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Gulf on Edge as UAE Oil Hub Blaze Fuels Iran–US Tensions

  Smoke rises in the Fujairah oil industry zone, caused by debris after interception of a drone by air defences. A surge in regional tensions has followed a major fire at a UAE oil hub, sparked by debris from intercepted drones, as Iran vows retaliation for a recent U.S. strike on its Kharg Island oil facilities. The incident has intensified fears of broader conflict across the Gulf, with Iran warning that parts of the UAE could be considered legitimate targets.  A significant fire erupted at a major oil hub in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, after debris from intercepted drones fell onto the facility, disrupting operations and sending plumes of smoke across the region. The blaze occurred amid escalating hostilities following a U.S. strike on Iran’s Kharg Island—Tehran’s primary oil export terminal. Iran responded with sharp warnings, declaring that U.S. “hideouts” within the UAE could be targeted as legitimate military sites. The threat came as Iran continued missile and d...

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Baklava Recipe

 

 Baklava is a layered phyllo pastry filled with chopped nuts and drenched in a fragrant honey syrup. It’s a beloved dessert with regional variations throughout the Middle East, each featuring different combinations of nuts, spices, and flavorings.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound walnuts (toasted and cooled)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 package phyllo dough (found in the freezer section of most supermarkets)
  • 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter (melted)
  • For the syrup:
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 cup water
    • 1 cup honey
    • Juice of 1 lemon
    • Pinch of salt
    • Optional: cinnamon stick and orange rind

Instructions:

  1. Toast the Walnuts:
    • Arrange the walnuts in a single layer on a parchment-covered baking sheet.
    • Bake until fragrant, 7 to 10 minutes. Let them cool until just warm to the touch.
  2. Make the Filling:
    • In a food processor, combine the toasted walnuts, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
    • Process until the mixture looks like sand and small pebbles.
    • Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl and set aside.
  3. Make the Syrup:
    • In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar, water, honey, lemon juice, salt, and optional cinnamon stick and orange rind.
    • Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the temperature to low and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
    • Let the syrup cool until you’re ready to use it.
  4. Assemble the Baklava:
    • Lay the phyllo on your work surface.
    • Trim the sheets into 8 x 12-inch rectangles to fit the baking dish.
    • Brush melted butter on the bottom of the pan.
    • Add the phyllo, 2 sheets at a time, drizzling with butter after every 2 sheets.
    • On the 14th sheet, add 1/3 of the walnut filling, spreading it evenly.
    • Repeat the layers: 6 more phyllo sheets, another third of the filling, and so on.
    • Finish with 14 more layers of phyllo, not buttering the top layer.
  5. Cut the Baklava:
    • Using a very sharp knife, cut the baklava all the way through the layers.
    • You can keep it simple and make 24 squares or cut each square into a diamond shape.
    • If any butter remains, spoon it into the cut lines.

Enjoy your homemade baklava! It’s buttery, crisp, flaky, and super-sweet — everything you could want in this delightful Middle Eastern treat. 

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