That (the ULL pulling north) and the dry air mass are looking more and more favorable to Irene. In reference to the dry air mass, in addition to that convective cell firing up near the Lesser Antillies you can see another cell firing up in the middle of the dry air to the southwest of Irene (not associated with Irene). If convection's able to fire up in the middle of that dry air mass, maybe Irene will be less effected by it than we've been expecting it to be.

Only time will tell.

(Reference graphic: same as Spoken)

Re: Spoken's question and an addendum to Steve's answer:
On that graphic Colors (other than orange) is most mosture, white is mid moisture, dark grey is "least" moisture (of a non-dry airmass), black is borderline moist/dry, then it goes into oranges for dry air mass with the brightest ornage being the dryest. Take a look at the key at the bottom.