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.

 Shelina Zahra Janmohamed

Role of the Arts in Muslim World ‘Not Understood’

Role of the Arts in Muslim World ‘Not Understood’

SHELINA ZAHRA JANMOHAMED: While arts from the Muslim world are widely celebrated in the West, they are less appreciated within umma.

 Editor, MEP

London Cab’s Record Breaking Journey

VIDEO, ITN: Three friends have clocked up 43,321 miles driving around the world in a London cab, setting a new record for the longest ever taxi journey.

 Eman-Al-Nafjan

‘Stand Up to IOC on Women’ Says Saudi Cleric

‘Stand Up to IOC on Women’ Says Saudi Cleric

EMAN AL NAFJAN: Saudi conservatives appear to be spoiling for a fight with the IOC over women’s participation in sport.

 James M. Dorsey

Middle East Cloud Hangs over FIFA

Middle East Cloud Hangs over FIFA

JAMES M. DORSEY: The Middle East looms large as FIFA’s executive committee meets against the backdrop of a call for sweeping change.

 Rob L. Wagner

Finally: Saudi Olympic Breakthrough For Women

Finally: Saudi Olympic Breakthrough For Women

ROB L. WAGNER: It was a very welcome surprise – the announcement that Saudi Arabia will have at least one woman at the Olympics

 Mich Cafe

“No Women Allowed”: Saudi’s Unsporting Message

“No Women Allowed”: Saudi’s Unsporting Message

MICH CAFE: Human Rights Watch have just published a report that highlights the deep discrimination against women in Saudi Arabia.

 American Bedu

Is It Time for Disneyland Saudi Arabia?

Is It Time for Disneyland Saudi Arabia?

AMERICAN BEDU: GCC residents and in particular Saudis are great fans of all things Disney. Will we see one of their parks here?

 Alexander McNabb

‘Having Fun With Evi’: And Jealous No More

‘Having Fun With Evi’: And Jealous No More

ALEXANDER MCNABB: You’ve had to listen to how much fun your i-Phone dabbing friends have with Siri. Now it’s your turn.

 Shelina Zahra Janmohamed

The Beach Holiday: Finally, I’m A Convert

The Beach Holiday: Finally, I’m A Convert

SHELINA ZAHRA JANMOHAMED: I’ve never seen the point of sitting, doing nothing on a beach. Now I do.

 James M. Dorsey

Saudi Condemned for Women’s Sport Restrictions – HRW

Saudi Condemned for Women’s Sport Restrictions – HRW

JAMES M. DORSEY: Saudi accused of kowtowing to conservative Muslim clerics who claim female sports are “steps of the devil” – Human Rights Watch.

 Ramzy Baroud

Israel Bangs Drum for War: Why Follow?

Israel Bangs Drum for War: Why Follow?

RAMZY BAROUD: History repeats itself, when we fail to learn its lessons. Israel might want to take such chances, but why should the rest of the world?

 Steve Royston

The State is the Beast: An Angell on Economics

The State is the Beast: An Angell on Economics

STEVE ROYSTON: An Angell visited the other day. Not one with wings, but a Welshman with a biting tongue and the rhetorical skills of David Lloyd George.

 Rob L. Wagner

“Three Months at Most”: How Long Could Iran Close Straits of Hormuz?

“Three Months at Most”: How Long Could Iran Close Straits of Hormuz?

ROB L. WAGNER: As tensions increase all parties are beginning to make calculations regarding the effect of a possible conflict in the Arabian Gulf.

 Shelina Zahra Janmohamed

Hajj Exhibition: ‘Standing in Another’s Shoes’

Hajj Exhibition: ‘Standing in Another’s Shoes’

SHELINA ZAHRA JANMOHAMED: A major exhibition in the British Museum is attempting to recreate the experience of Hajj.

 James M. Dorsey

Qatar Makes Labour Rights Commitments, Yields to World Cup Pressure

Qatar Makes Labour Rights Commitments, Yields to World Cup Pressure

JAMES M. DORSEY: Qatar has vowed to ensure that contractors involved in preparations for the 2022 World Cup will adhere to international labour laws

 Syria News Wire

Assad, the Arab League and More Death in Syria

Assad, the Arab League and More Death in Syria

SYRIA NEWS WIRE: The Arab League mission is close to collapse;physically attacked on the streets, verbally attacked by Assad. And the killing continues.

 Syria News Wire

What Happens When Journalists Want War

What Happens When Journalists Want War

NEWS FROM SYRIA: Christopher Hitchens famously did it with Iraq and now his friend Nick Cohen is doing the same on Syria – advocating for war.

 Steve Royston

Kingmakers, Invention of the Modern Middle East

Kingmakers, Invention of the Modern Middle East

STEVE ROYSTON: Book Review: Here you’ll find the Britons and Americans – proconsuls, agents provocateurs, spies, politicians – that shaped the Middle East.