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
Qatar 2022: New Labour Laws Set To Be Announced
JAMES M. DORSEY: With pressure mounting by the day the Qatari authorities are set to announce a huge set of changes to the kafala system
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.
Saudi ‘Female Soccer Controversy Leads To Major Discussion
JAMES DORSEY: The attendance of American female senators at a soccer match in Riyadh has sparked a massive debate
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.
A New Vision for Qatar? Soccer Becomes Agent of Change
JAMES DORSEY: Qatar has taken a beating in the court of international public opinion recently but a major debate has been sparked
Cutting Egypt’s Military Aid: Washington’s Dangerous Game
JAMES M. DORSEY: It’s clear that Washington has embarked on a major re-alignment of its strategic resources in the Middle East.
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 […]
Football ‘Ultras’ At The Heart of Egypt’s Latest Unrest
JAMES DORSEY: They’re trying to maintain a balance but given the fact that the regime is increasingly painting them as Islamists how long can that last?
‘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
Qatar’s World Cup: Striking While it’s (Very) Hot
Activists have stepped up calls for a boycott of the 2022 World Cup if Qatar fails to bring conditions for its majority foreign work force in line with international labor standards.
JAMES M. DORSEY: Activists have stepped up calls for a boycott of the 2022 World Cup if Qatar fails to bring conditions for its majority foreign work force in line with international labor standards.
Precarious Positioning: The U.S. and Mid East Freedom
JAMES M. DORSEY: To maintain its tightrope act, the Obama administration will have to draw a clear distinction between peaceful, legitimate and democratic expression of dissent and terrorism.
Gulf rivalries and the Soccer Pitch: Persian or Gulf?
The battle between Iran and various Gulf state for the identity of the energy-rich region has spilled onto its soccer pitches. It’s the Persian Gulf League vs. the Arabian Gulf League.
JAMES M. Dorsey: The battle between Iran and various Gulf state for the identity of the energy-rich region has spilled onto its soccer pitches. It’s the Persian Gulf League vs. the Arabian Gulf League.
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
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
Brutality Back-Fires: Arab Spring’s Lesson for Erdogan
JAMES M. DORSEY: Once again battle-hardened football fans are taking the lead in confronting a regime. We’ve been here before.
‘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
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.
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.
