{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/690b5df3317c91fd9a7765c9/69307ad8042629ee0ea355a1?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Irish-trained mercenaries in Russia, and today's other top stories from the Irish Times ","description":"<p>Libyan soldiers previously trained by former Irish Defence Forces personnel have appeared in Russia and have expressed fears they will be <a href=\"https://irishtimes.com/ireland/2025/12/04/irish-trained-libyan-troops-appear-in-russia-fearing-deployment-to-ukraine/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">deployed to the frontline in Ukraine</a>, writes Conor Gallagher.</p><p><br></p><p>More than 33,000 images of people disappeared, tortured and killed in Syria have been uncovered. Sally Hayden is writing about the <a href=\"https://irishtimes.com/world/middle-east/2025/12/04/syrias-disappeared-leak-of-assad-torture-photos-reveals-fate-of-thousands/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">trove of photographs</a> which reveal previously unknown details about Bashar Al-Assad’s industrial killing machinery. Warning: this article contains distressing images.</p><p><br></p><p>The public service needs a complete mindset change from one of box-ticking and avoiding legal challenge, to getting things done. That’s just one of the reactions to the government’s <a href=\"https://irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2025/12/03/promises-were-made-before-about-clearing-blocks-to-big-projects-whats-different-this-time/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Accelerating Infrastructure plan</a> published yesterday.</p><p><br></p><p>Looking for tech gift ideas this Christmas? Don’t miss Ciara O’Brien’s <a href=\"https://irishtimes.com/technology/2025/12/04/gift-gadgets-for-christmas-options-for-family-and-friends-in-our-festive-tech-guide/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">festive tech guide today</a>.</p>","author_name":"The Irish Times "}