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

 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.

 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.

 James M. Dorsey

A Storm Brewing: Bahrain Sheikh Seeks Top AFC Job

A Storm Brewing: Bahrain Sheikh Seeks Top AFC Job

JAMES M. DORSEY: Campaigning is under way for the presidency of the Asian Football Confederation. The position is never far from controversy.

 James M. Dorsey

Own Goal: Bahrain National Goalkeeper Imprisoned over Role in Protests

Own Goal: Bahrain National Goalkeeper Imprisoned over Role in Protests

JAMES M. DORSEY: Military court sentences goalkeeper, plus two other sportsmen, despite pledge by the King to move trials to civilian courts.

 James M. Dorsey

Somali Jihadists Skewed Focus on Women Sports

Somali Jihadists Skewed Focus on Women Sports

JAMES M. DORSEY: While Al Qaeda is attempting to portray a gentler face, distributing aid to famine victims, Al Shabab, are ensuring strict adherence to a ban on women’s sports.

 Rob L. Wagner

Kick It: Women’s Football On the Rise in Kingdom

Kick It: Women’s Football On the Rise in Kingdom

ROB L. WAGNER: ‘Unseemly’, ‘undignified’ and ‘a threat to players’ virginity’ in the eyes of religious conservatives but women’s football is making major strides in Saudi Arabia.

 Mondoweiss

Gaza Summer Games Sets World Records Again

Gaza Summer Games Sets World Records Again

ANNIE, MONDOWEISS: Now in its fifth year the Gaza Summer Games provides a beacon of light for 250,000 students.

 James M. Dorsey

Bahrain Sportspeople Arrested, Sacked for Protests

Bahrain Sportspeople Arrested, Sacked for Protests

JAMES M. DORSEY: Bahraini sports clubs have dismissed at least 12 sports people and executives because they participated in anti-government demonstrations.

 Michael J. Totten

Libya: People are People, Even When World’s Apart

Libya: People are People, Even When World’s Apart

MICHAEL J. TOTTEN: Two years ago I spent time in Libya. It seems like a good time to revisit my experience of a kind people but an overarching, clamping presence.