

Advantages include:

  • No specialized qualifications
  • Flexible schedules
  • Low startup costs
  • Ability to work part-time
  • Opportunity to combine with other gig jobs

Some workers even accept multiple line-sitting assignments throughout the week.

Challenges of Restaurant Line-Sitting

people eating in restaurants

Despite its benefits, the job has limitations.

Weather Conditions

Workers may spend hours outdoors in:

  • Rain
  • Snow
  • Heat
  • Cold temperatures

Restaurant Rules

Some establishments do not permit customers to swap places in line.

If transfers are prohibited, the service becomes impossible.

Long Hours

Popular restaurants sometimes require waiting four or five hours.

Workers must be prepared for lengthy shifts.

Uncertain Demand

Business can vary greatly depending on:

  • Restaurant popularity
  • Season
  • Local events
  • Tourism

Is Restaurant Line-Sitting Ethical?

The growing popularity of restaurant line-sitting has sparked debate.

Supporters argue:

  • People pay for convenience every day.
  • Time-saving services are common.
  • Workers receive fair compensation.

Critics argue:

  • It may provide wealthier customers an advantage.
  • It can create confusion in queues.
  • Some believe waiting should remain first-come, first-served.

Ultimately, policies differ from one restaurant to another. Some businesses accept line holders, while others require the person waiting to be the actual diner.

The Future of Restaurant Line-Sitting

As cities become busier and consumers place greater value on convenience, restaurant line-sitting may continue to grow.

Apps specialising in queue management could expand their services to include restaurants, concerts, sporting events, product launches, and exclusive pop-up experiences.

Artificial intelligence and predictive wait-time technology may also improve scheduling, making the service more efficient for both customers and workers.

Whether it becomes a mainstream profession or remains a niche side hustle, it reflects the broader shift toward time-saving services in today’s economy.

5

entering a restaurant

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Restaurant Line-Sitting?

Restaurant line-sitting is a service where a person waits in line at a restaurant on behalf of a customer, allowing the customer to arrive closer to their seating time.

Yes, in most places it is legal. However, individual restaurants may have rules that prohibit transferring places in line, so customers should always check the venue’s policy.

How much can a restaurant line sitter earn?

Earnings vary by city, demand, and waiting time. Workers may charge hourly rates, flat fees, or premium prices for long waits and special events.

Why do people hire restaurant line sitters?

People hire line sitters to save time, avoid long queues, and enjoy greater convenience, especially at highly popular restaurants.

Is restaurant line-sitting part of the gig economy?

Yes. Restaurant line-sitting is considered a growing niche within the gig economy because it offers flexible, task-based work similar to ride-sharing, food delivery, and freelance services.

Conclusion

Restaurant line-sitting demonstrates how the gig economy continues to adapt to changing consumer needs. As people increasingly value their time, paying someone to wait in line has become a practical solution for busy professionals, tourists, and food enthusiasts eager to visit popular restaurants.

For workers, it provides a flexible way to earn extra income with minimal barriers to entry. While challenges such as weather, long waits, and restaurant policies remain, the demand for convenience suggests that this unusual side hustle could continue to grow. As cities become busier and dining experiences become more competitive, Restaurant Line-Sitting may soon become as familiar as food delivery or ride-hailing services

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Estonia Pushes Europe To Bar Russian Fighters

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Estonia Pushes Europe To Bar Russian Fighters



WASHINGTON –As Russia’s war against Ukraine reshapes Europe’s security landscape, Estonia remains one of the countries most closely watching the Kremlin’s next moves. From Russia’s first-ever unannounced live-fire exercise on Lake Peipus on Estonia’s border to Tallinn’s push for an EU-wide ban on Russian ex-combatants entering the Schengen area, Estonia argues that Europe must prepare not only for military threats but also for hybrid warfare, foreign influence operations, and long-term security risks.

In an interview with RFE/RL in Washington, Estonia’s undersecretary for internal security, Joosep Kaasik, discusses why Tallinn believes prevention is Europe’s best defence, explains the reasoning behind Estonia’s law severing the Estonian Orthodox Church’s administrative ties to the Moscow Patriarchate, and assesses Russia’s growing partnerships with countries such as Iran.

Russia has conducted its first-ever live-fire military exercise on Lake Peipus without notifying Estonia. How seriously does Estonia view this development?

Joosep Kaasik: We must understand that the Russian side is constantly exercising just across the border. Yes, indeed, it happened for the first time on Lake Peipus recently, but they are doing similar exercises at sea as well. So this is something we simply have to understand as part of how they behave.

Of course, it would be nice if they informed their neighbours about those exercises, but we also have to understand that every country is independent in these matters and decides how to conduct such activities. I’m quite sure that if we held an exercise on our side, we would not want to inform the other side about every exercise.

In that sense, we have to look at these things calmly and in a balanced way because this is normal military activity. Of course, for us it is worrying because it also means they are exercising their use of force on Lake Peipus, which is definitely not in our interests.

‘They Don’t Care About Anything And They Will Do Whatever They Think Is Necessary.’

Does this incident signal a broader shift in Russia’s military behaviour along NATO’s eastern border?

Kaasik: When we look back at everything Russia has done so far, I think they have always signalled that they don’t care about anything. They don’t care about anything and will do whatever they think is necessary, first of all to create confusion in neighbouring countries. As we can see from many of their activities, such behaviour is their modus operandi.

We can never know the exact aim of a particular activity, but they have already achieved part of their goal when the whole world is talking about it. That is also why I think we should not always pay so much attention to these activities because it creates an atmosphere of fear everywhere.

We have to be realists. We know we could be attacked one day, but we will do everything we can to prevent it. That is our way of thinking. And preparedness is not only about military capabilities. It is also about internal security, about identifying problems within our societies. We need a much broader perspective.

What worries Estonia most today: the risk of direct military escalation or Russia’s hybrid warfare campaign?

Kaasik: All of it. We think military escalation is not Russia’s first choice. Throughout the years — throughout our entire period of independence — Russia has always been our neighbour, and we have seen that they have tried to use every possible means to gain influence over our country.

Their preferred approach is to influence policymaking. They try to push certain ideas into our societies. They try to use local inhabitants in a way that makes them start believing things that are most useful for Russia.

Basically, they would prefer to influence our countries in a softer way, in circumstances that appear democratic. That is the method we have seen in many other countries as well.

‘These Fighters Will Become Targets For Russian Intelligence’

Estonia is leading efforts to ban Russian ex-combatants from entering the Schengen Area. Why is this measure necessary?

Kaasik: I’m quite confident that Europe is increasingly recognising this. Of course, politically it is a complicated issue because the European Union is not one country. It consists of very different cultures and different understandings. But we are keeping the issue on the agenda, and the good thing is that the European Commission has already taken some steps toward a more general approach.

Do you believe Europe is beginning to recognise the long-term security risks posed by returning Russian fighters?

Kaasik: What we are doing now is using entry bans as the quickest way to limit their movement to Estonia in the near future. It is also, I think, a strong message to the international community that if you have been fighting against Ukrainians in this war of aggression, you should never have access to Europe. So far, we have imposed entry bans on about 3,100 people. But we also understand that we cannot do this alone for everyone who has fought on Russia’s side.

We see these individuals as a very dangerous group of people for the future because, as you most probably know, Russian special services use people with battlefield experience. They are an easy target group for recruitment, and they are likely to follow instructions from Russian intelligence and security services. That is where we see the most significant threat — that they could become involved in different kinds of attacks across Europe in the future and cause us many problems.

The second point is that we do not think Russians should be moving freely around Europe while this war is ongoing. These are two different aspects of the issue. As you know, there has also been discussion within the European Union about issuing visas to Russian citizens. We definitely support the idea that they should not receive tourist visas at the moment. How can it be that they are enjoying the sun somewhere in Nice while Ukraine is at war?

What would you say to EU partners that remain reluctant to support Estonia’s proposal?

Kaasik: I would say that this problem will eventually reach your territory, and by then it may already be too late. What we are trying to do is prevent future incidents. Prevention is always the cheapest and most effective way of avoiding problems.

I have personally discussed this issue with many colleagues from countries that think differently. Their arguments are understandable, but they are very naive.

What are those arguments?

Kaasik: Their argument is that Europe should continue engaging with Russian citizens so they can experience democracy, study abroad, and perhaps one day bring democratic values back to Russia.

But when I look back over the last 200 years, I don’t see a period when Russian society functioned in a genuinely democratic way. That is why I personally do not believe such a transformation will suddenly happen in the future.

We understand that there are Russians who think differently. But at least while this war continues, pressure also needs to be applied to Russian society more broadly.

Estonia has passed legislation ending the Estonian Orthodox Church’s administrative ties with the Moscow Patriarchate. Why was the move considered an important national security decision?

Kaasik: Already at the beginning of the war in Ukraine, our government concluded that, based on the actions of the Russian government, it could be described as a terrorist regime. That is the basis of everything.

When we changed our legislation, the main principle was that no religious association operating in Estonia should have administrative ties to a terrorist power anywhere in the world. This is a general principle. It is not only about Russia.

The second point is that the patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church has openly declared the conflict to be a holy war. In other words, the Moscow Patriarchate has publicly supported this war of aggression and this regime. That is something we have to keep in mind when discussing churches in democratic countries.

According to their administrative structure, they receive their instructions directly from Moscow. I cannot imagine how that could function normally when an institution that supports the war against Ukraine gives those instructions. No democratic society should tolerate that. That is why we changed the law to prevent religious organisations from maintaining direct administrative ties with foreign authorities that openly support terrorism or other forms of violent activity.

How significant is the Kremlin’s use of religious institutions as part of its broader influence and hybrid warfare strategy?

Kaasik: Of course, such structures can also become platforms for spreading ideology, but I think this is not the main issue. The main point is the administrative relationship itself. It is a matter of principle.

As I said, it is not only about Russia. We would not tolerate any religious organisation that has direct administrative ties to a government that openly supports terrorism or violent activity.

This law is not specifically about Russia. It is based on general principles. Today we are talking about one church, but we could be talking about any other religious organisation with similar administrative ties in the future.

Resilience, Iran, And Europe’s Response

Without revealing sensitive details, what are the most important lessons Estonia has drawn from Ukraine and, more broadly, from conflicts in the Middle East for its security planning?

Kaasik: I would not like to reveal all our conclusions, but the key lesson is that the whole of society must be involved.

It is not only about military capabilities. It is also about civilian preparedness: how people cope without electricity or water or if homes are destroyed.

That is the essence of resilience. We must be prepared for every scenario and know what to do. The longer a society is able to endure such conditions, the greater its chances of success.

When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine (in 2022), the initial expectation was that the war would end rapidly. Thanks to the resilience of Ukrainian society, that has not happened. They are still holding on, and that resilience is definitely one of the key lessons.

Military capabilities are essential, and we must show we will counterattack if necessary.

How concerned is Estonia about Russia’s growing strategic partnership with Iran and other countries supporting Moscow?

Kaasik: I would say most countries in the world are concerned about every partnership Russia develops.

The sanctions imposed on Russia have been helpful. They have made life more complicated in Russia in general — economically, for its military industry, and in many other areas. The fewer partnerships Russia has and the fewer economic ties it maintains, the sooner it may begin thinking seriously about ending this war.

We do not welcome any partnerships that help Russia survive under sanctions because, ultimately, they represent a threat to our security.

Do you believe Europe is adapting quickly enough to the changing security environment created by Russia and its partners?

Kaasik: I’m a state official, not a politician, so it is a difficult question for me to answer. Of course, we would all like to move faster in everything. But the European Union is a union of independent states, and we also understand that it is always difficult to reach agreement.

Naturally, we would welcome quicker decisions and stronger sanctions against Russia to make the situation even more difficult for them. But we also have to accept that there has to be a balanced approach.

Our challenge is that, although we try to explain what it means to live next to Russia, people in parts of Europe that are much farther away do not necessarily experience or fully understand this threat. We see it every day. Countries that are geographically farther from Russia often abstain.



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New US Attacks On Roads, Bridges Reported As Iran Hits Back At Gulf States

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New US Attacks On Roads, Bridges Reported As Iran Hits Back At Gulf States



US strikes on Iran widened early on July 18 from the Strait of Hormuz hotspot to multiple sites throughout central and southern Iran, including through the use of jet fighters, while Iran continued to pound US Gulf allies as a fragile cease-fire further tattered.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces “launched a round of strikes against Iran…for the seventh consecutive night. The Commander in Chief directed the strikes to continue degrading Iranian military capabilities.

Some six-and-a-half hours later, 5 a.m. At Iran time, CENTCOM said the wave of attacks had been concluded.

CENTCOM said it “hit surveillance sites, military logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage, and maritime capabilities. US forces employed fighter aircraft, aerial drones, and warships in addition to other assets.”

The announcements came amid reports that traffic through the crucial Strait of Hormuz had dwindled to almost nothing amid multiple actions by US forces and missile launches by the Iranian side.

On July 18, Iranian state-run media reported multiple attacks by US forces — including jet fighters — along the Strait of Hormuz but also at locations away from the important waterway, including in Yazd in central Iran, the southwestern city of Ahvaz, and Khuzestan Province at the north end of the Persian Gulf.

Iran media reported that “several transportation routes” in areas of Hormozgan Province — which borders the Strait of Hormuz — had been blocked by “enemy” attacks on major roads, at least two bridges, and a transport tunnel.

A day earlier, Iranian state media said at least five bridges were struck in the south. Seven people were reported killed in attacks on bridges in the southern port of Bandar Khamir, where the train station was also hit. An airport was reported hit further east and away from the coast in Iranshahr, in a province bordering Pakistan.

Reuters said that video that it had verified showed rubble, broken railings, and a damaged vehicle on a smashed bridge in Bandar Khamir. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said three people were killed while crossing the ‌bridge.

CENTCOM did not specify the targets of its attacks, and multiple claims by Iran remained unverified.

Iran Threatens ‘Full-Scale Offensive Operations’

Meanwhile, Iranian Major General Mohsen Rezaei threatened that Tehran is ready to resume “full-scale offensive operations” if US strikes against it continue for another two or three days.

Rezaei, a senior military adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, said, “Iran will no longer limit itself to retaliatory, like-for-like responses…and no political border will be safe,” according to the Iranian news agency IRIB.

Further intensifying tensions in the region, US-allied Gulf Arab states reported incoming Iranian missiles and drones, with strikes causing some injuries and damages at civilian infrastructure sites.

Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported on July 17 that the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) navy had “targeted” a Thai-flagged ship trying to get through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran announced attacks on Gulf countries that host US airbases, including Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait, in addition to a US vessel in the northern Indian Ocean.

An X post by the Kuwaiti Army quoted a defence ministry spokesman as saying that “the sinful Iranian aggression resulted in the targeting of several facilities and camps affiliated with the Kuwaiti Army using hostile drones, leading to injuries among a number of Kuwaiti Land Force personnel while they were carrying out their duties.”

“The injured have received the necessary medical care and treatment, and their health condition is stable,” it added.

The Kuwaiti Army also said fire broke out and caused damage to power-generation units at an electricity and water desalination plant, although the exact timing of that attack was not immediately clear.

Iran’s navy fired a shore-to-sea cruise missile toward what it called a hostile US vessel in the northern Indian Ocean, state news agency ⁠IRNA reported.

The navy said the missile launch caused “fear and panic” and forced the vessel to move out of range of Iran’s navy.

A UN spokesman said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was concerned about the latest escalation, specifically citing “attacks on civilian infrastructure in Iran and across the region.”

Hormuz Passage Rate Dwindles

CENTCOM also said that over the first three days of a renewed blockade of Iranian ports, US forces have redirected four commercial vessels, disabled one, and boarded another to “ensure full compliance” with the blockade.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — through which some 20 per cent of the world’s crude oil and gas supplies transited prewar — has almost stopped again following the renewed exchange of attacks, according to data supplier Kpler.

Only eight ships passed through the strait on July 16, the lowest figure in three weeks and down from 15 passages a day earlier and from 48 two weeks ago, Kpler said.

Prewar, more than 100 vessels on average passed through the waterway each day.



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Ukrainian Defense Minister Fedorov Sacked As Zelenskyy Continues Cabinet Shuffle

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Ukrainian Defense Minister Fedorov Sacked As Zelenskyy Continues Cabinet Shuffle



President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sacked Mykhalo Fedorov as defence minister, a dramatic shakeup of his Cabinet that sent shockwaves through Ukrainian political and military circles and raised new questions about oversight of Ukraine’s stubborn defence against Russia’s all-out invasion.

Fedorov, a youngish, whiz-kid bureaucrat who has spearheaded digital transformation efforts across the government and embraced drone innovation as an important weapon in the war, confirmed he had been relieved of his post on July 15.

Fedorov’s short tenure as defence minister has coincided with Ukrainian forces battling Russian troops to a near stalemate.

Short-range tactical drones have helped Ukraine shore up its defences and prevent Russian troops from making significant advances. But Ukrainian commanders also continue to struggle with a lack of manpower and experienced units to counter Russian attempts at breaking through.

“It was a great honour to serve the Ukrainian people as the minister of defence,” he said in a social media post. Zelenskyy has not commented publicly on the move.

Fedorov noted several achievements during his time at the ministry, including blocking Russian troops’ access to Starlink satellites, which “dramatically reduced their ability to wage an effective drone war.”

He added that he would continue to work to “defeat the enemy with asymmetry, speed of innovation, and strength of organisation.” He gave no further details.

Ukrainian media had speculated that Fedorov could be dismissed, as he was in a “systemic conflict” with other Cabinet members involved in defence spending.

Dan Rice, president of American University Kyiv and a former special adviser to the commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces, told RFE/RL that Fedorov could be moved to another senior role, including potentially as prime minister or Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, although he stressed that “you just don’t know” what Zelenskyy intends.

“I think he’s done a wonderful job in a very short period of time,” Rice said of Fedorov.

“I think he has a chance to help Ukraine-US relations tremendously. But we will see what President Zelenskyy wants.

On July 12, Zelenskyy announced the start of the government reshuffle, stating that the changes were necessary to implement an updated political strategy.

He said the reshuffle also is intended to renew the Cabinet of Ministers and said responsibility for key areas of foreign policy would be assigned to officials with relevant experience.

Earlier on July 15, Zelenskyy endorsed Serhiy Koretskiy, the chief executive of Naftogaz, the country’s largest state-owned oil and gas company, as the next prime minister.

Naftogaz is a major source of government revenue and a politically powerful corporation.

One of the youngest ministers in Zelenskyy’s government, Fedorov, 34, was named Ukraine’s first minister of digital transformation in 2019, a position aimed at modernising the government’s clunky government services, many dating back to the Soviet era.

Equally important was providing transparency for long-opaque bureaucratic processes, helping to root out deep-seated corrupt practices.

The reforms — described as “a state in a smartphone” — were embraced by Ukrainians, and Fedorov’s popularity and success led to a cabinet promotion to deputy prime minister, with an expanded portfolio.

Fedorov was appointed to take over the defence ministry in January.

While his lack of a military background prompted some grumbling among Ukraine’s uniformed armed forces, his promotion ushered in a surge in drone warfare and production — an area of wartime innovation that Ukraine has excelled at.

Recently Ukraine has used drones to strike multiple targets deep inside Russian territory.

The strikes against Kremlin energy assets, including oil terminals and tankers at sea, are part of a campaign Kyiv has labelled as “long-range sanctions” against Russia.

The drone attacks on Russian energy sites have led to massive shortages throughout the country, with even Moscow — which is often immune to crises in the country — feeling the pressure, with long lines at gas stations leading to furious outbursts by drivers.



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Wayne Rooney warns us about Thomas Tuchel’s fatal flaw ahead of England-Argentina

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Wayne Rooney warns us about Thomas Tuchel’s fatal flaw ahead of England-Argentina

Wayne Rooney warned us. After England defeated Mexico at the Azteca, popular opinion was that it was a tactical masterstroke, partly heroic. He proved that Thomas Tuchel had built a ‘fraternity’. England weathered a tense atmosphere, survived the high ground and regrouped after Jarel Kwansa’s red card. Jude Bellingham was brilliant, Anthony Gordon was indomitable and Dean Byrne’s forehead should be England’s next captain.

But Rooney was not convinced by Tuchel’s approach. In the 74th minute, with the score at 3-2 and down to 10 men, England effectively abandoned all attacking threat. Byrne replaced Elliott Anderson for some penalty box ballast; England reformed into a 5-3-1 formation and then spent the rest of the game defending for their lives.

They did so brilliantly, and Rooney credited the players for that. “They showed attitude, drive, desire – everything you want an England team to show, they showed tonight,” the former England captain said on BBC Sport. “We were the better team until the red card and then we showed a lesson in taking the ball out of the box and stopping shots – absolutely brilliant.”

But with overtime, it was effectively half an hour of wall-to-wall, anywhere-at-will defence. England stopped passing the ball, stopped attacking Mexico’s goal. And for all their stubborn resistance, it was Mexico’s failure to read the situation that froze the scoreline. Mexico dragged crosses into the box instead of pulling England’s defenders out of position to create pockets of space, as if they hadn’t seen the 6ft 7in Geordie now towering over Raul Jimenez.

The full-time whistle blew after England beat Mexico in the round of 16 (Getty)

“I thought it was a bit early to admit, ‘We’re not going to have the ball at all,'” explained Rooney. “We defended the box brilliantly, but I think Mexico played into our hands by putting balls in the box and letting us go out, Pickford coming in and punching out and taking the pressure off his teammates. I think if Mexico had played more around the box and tried to get us to the ball, it would have been more difficult.

Tuchel repeated the tactic in the 72nd minute of England’s semi-final against Argentina.

Fast-forward a few weeks, and Tuchel repeated the tactic in the 72nd minute of England’s semi-final against Argentina. The game-changing replacement this time around was Ezri for Anthony Gordon. There was no red card, no scene that required a panic button. But England dropped back to a deep 5-4-1 and once again abandoned all notions of scoring, all pretence of attacking football. For reasons Tuchel himself could not clearly explain, England emptied the attacking half of the pitch.

That made Argentina’s task fairly straightforward. Like Mexico, they no longer have to worry about defending. It also happened against Norway, in the quarter-finals, when Bern had about 12 minutes left to play. And while Norway and Mexico failed to force England out of their defensive cocoon, Argentina succeeded.

Argentina celebrate a late equalizer against England
Argentina celebrate a late equalizer against England (Getty)

Lionel Messi realised where the space was: on the left flank of England’s newly narrow midfield. From there, he wreaked havoc, and where Mexico and Norway put balls into the box, Messi lifted delicate balls over the heads of teammates and laid in simple passes after sucking off defenders. Enzo Fernandez thus had the chance to score Argentina’s equaliser.

Then he was tearing down the right side of the box towards the byline, England’s defence split and spread, and Lautaro Martinez’s headed cross was sublime, leaving the substitute with a goal he couldn’t miss.

There were other problems when England were under pressure in this tournament. Tuchel’s reluctance to replace Harry Kane and Bellingham meant that when he was defending Leeds, in situations where Ollie Watkins or Marcus Rashford were needed, he had virtually no counter-attack.

And this trend is not a new phenomenon. England have been resting their feet on winning scorelines since records began. At Euro 2000, England dominated Portugal for 20 minutes, went 2-0 up, and then retreated to the edge of their own box, inviting Luis Figo and his teammates to take pot shots, a strategy that was little less than giving the greatest player of all time the chance to unlock a stationary defence for half an hour.

Thomas Tuchel's tactics and changes have come under fire after England's defeat to Argentina.
Thomas Tuchel’s tactics and changes have come under fire after England’s defeat to Argentina. (Reuters)

Tuchel was hired to end the cycle.

Instead, the England players will now be number four, jet off to North America and spend the summer being told by friends, family, agents and clubmates that the manager cost them the World Cup.

Perhaps the statement is a small understatement; perhaps it is an approach guided by the benefit of hindsight, by the end result. But the same could be said of Mexico’s reaction to the game: England received waves of praise for their defensive bravery, while Mexico failed to score. Meanwhile, Ronnie unravels the finer details of the game, sounds the alarm, and no one listens to him.



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The Iran deal must put Iranians at the centre.

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The Iran deal must put Iranians at the centre.

As tensions between the US and Iran intensify, with renewed military strikes and growing arguments around the Strait of Hormuz, global attention has focused on regional security, commercial shipping, and the risk of wider escalation.

But Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau, a former senior US diplomat who is currently the Bradford M. Freeman managing director of global policy at the George W. Bush Institute, argues that the most important story is unfolding inside Iran itself.

The US says its recent strikes targeted Iranian military sites near the Strait of Hormuz to protect commercial shipping. What is Washington trying to achieve with these operations?

I think what we’re seeing right now is an ongoing effort by both the US and Iran to gain control over the Strait of Hormuz. But I think the more important issue — and where we should really centre this conversation — is what’s happening inside Iran and what the Iranian people are experiencing.

I don’t want to speculate about the conflict. There will be many people debating what may happen next, particularly if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and we see impacts on oil prices or fertiliser markets. But the people of Iran are really where we should be centering our conversation

Beyond the military operation itself, how important is the diplomatic effort to reassure allies, shipping companies, and global markets that this critical waterway remains secure?

The Strait of Hormuz is an incredibly important waterway, not only for shipments of oil but also for sulphur, urea, and finished fertiliser. It’s equally critical for our Gulf allies and countries around the world.

As this conflict continues, it is essential to return to diplomatic channels and find a way to keep these waterways open. Open waterways are vital for the global economy and essential for regional and global security.

Beyond the military headlines, what concerns you most about the impact this conflict is having on ordinary Iranian families?

When the latest cycle of protests began, international attention focused on the extraordinary courage of Iranians who took to the streets, demanding not only economic relief but political change.

We’ve seen repeated waves of protests — the Women, Life, Freedom movement; the fuel price protests; and others. As the conflict continues, the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear programme, its regional activities, and its support for Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iraqi militias understandably dominate international headlines.

But it’s essential to keep the experiences of ordinary Iranians at the centre of the discussion. That means talking not only about economic hardship but also Internet shutdowns, political repression, and human rights abuses. While we discuss national-security priorities, we must remember what the regime is doing to its people every day.

Given your experience, how can the US communicate directly with the Iranian people while making clear that its differences are with the government, not the population?

The Iranian regime subjected its people to an unprecedented 88-day near-total Internet blackout. It was eased on May 26, but “lifted” isn’t really the right word because the government still blocks much of the Internet through what it calls “whitelisting”, allowing access only to selected websites.

Information is a lifeline. Independent reporting helps Iranians understand the US position. It helps them understand military activity, shortages, and threats to their safety. It’s also economically important.

Internet shutdowns increase impunity for the regime. When a government cuts communications — in Iran or anywhere else — abuses become much harder to document. Families can’t locate one another, and evidence of those abuses cannot reach the outside world.

Independent Persian-language media breaks that state monopoly. Radio Farda [a part of RFE/RL], BBC Persian, VOA Persian, and others report news that tightly controlled state media simply cannot cover freely.

As military operations continue, when does strategic communication become just as important as military strategy in preventing further escalation? I consider strategic communication another domain of warfare.

First, truth is sunlight. We have to expose abuses that happen in the dark. If the media cannot report accurate and trusted information, people become vulnerable to manipulation.

Because the regime has clamped down so heavily on what Iranians can know about this conflict, it’s effortless for official narratives to be distorted. Trusted information and credible sources are therefore essential so that Iranians understand both the conflict and the actions of their government.

Outside Iran, it’s equally important for governments to provide accurate, timely, and credible information about their foreign policy and international positions.

Washington says it is defending freedom of navigation, while Tehran portrays its actions as self-defence. How important is winning that international narrative?

I think it’s more than simply a communications battle. In 2026, more than ever, truth matters. Facts matter.

For the US — or any country — ensuring there is journalistic freedom and liberty for reporters to present accurate facts and hold governments accountable is absolutely vital. And that’s not just true for Iran; it’s true everywhere.

So I’d say it’s less about shaping public opinion and more about allowing citizens to make informed decisions when they have access to trusted sources of news.

Looking inside Iran, how do you assess the regime’s treatment of its people today? Has the leadership become more willing to escalate repression at home?


Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau

At this stage, it’s important to remember that the regime is deeply embedded in everyday life in Iran. It’s part of the economy, the military, politics, religion, and local governance.

While there are openings for negotiations and Iran has returned to the table, the situation remains fragile. The degree of control the regime exercises over daily life is impossible to overstate — not only over information, but over nearly every aspect of society.

I don’t want to speculate about where negotiations may lead. But returning to the table and addressing the security concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, our Gulf allies, and, importantly, the conditions facing the Iranian people is where attention needs to be focused.

Finally, if diplomacy moves forward, how can negotiators ensure the talks aren’t limited to nuclear and security issues but also improve the daily lives and future prospects of ordinary Iranians?

Trudeau: Negotiators have to address those issues.

Diplomacy is best thought of as a dance. You have to be clear about what you’re going to discuss. That means making sure the conditions facing the Iranian people, freedom of information, the right to protest, and human rights are all part of the negotiations.

Negotiations aren’t easy. They’re painstaking and slow. That’s why you need experts involved.

As this process moves forward, national security issues — the Strait of Hormuz, the nuclear programme, the ballistic missile programme, and the drone program — are all vital. But sustainable change in Iran starts with the people.



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The Juiciest Grilled Chicken Starts With These 4 Tips

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The Juiciest Grilled Chicken Starts With These 4 Tips

If you love food with the kind of passion that drives you to spend all morning at the farmers’ market to spend all afternoon cooking a three-course dinner, then you probably don’t love a boneless, skinless chicken breast.

It’s a reality to accept, and perhaps even appreciate, the virtue of lean protein, a pre-Reformation indulgence that serves as penance for the dinner sins of pork belly and bone marrow.

I used to feel that way. But the dish, this smoky beauty of a recipe – with its juicy swirl of lemon and olive oil and its fragrant charred garlic and parsley – is mouthwatering in the primal way of fried drumsticks and saucy wings. The leanness of the breast, compared with the richness of increasingly popular thighs, gives the marinated meat a crystalline brightness, like a blue summer sky after a thunderstorm.

Culinary professionals often dismiss that pure flavour as boring, though. (Have you seen the chef Tom Colicchio’s chicken breast rants on “Top Chef”?)

But Dennis Mao prefers it. He’s the founder and owner of Jidori Chicken, which sells bespoke birds to fine-dining restaurants.

“I thoroughly enjoy the breast,” he said. “If it’s cooked properly, it’s really good. It has a light chicken flavour and is very clean.

This is true of the ones he raises because they’re small, in the four- to eight-ounce range. Commercially available breasts are much larger, which can make that meat bland. It isn’t only the lack of fat but also the monotony of texture, with an inch or more of uniform thready strands that are prone to cottony dryness since the meat takes so long to cook through.

But it’s not just size that matters. Mr Mao explained that no one factor determines a bird’s quality, such as “heritage breed” or “free-range”, but rather a combination of how the chicken is fed, raised, handled, processed and shipped. For regular supermarket shoppers, he advises looking for the freshest meat, since there’s “a huge taste difference with that subtle shift.”

The ideal option is “something slaughtered recently,” but labels don’t reveal that detail. So look for the latest “use before” and “sell by” dates if they’re listed, as well as the terms “fresh” or “keep refrigerated,” which indicate that the chicken hasn’t been frozen, since freezing deteriorates its quality.

If you can find and afford high-end A-cup breasts, choose them. For the rest of us, here’s how to make supermarket chicken breasts the star of summer:

1. Flatten the meat into thinner planks

Often, butterflying the breast by slicing it in half leaves you with a thick slab of uniform meat striations that get boring after the second bite. Instead, cut the breast to a third of its original height by slicing two shutters: Start with a deep slit from the centre of the fat rounded top down to the pointy end without cutting all the way through.

Then, position the knife at the halfway point of one cut side and slice to open up that side without piercing through. Repeat on the other side and you end up with two shutters that open out from the centre.

Credit…The New York Times Cooking

Once unfurled, the thinner breast can be smacked into an even layer. (I use my bare palm, but a meat mallet or skillet works too.)

The breast won’t end up like a heart-shaped cutlet or even symmetrical like a Rorschach splotch, but that’s why it’ll be as irresistible as steak.

The fibres are now not only shortened, but they also run in different directions, so each bite offers some variety in chew.

2. Marinate quickly

Marinades bolster flavour, but mainly on the meat’s surface; that’s another reason this chicken breast benefits from being so svelte. Plus, it needs only 15 to 30 minutes in the marinade — the time it takes to heat a grill.

Olive oil does a lot of work here, carrying the aromas of the garlic, lemon zest and pepper and ensuring that the meat tastes rich and browns well. The herbs, which char nicely, bring freshness; and the salt, along with the acid in the lemon juice, keeps the chicken tender and moist.

3. Get your grill hotter than usual

Many summers ago, the chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten told me that most home cooks don’t get their grills hot enough to develop deep smokiness.

A blazing fire will leave a whole breast burnt on the outside and raw on the inside, but it will give these extra-thin cutlets a rich char that encases their juicy centres.

The heat is right when you can hold your hand five inches above the grate for three to five seconds. On a gas grill, that tends to be on the higher side of medium-high, and with charcoal, the lumps or briquettes should be ashed over and glowing red-bright beneath the grey-white surface. Be sure to cover a gas grill while cooking to maintain that intensity of heat too.

4. Pull the meat off the grill earlier

If the chicken breast isn’t cooked through, you can always put it back on the grate, but you can’t fix a dry, overcooked one.

These slender planks are done in about five minutes and should be just opaque throughout with the faintest hint of pink, like a blush that fades after your crush walks away.

To check one, move it to a plate, stick a paring knife in the centre and pull the blade back so you can see the meat from top to bottom.

If the breast needs a little more time, put it back on the grill and peek again in under a minute.

Hot off the grill or even cold over the coming days, this dish bursts with the richness and zing that makes even chicken breast doubters believe.

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