The View From Fez

Phew! Morocco Avoids Formula One ‘Catastrophe’

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: I’ve watched as Bernie Ecclestone’s F1 ‘circus’ has brought Valencia to its knees. Morocco can count its lucky stars that it will avoid the same fate

 Steve Royston

‘Bahrain in English Football Coup’: GDN Silence

‘Bahrain in English Football Coup’: GDN Silence

STEVE ROYSTON: You would have thought that the role of a respected Bahrain financial house in the purchase of an English football team would have been cause for celebration

 James M. Dorsey

Palestinian Footballer Relives Horror of Detention

Palestinian Footballer Relives Horror of Detention

ANDREA LUCHETTA: Mahmoud Al Sarsak’s detention became an international cause celebre. He has recounted his experience in Israeli jail

 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.

 Susie of Arabia

‘Veiled Woman In Water’: What Does It Mean?

‘Veiled Woman In Water’: What Does It Mean?

SUSIE OF ARABIA: It’s an extraordinary image which made a huge impact when I first saw it. But what’s the photographer trying to say?

 Common Ground News Service

Islamic Finance: A New Model for Global System?

Islamic Finance: A New Model for Global System?

MARIA PAZ-LOPEZ, CGNEWS: Following the crisis of confidence in the global financial system there has been much discussion of alternative models

 Common Ground News Service

A ‘Virtual’ Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Issue?

A ‘Virtual’ Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Issue?

RUTH EGLASH, CGNEWS: An online movement formed by Palestinians and Israelis has garnered impressive support. But will it make any difference?

 Mondoweiss

Warmth and Hospitality: My Memory of Tamimi Family

Warmth and Hospitality: My Memory of Tamimi Family

ALEX KANE, MONDOWEISS: The killing of Mustafa Tamimi by IDF troops has shocked ‘the unshockable’ population of Palestine, as well as the wider world at large.

 James M. Dorsey

Gulf States Seek to Tap Massive Sport Investments

Gulf States Seek to Tap Massive Sport Investments

JAMES M. DORSEY: Spain is rapidly emerging as a model for the offsets Qatar, Dubai and other energy-rich Gulf states hope to reap from their massive investments.

 Mich Cafe

Beirut: Stone Figures Come to Life, Spark Debate

Beirut: Stone Figures Come to Life, Spark Debate

MICHE CAFE: I love these huge figures. They make you stop, think… And the idea of public works of art, open for all to see and appreciate, or disparage – is brilliant.

 Ramzy Baroud

The Everyday Miracle of Building a Playground in Gaza

The Everyday Miracle of Building a Playground in Gaza

RAMZY BAROUD: Houses were transformed into rubble during the Israeli bombardment of Gaza. Residents have had to…

 David Roberts

To Wear or Not To Wear the Hijab: An Experiment

To Wear or Not To Wear the Hijab: An Experiment

DAVID ROBERTS: How does it feel when you forsake the hijab and go public for the first time in many years? One woman writes movingly about the experience.

 James M. Dorsey

Money Talks: Qatar’s WC Bid Fits SWF Strategy

Money Talks: Qatar’s WC Bid Fits SWF Strategy

JAMES M. DORSEY: Flush with cash, Qatar spared no cost in its campaign to win the bid the World Cup. But are there ethical questions here?

 David Roberts

Qatar Foundation to sponsor Barcelona

Qatar Foundation to sponsor Barcelona

DAVID ROBERTS: Footballing links between Spain and Qatar continue to build. Barcelona have announced that the Qatar Foundation will replace UNICEF as their primary sponsor. QF will pay around $225 million over a 5 year deal.