What’s happening in the Middle East, with Colin Sheridan and John Hayes

Areas of the Middle East previously considered safe have this
week come under missile fire as Iran reacted angrily to illegal
air strikes by the US and Israel, in which Supreme Leader
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed over the weekend.


Over 20,000 Irish people live across the United Arab Emirates and
Saudi Arabia, where US military bases are now being targeted by
Iran. According to UAE authorities, three people have been killed
in the strikes with a further 68 reported injured.


Over the weekend, the Irish Government warned Irish citizens to
shelter in place and register with their local embassies. On
Tuesday however Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee said
her department was compiling lists of the most vulnerable Irish
citizens in the region as the US advised its citizens to leave
the Middle East.


Irish Examiner correspondent Colin Sheridan served with UNIFIL in
Lebanon, Syria and Israel and regularly writes about Middle
Eastern issues. He breaks down who’s who in the conflict, why
Israel is targeting Iran, what the regional alliances are and how
this conflict may unfold.


Broadcaster John Hayes works for the Saudi-owned news network Al
Arabiya in Dubai. Speaking on Monday, he explained how an initial
spate of panic-buying on Saturday had abated as the country’s
missile defence system kept the skies safe, with tourists
enjoying a beach day on Monday as their flights were unable to
depart.


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