Sport

More Important than Life or Death? Middle East Sport News, Views, Analysis

 James M. Dorsey

FIFA Buys Time with Bin Hammam Suspension

FIFA Buys Time with Bin Hammam Suspension

JAMES M. DORSEY: FIFA’s investigation of Mr. Bin Hammam is likely to be just the tip of the iceberg, and will inevitably broaden to the Qatari World Cup bid itself.

 Juan Cole

The Real Olympic Question: Do Saudis Want to Integrate?

JUAN COLE: These are the first Olympic Games where women from every country in the world are participating. There is a bigger question for Saudis.

 James M. Dorsey

Court Questions FIFA Integrity over Hammam Proceedings

Court Questions FIFA Integrity over Hammam Proceedings

JAMES M. DORSEY: If Mr. Bin Hammam would be hard pressed to portray the ruling as evidence of his innocence, it is in many ways equally condemning of FIFA.

 James M. Dorsey

Questions Continue to Surround Bin Hamman

Questions Continue to Surround Bin Hamman

JAMES M. DORSEY: The appointment by Qatari and UAE soccer bodies of individuals who worked with Mohammed bin Hamman raises more questions

 The View From Fez

Fasting: The Challenges Facing Muslims This Ramadan

Fasting: The Challenges Facing Muslims This Ramadan

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: Whether it’s the longer daylight hours or because you’re an Olympic athlete there are particular challenges for Muslims this Ramadan

 Editor, MEP

Muslims: Difficult Decisions for Olympics

VIDEO, AL JAZEERA: It is the ultimate test of sporting ability, but this London Olympics will provide extra difficulty for some Muslim athletes.

 Common Ground News Service

Saudi Women at Olympics: A Major Breakthrough

Saudi Women at Olympics: A Major Breakthrough

MAHA AKEEL, CGNEWS: The participation of two Saudi women at the Olympic Games will provide inspiration and encouragement for girls throughout the Kingdom

 James M. Dorsey

FIFA Corruption Probe Set to Examine Qatar Bid

FIFA Corruption Probe Set to Examine Qatar Bid

JAMES M. DORSEY: The recently announced investigation by FIFA into allegations of past corruption will inevitably put Qatar 2022 in the spotlight again.

 James M. Dorsey

Kicking Time: Ultras Egypt Truce Likely to Be Short Lived

Kicking Time: Ultras Egypt Truce Likely to Be Short Lived

JAMES M. DORSEY: The battle between the autocrats and the ultras turned the stadiums into battlefields for control with the ultras viewing themselves as the venue’s only legitimate owner.

 James M. Dorsey

Jordan: A Model For Sports Governance in Region

Jordan: A Model For Sports Governance in Region

JAMES M. DORSEY: The success of the Jordanian Football Association is causing other sporting bodies to sit up and take notice.

 James M. Dorsey

Female Olympians? OK. Female Drivers? No.

Female Olympians? OK. Female Drivers? No.

JAMES DORSEY: It’s likely excellent news for Dalma Malhas but it’s unlikely she’ll be driving to show jumping events in the Kingdom anytime soon.

 Crossroads Arabia

U-Turn: KSA to Support Women Olympiads

U-Turn: KSA to Support Women Olympiads

CROSSROADS ARABIA: In March Saudi announced it would support women athletes. In April it reversed its position. Now June, and it appears female athletes will receive support.

 James M. Dorsey

Qatar 2022: Report Puts Focus on Worker’s Rights

Qatar 2022: Report Puts Focus on Worker’s Rights

JAMES M. DORSEY: The publication of a new report examining worker conditions in Qatar ups the ante for the authorities.

 David Roberts

Euro 2012 PR Disaster: Lessons for Qatar

Euro 2012 PR Disaster: Lessons for Qatar

DAVID ROBERTS: Qatar had better develop a very thick skin and employ some very smart PR people to deal with the storm that faces them.

 Editor, MEP

Unanswered: Practical Questions for Qatar 2022

Unanswered: Practical Questions for Qatar 2022

A.R.: A Doha resident writes with his opinion on the practical considerations of the Qatar 2022 World Cup that have yet to be addressed.

 Editor, MEP

Qatar 2022: Villaggio Tragedy Adds to Critic Arsenal

Qatar 2022: Villaggio Tragedy Adds to Critic Arsenal

JAMES DORSEY: Critics are asserting Qatari building standards are shoddy and cast doubt on the safety standards of stadiums…

 James M. Dorsey

Qatar’s Women Athletes Spotlight Religious Differences

Qatar’s Women Athletes Spotlight Religious Differences

JAMES DORSEY: The participation of Qatar’s women athletes opens up differences between it and the Islamic thinking in neighbouring Saudi Arabia.

 Common Ground News Service

The Forgotten Legacy of Muslim Women In Sport

The Forgotten Legacy of Muslim Women In Sport

MARIUM SATTAR, CGNEWS: As we approach London 2012 it’s time to remember those Muslim women who led the way in sport

 Shelina Zahra Janmohamed

Walnut Whipped: A Londoner’s Olympic “Fever”

Walnut Whipped: A Londoner’s Olympic “Fever”

SHELINA ZAHRA JANMOHAMED: Even with more than two months to go, London is morphing into a different kind of city, and I don’t like it one bit.

 James M. Dorsey

Man City Success Provides a Diversionary Blueprint

Man City Success Provides a Diversionary Blueprint

JAMES DORSEY: Soccer is being used as a tool to improve tarnished images, divert attention from grievances and manipulate national emotions.