In this episode of Centre Stage, our guest is scholar and activist Norman Finkelstein.
He joins us to discuss his latest book on the role of identity politics in the repression of campus protests in support of Palestine.
Finkelstein explores how contradictions in wokeism are being weaponised against the pro-Palestine movement — and what that means for free speech today.
The United States announced on Wednesday that it is preparing a partial evacuation of its embassy in Iraq and has authorised “the voluntary departure” of dependants of American personnel from locations across the Middle East, including Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, as regional security concerns rise.
On Wednesday evening, US President Donald Trump explained that the decision to relocate staff was made because the region “could be a dangerous place”.
Tensions have been rising recently, fuelled by stalled negotiations between the US and Iran over its nuclear programme, further inflamed by Israel’s repeated statements that it is prepared to launch a strike on Iran.
The US has operated military bases in the Middle East for decades.
According to the Council on Foreign Relations, the US operates a broad network of military sites, both permanent and temporary, across at least 19 locations in the region.
Of these, eight are permanent bases, located across Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The US’s first deployment of soldiers in the Middle East was in July 1958 when combat troops were sent to Beirut during the Lebanon Crisis. At its height there were almost 15,000 Marines and Army troops in Lebanon.
As of mid-2025, there are about 40,000 to 50,000 US troops in the Middle East, comprising personnel stationed in both large, permanent bases and smaller forward sites across the region.
The countries with the most US troops include Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. These installations serve as critical hubs for air and naval operations, regional logistics, intelligence gathering and force projection.
Below are some notable bases in the region.
Australia captain Pat Cummins finishes with figures of 6-28 in South Africa’s first innings of the ICC Test Championship final at Lord’s – with the final wicket also bringing up Cummins’ 300th career Test wicket.
FOLLOW LIVE: ICC Test Championship final – South Africa vs Australia day two
Brazil forward Matheus Cunha said his “dream” had become a reality after completing a £62.5m move to Manchester United.
United activated a release clause in Cunha’s Wolves contract this month.
The deal, which was subject to a visa and a medical, has now been completed.
Cunha has signed a five-year contract, with the option of a further 12 months.
“Ever since I was a child in Brazil watching Premier League games on TV at my grandmother’s house, United was my favourite English team and I dreamed of wearing the red shirt.
“I want to thank my family and everyone who has helped me make that dream a reality.”
Cunha scored 31 goals in 76 games in all competitions for Wolves after joining from Atletico Madrid in 2023.
After United scored a record low of 44 goals in 38 Premier League matches last season, bolstering the attack was a clear priority for manager Ruben Amorim.
Although not a traditional centre-forward, Cunha scored 27 goals in 65 league games for Wolves in the past two seasons.
Winger Antony and striker Rasmus Hojlund have arrived at Old Trafford for big transfer fees in recent years and struggled to adapt to the Premier League.
Newcastle United, who will play in the Champions League next season, were interested in signing Cunha.
United will not play European football next season and it is more than three years since they last reached the Champions League knockout stages.
“United are lucky they still have their historic appeal and reputation as a club, so players of the Brazilian’s quality and potential want to move there,” former England midfielder Fara Williams told BBC Sport.
“There is no doubt he improves the squad.”
Cunha was the heartbeat of Wolves’ attacking threat in the past two seasons, scoring crucial goals, linking up play and unpicking defences with moments of brilliance.
“Cunha has everything a United team would want,” said Williams.
“You cannot question the qualities he possesses and the attitude he has in terms of wanting to do anything to win.”
After regularly playing as a number nine in his first full season at Wolves, Cunha developed into an attacking midfielder during his second year at Molineux.
Playing as a left-sided number 10 last term, Cunha often dropped deep to retrieve possession.
Former Wolves coach Edu Rubio said: “He needed some time to adapt to English football but now he is showing his true quality.
“Cunha can help United to get the ball up the pitch quicker with his great dribbling skills and his excellent driving runs which can break opposition lines so effectively.
“He is a top player with great technical ability. He can play as an eight, as a 10, second striker, striker – so he fits very well in Ruben’s 3-4-2-1 system.
“He also likes to gravitate to the flank and come inside to hurt the opposition by penetrating into the box with and without the ball.
“United will need to offer him some freedom at front, giving him the opportunity to rotate and exchange positions across the attacking lines.
Brooklyn Beckham’s feud with his parents doesn’t appear to be ending anytime soon. The famous couple’s eldest son has fallen out with Victoria and David Beckham, allegedly over his wife Nicola Peltz, and it’s been reported he doesn’t want to keep in touch.
Former England star David, 50, will finally be awarded a knighthood in the King’s Birthday Honours list this week and in a sign of ongoing tension, he apparently didn’t tell Brooklyn, 26, about his accolade. Instead, Brooklyn reportedly learned of his father’s happy news through the media.
A source for Brooklyn told Page Six he was thrilled his dad was finally receiving the honour, while a source quoted as someone close to his parents told the publication: “Brooklyn told his family he wants no contact and he’s not responding to those that try to connect.” Now, the 26-year-old star has shared a picture of a tattoo that could be perceived as a tell-tale sign about where his loyalties lie.
READ MORE: Brooklyn Beckham ‘turns his back on his family’ in telling post after Cruz’s plea
The image shows the tattoo on Brooklyn’s upper back that is based on a note Nicola, 30, wrote to him before their wedding in April 2022. Tattooed in a stylish calligraphy font, it reads:
“My forever boy. Read this anytime you feel anxious. I want you to know how deeply loved you are. You have the kindest heart I’ve ever met and hope I never go a day without your love. I think you are so incredible. Just know we can get through it all together if you breathe slow and trust. I love you beyond. Love always, your future wifey.”
Last month, Brooklyn and Nicole were noticeably absent from David’s 50th birthday celebrations which included a father-and-sons’ fishing trip and a star-studded dinner in London’s swanky Notting Hill. The lavish run of events also included a trip to France on a £40m private jet and a huge party at their Cotswolds home. The star’s oldest son missed the lot.
Towards the end of May, Brooklyn appeared to share the first public message from either side of the family feud with a video on social media. This showed him revving a motorbike alongside his wife Nicola in Beverly Hills, the celebrity enclave in their home city of Los Angeles, California.
The caption read: “My whole world x I will love you forever x I always choose you baby x you’re the most amazing person i know xx me and you forever baby.”
One insider has insisted to Page Six that the couple were doing their best to remain on friendly terms with his family. Other reports suggest their 2022 Palm Beach wedding had been a source of tension – in May, the publication said Victoria had ‘hijacked’ a dance they planned to a song performed by a family friend, the singer Marc Anthony.
Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram praised the “effort” that went into his newly unveiled statue, despite it being mocked on social media.
The statue is situated outside the Niaz Stadium in Hyderabad and depicts Akram in Pakistan’s 1999 World Cup kit, where they were runners-up.
It captures Akram in his slingy bowling action but his facial features and hair have drawn criticism online.
Some said it had more of a resemblance to actor Sylvester Stallone while another described it as “10% cement, 90% disappointment”.
But Akram responded on X with his thanks and appreciation for the sculptor’s effort.
“Lots of talk about my sculpture being erected at Niaz Stadium, Hyderabad. Mine is definitely better than the tiger,” he posted, referencing another statue near his own.
“It’s the idea that matters. Credit to the creators, full marks for the effort and thanks to everyone involved.”
The stadium’s chief Shiraz Leghari added: “The artist did his best effort, but accepts it doesn’t resemble (Akram) a hundred per cent.”
