James M. Dorsey

Women, Soccer and Islam: A Potent Mix

Women, Soccer and Islam: A Potent Mix

JAMES DORSEY: Even though Saudi Arabia did not qualify for the World Cup it’s being followed avidly by women in the Kingdom

 James M. Dorsey

Egyptian Militant Soccer Groups In ‘Surprising Unity Pact’

Egyptian Militant Soccer Groups In ‘Surprising Unity Pact’

JAMES M. DORSEY: Two of Egypt’s leading groups of rival fans have combined to claim ownership of the football stadia.

 James M. Dorsey

Bigotry and Racism: The Ugly Face of Israeli Soccer

Bigotry and Racism: The Ugly Face of Israeli Soccer

JAMES DORSEY: It’s a depressing story that only seems to worsen by the day – racism in Israeli soccer is blight on its society.

 James M. Dorsey

Sectarian Divisions Being Played Out on the Football Field

Sectarian Divisions Being Played Out on the Football Field

Sectarian divisions fuelling conflict across the Middle East have spilt on to the soccer pitch with Iraq’s decision to boycott the Gulf Cup and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) warning the Iraqi government not to interfere in the game. It is hard to separate the divisions between Sunni and Shiite Muslims that governments in Bahrain […]

 James M. Dorsey

‘Buy Low, Sell High’: Gulf Investors New Football Strategy

JAMES DORSEY: The recent acquisition by a Saudi Prince of a lower-tier English football team points to a new direction for Middle Eastern magnates

 James M. Dorsey

Millitant Football Fans To The Fore Again in Egypt Protests

Millitant Football Fans To The Fore Again in Egypt Protests

JAMES M. DORSEY: Militant football fans are arguably Egypt’s largest civic group. They’re preparing to confront President Morsi as they previously did Mubarak

 James M. Dorsey

World Cup Qualifier Comes At A ‘Volatile Moment’ in Iran

World Cup Qualifier Comes At A ‘Volatile Moment’ in Iran

JAMES M. DORSEY: Today’s World Cup qualifier will be monitored closely by the authorities in Tehran

 James M. Dorsey

‘Women Welcome’: Progress But Heat Rises in Saudi Stadiums

‘Women Welcome’: Progress But Heat Rises in Saudi Stadiums

JAMES DORSEY: It’s a significant move by the Saudi authorities but rising discontent is evident on the terraces in the Kingdom

 James M. Dorsey

Algerian Revolt: Surge in Soccer-Related Violence A Signal

Algerian Revolt: Surge in Soccer-Related Violence A Signal

JAMES M. DORSEY: Violent protest attending soccer matches has proven to be a reliable indicator of an imminent popular revolt in the Arab World. Algeria’s next then.

 James M. Dorsey

New AFC Boss: The Clock is Ticking for Reform Agenda

New AFC Boss: The Clock is Ticking for Reform Agenda

JAMES M. DORSEY: Sheikh Salman Al Khalifa immediately following his election last week pledged that he will pursue reform vigorously. Let us see.

 James M. Dorsey

Game On: Turkey Fights Gulf For Sports Hub Mantle

Game On: Turkey Fights Gulf For Sports Hub Mantle

JAMES DORSEY: A battle between Turkey and the states of the Arabian Gulf to be the de-facto sports hub of the Middle East is underway

 James M. Dorsey

‘Port Said Crisis’ Highlights Morsi’s Issues With Military

‘Port Said Crisis’ Highlights Morsi’s Issues With Military

JAMES M. DORSEY: As we approach the date when the key findings regarding the Port Said soccer brawl are revealed tension is rising.

 James M. Dorsey

Syrian Football Victory ‘a Unifier’? Afraid Not

Syrian Football Victory ‘a Unifier’? Afraid Not

JAMES M. DORSEY: This weekend’s Syrian victory over Iraq in a soccer match is being seized by the regime as ‘a great national achievement’.

 James M. Dorsey

Top International Footballers Call for Action Against Israel

Top International Footballers Call for Action Against Israel

JAMES M. DORSEY: Four young Palestinian footballers were killed in a bombing during Israel’s assault on Gaza. Enough is enough, say some top footballers.

 mai abdul rahman

‘Ethical Code of the Hunter’: Not Applicable To Gaza

‘Ethical Code of the Hunter’: Not Applicable To Gaza

MAI ABDUL RAHMAN: There are so many agendas at play in Gaza today but one of them undeniably is the opportunity to showcase – and sell – weapons.

 Mondoweiss

‘Reprehensible’ Media Coverage of Gaza Attack

‘Reprehensible’ Media Coverage of Gaza Attack

MONDOWEISS: The coverage of the Gaza attack by mainstream media has invoked the outrage of leading academics and commentators on Middle East affairs

 James M. Dorsey

Ahmadinejad looks to Soccer to Boost Image

Ahmadinejad looks to Soccer to Boost Image

JAMES M. DORSEY: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is following in the footsteps of deposed autocrats by associating himself with one of Iran’s greatest passions: soccer.

 James M. Dorsey

Defensive Blunder: Hamas’ Football Boycott Call

Defensive Blunder: Hamas’ Football Boycott Call

JAMES M. DORSEY: Palestinians of all ages are huge fans of the Spanish football giants Barcelona FC. When Hamas called for a boycott of their match this week it fell on deaf ears.

 James M. Dorsey

Gulf Finance House Deal Good for Leeds United?

Gulf Finance House Deal Good for Leeds United?

JAMES M. DORSEY: Leeds United’s negotiations for a takeover by Bahrain’s Gulf Finance House (GFH) may not give it access to the funding that has boosted the fortunes of others…

 James M. Dorsey

Duo Out: Major Victory for Egypt’s Football Militants

Duo Out: Major Victory for Egypt’s Football Militants

JAMES M. DORSEY: Two leading football executives have withdrawn from election to the Egyptian Football Association. The Ultras have prevailed

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