https://www.middleeastmonitor.com Latest news from the Middle East and North Africa Tue, 08 Aug 2023 10:16:33 +0000 en-GB Middle East Monitor 30 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.2 https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&quality=85&strip=all&zoom=1&ssl=1 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com 32 32 116394717 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230808-football-star-mohamed-salah-isnt-heading-for-saudi/ Tue, 08 Aug 2023 07:50:05 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658622 Liverpool football player Mohamed Salah will not be transferred to the Saudi club Al-Ittihad, according to the Egyptian player's agent Rami Abbas. "If we considered leaving LFC this year, we wouldn't have renewed the contract last summer. Mohamed remains committed to LFC," Abbas wrote on Twitter yesterday after recent reports in the Saudi press that Al-Ittihad had offered the Egyptian international €180 million ($198 million) for two seasons, in addition to the £60 million ($77 million) that his club, Liverpool, would receive. The Egyptian football star has a contract with Liverpool that is valid until 2025; and is currently preparing for the start of the English Premier League season. Liverpool will not participate in the Champions League this season because it […]]]> 658622 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230802-liverpool-manager-jurgen-klopp-urges-fifa-to-intervene-against-saudi-pro-league/ Wed, 02 Aug 2023 13:04:05 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=657359 Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is the latest high-profile name to express his exasperation over the Saudi Pro League. The German manager raised his concerns over the discrepancy in transfer window closing dates between Europe and Saudi Arabia. He has called on football world governing body, FIFA, to act as the Saudi transfer window is set to close three weeks later than that of the top five European leagues, which shut on 1 September. Clubs in Saudi Arabia have until 20 September to finalise their business, and this extended window has resulted in significant investments in player acquisitions throughout the summer. The mismatch in deadlines could have potential ramifications for European squads, particularly if the Saudi Pro League continues to attract […]]]> 657359 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230726-arab-leaders-use-palestine-to-boost-their-popularity/ Wed, 26 Jul 2023 13:58:26 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=655191 Early this week, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said that his country's independence would never be complete as long as Palestine is occupied. Echoing the words of the late South African freedom fighter and President Nelson Mandela, he also pointed out that this has been the position of his predecessors as well. "Palestine's strength can only be achieved through its unity," he told CNN China. "The Palestinians know this very well." He added that some Arab states, and China, are striving to get Palestine accepted as a full UN member state "even if it is still occupied." In fact, most free people around the world appear to support the Palestinians and wish to see the Israeli occupation ended as soon as […]]]> 655191 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230714-in-sport-we-shouldnt-choose-women-for-tokenism-many-are-experts-and-should-be-recognised/ Fri, 14 Jul 2023 09:00:23 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=651463 Kicking a ball for the first time across the dizzying maze of streets in Bethlehem with the neighbourhood boys, seven-year-old Honey Thaljieh never dreamed about making history. Yet, 12 years later in 2003, as a student at Bethlehem University, she co-founded the Palestinian Women's National Football Team. And in 2012, she became the first Arab woman to obtain a FIFA Master and work at FIFA. Even as she faced hurdles and pitfalls along the way due to conservative attitudes and gender stereotypes, reflective of a patriarchal society, Honey didn't consider giving up. "I had no other options. I grew up in very difficult circumstances where my parents couldn't afford anything else besides education and there were five of us. I have […]]]> 651463 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230710-israel-gaming-team-arrives-in-saudi-arabia-for-fifa-video-game-world-cup/ Mon, 10 Jul 2023 14:38:57 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=651073 An Israeli gaming team has arrived in Saudi Arabia to participate in the video game version of the FIFA World Cup, despite both countries not having formal diplomatic relations. According to Israeli media outlets, the team – consisting of three players – landed in Riyadh on the weekend, flying in via the UAE, which was of the four Arab states to normalise relations with the occupation state by signing the US-brokered Abraham Accords in 2020. The team arrived with their trainer and deputy manager on their Israeli passports ahead of the FIFAe tournament which will run from 16-19 July. It will be the kingdom's first time hosting the event, though it has invested heavily in recent years in the gaming industry, including […]]]> 651073 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230708-from-icc-to-sportswashing-the-wests-self-serving-narratives-must-be-combated/ Sat, 08 Jul 2023 13:07:41 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=650592 In March, the South African Communist Party (SACP) denounced what it described as the "imperialist bias" of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The denunciation of the ICC as a "supranational institution at the service of imperialist states" came two days after the Hague-based court issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin and another Russian official for alleged war crimes in Ukraine. The speed with which the case against Putin was lodged, discussed and followed by concrete action raised many questions about the integrity, balance and political agenda of the Western-inclined court. While Palestinians immediately, and rightly, protested the hypocrisy of the ICC as it continues to treat alleged Israeli war criminals with kid gloves, Iraqis, Afghans, but mostly […]]]> 650592 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230627-saudi-arabia-to-host-2023-fifa-club-world-cup/ Tue, 27 Jun 2023 11:02:55 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=647617 The 2023 Club World Cup will take place in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah, football's world governing body FIFA said on Monday. Reuters reported that the decision was announced following a FIFA delegation visit to Jeddah last week to assess ongoing preparations for the tournament. "We are delighted that Jeddah, with its state-of-the-art facilities and reputation for hosting major international sports events, has been selected as host city for the FIFA Club World Cup," said the President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), Yasser Al-Misehal. The tournament will be played from 12-22 December. It will be the first time that it will be hosted by Saudi Arabia. The 2023 tournament will be the last in the current format […]]]> 647617 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230522-after-75-years-the-nakba-is-ongoing/ Mon, 22 May 2023 11:16:12 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=638240 The Palestinian people and their supporters around the world have just commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Nakba ("Catastrophe"). For the first time since it started, the UN has also commemorated this painful event. The Nakba, though, was not a single historical event. It was originally spread over two years from mid-1947 to mid-1949, as the catastrophe of the creation of the Zionist state of Israel befell the Palestinian people. That was a period filled with cruelty, brutality and terrorism, during which a prosperous homeland was shattered; people were displaced; and the dream of an independent Palestine evaporated. It was a nightmare that the Palestinians still face. Historians, including Israelis, affirm that the horrors that the Palestinian people went through […]]]> 638240 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230509-fifa-president-to-visit-palestine/ Tue, 09 May 2023 12:06:27 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=634716 FIFA President Gianni Infantino is set to arrive for a historic visit to Palestine next Sunday, Wafa news agency has reported. The President of the Palestinian Football Association (PFA), Jibril Rajoub, told a press conference in the occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem that Infantino will be accompanied by three members of the Executive Committee of football's world governing body: former Egyptian footballer Hani Abu Rida; Yasser Al-Mishal, President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation; and Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Bin Ahmed Al-Thani, President of the Qatar Football Association. Infantino, added Rajoub, will be received officially by Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh at the presidential headquarter in Bethlehem before attending a friendly international match between Palestine and Jordan at […]]]> 634716 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230419-ex-israel-mk-calls-on-fifa-to-impose-sanctions-on-israeli-football-fans/ Wed, 19 Apr 2023 12:10:27 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=630228 Former Palestinian Member of the Knesset Sami Abu Shehadeh yesterday sent a letter to FIFA and its President, Gianni Infantino, calling on them to intervene to stop the racism and hold accountable those who chant racist and hostile slogans against Arabs in Israeli stadiums. Last Sunday during a match between the Palestinian Sakhnin team and the Israeli Beitar Jerusalem team, Beitar fans stormed the pitch and attempted to attack the Sakhnini fans while chanting "Death to the Arabs." In his message to FIFA, Abu Shehadeh stressed that such racist scenes in Israeli stadiums cannot be accepted. He pointed out that Israeli fans chant racist slogans and insult prophets repeatedly without being held accountable or deterred from such racist behaviour. Abu […]]]> 630228 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230418-argentina-to-replace-indonesia-as-u20-world-cup-host-following-protests-against-israel/ Tue, 18 Apr 2023 13:18:48 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=629899 Argentina has been chosen to host the Under-20 World Cup after FIFA stripped Indonesia of its right to stage the tournament due to Jakarta's refusal to host the Israel national team, FIFA announced yesterday. "FIFA is delighted to announce that this year's edition of the U-20 World Cup will take place in Argentina, as the home of the world champions opens its doors to tomorrow's superstars of world football," said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. "Having this year's edition taking place in a country that lives and breathes football will be a tremendous inspiration for the stars of tomorrow." Argentina Economy Minister Sergio Massa said it signed "all the international deals that FIFA demanded from our government." With the Under-20 World […]]]> 629899 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230403-palestinian-land-day-a-battle-against-fascism/ Mon, 03 Apr 2023 14:30:15 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=625938 Palestinians marked Land Day on 30 March. On this day in 1976, the Israeli occupation forces confiscated thousands of dunums of privately owned or communal lands within the borders of areas with a Palestinian majority, and a general strike and marches spread from the Galilee to the Negev. Ten Palestinians were killed, hundreds were wounded, and hundreds more were arrested during the fierce attack by the Israeli occupation security forces. Land Day is considered a pivotal event in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict over land and in the relationship between Palestinian citizens, as this is the first time, since 1948, that Arabs in Palestine organise large-scale protests in response to Israeli policies in a collective national capacity. There is no doubt that […]]]> 625938 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230403-the-price-of-solidarity-palestine-indonesia-and-the-human-rights-dilemma/ Mon, 03 Apr 2023 13:57:36 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=625970 When I shared the news on social media that Indonesia had refused to host the Israeli team at the Under-20 FIFA World Cup scheduled from 20 May 20 to 11 June in Indonesian cities, some readers were unimpressed. Although any news related to Palestine and Israel often generates two sharply different kinds of responses, the latest act of Indonesian solidarity with the Palestinian people failed to impress even some pro-Palestine activists in the West. Their rationale had nothing to do with Palestine or Israel, but the Indonesian government's human rights record. This supposed dichotomy is as omnipresent as it is problematic. Some of the most genuine acts of solidarity with the Palestinians – or other oppressed nations in the Global […]]]> 625970 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230331-hamas-official-urges-azerbaijan-to-stop-normalisation-with-israel/ Fri, 31 Mar 2023 15:51:19 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=625639 The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, called Thursday on Azerbaijan to reverse its decision to normalise relations with Israel, saying it would come at the expense of the Palestinian people's rights. This came a day after Baku opened an embassy in Tel Aviv, after more than 30 years of diplomatic ties. "It is unfortunate that Azerbaijan normalises relations with the Zionist entity and opens an embassy in Tel Aviv, because this represents support for the Zionist entity at the expense of Palestinian rights," said the Hamas leader, Ismail Radwan, in remarks to Quds Press. "The Azerbaijani government must back down from the series of normalisation with the Zionist entity, which is committing war crimes against our Palestinian people, and has become […]]]> 625639 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230330-fifa-strips-indonesia-of-u-20-world-cup-for-anti-israel-policy/ Thu, 30 Mar 2023 14:15:54 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=625409 FIFA has stripped Indonesia of the right to host the Under-20 World Cup tournament due to Jakarta's refusal to host the Israel national team. Football's world governing body announced its decision following a meeting between the chair of the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI), Erick Thohir, and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The 24-team tournament was scheduled to be held across six Indonesian cities between 20 May and 11 June. Israel was set to make its debut in the competition. "FIFA has decided, due to the current circumstances, to remove Indonesia as the host of the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023," said the international body. "A new host will be announced as soon as possible, with the dates of the tournament currently […]]]> 625409 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230328-spain-hotel-worker-arrested-for-alleged-hate-crime-against-morocco-players/ Tue, 28 Mar 2023 16:10:47 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=625086 A 27-year-old worker at a Madrid hotel hosting the Morocco team was arrested for an alleged hate crime after posting derogatory comments on Islam and racist slurs against the players on social media, Spanish police and the hotel said on Tuesday, Reuters reports. Local police told Reuters the employee, a waiter at the Spanish capital's five-star Eurostars Hotel Tower, asked players to take photographs with him. He then uploaded the images to Instagram with xenophobic insults and tagged the Moroccan team's account, with the post quickly receiving over 70,000 views. The man is due to appear before a judge shortly, police said. "We wish to offer our most sincere apologies in relation to the unfortunate, reprehensible and unacceptable comments of […]]]> 625086 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230327-fifa-postpones-u-20-world-cup-amid-indonesias-rejection-of-israels-participation/ Mon, 27 Mar 2023 07:38:26 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=624742 FIFA yesterday canceled the draw for the Under-20 FIFA World Cup that was slated to take place in Indonesia next week, due to Jakarta's refusal to host Israel's team. FIFA's decision is a preliminary measure and may be followed by other decisions that would lead to the withdrawal of Indonesia's right to host Indonesia the tournament. Official sources were quoted by the media as saying that the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) was in talks with the FIFA over the "possibility of Singapore hosting Israel's team matches due to Jakarta's political stance." Qatar was reported to have been willing to host the tournament if an agreement between FIFA and the PSSI was not reached. The 24-team tournament is scheduled to be […]]]> 624742 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230326-we-beat-brazil-in-the-middle-of-ramadan-morocco-coach-on-historic-win/ Sun, 26 Mar 2023 12:11:39 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=624686 Morocco clinched a historic victory against Brazil yesterday in a friendly international match in Tangiers, beating the five-time World Cup winners for the first time ever and during the fasting month of Ramadan. Continuing with their own ground-breaking achievement in the 2022 Qatar World Cup after becoming the first Arab and African side to reach the semi-finals, the Atlas Lions beat Brazil 2-1 having taken the lead after 29 minutes. Only ten of the 23-man squad that took Brazil to a disappointing quarter-final in Qatar were present for the friendly with Neymar absent due to injury. نهاية المقابلة بفوز المنتخب الوطني أمام منتخب البرازيل ? ?FULL TIME | It's a win !!No surprise!! Atlas Lions continue to make history ???#DimaMaghrib […]]]> 624686 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230320-world-cup-woes-for-saudis-dark-prince-on-mothers-day/ Mon, 20 Mar 2023 08:24:12 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=623182 Mother's Day in the Arab world is celebrated on the first day of spring, 21 March, and for many children it is the most important day of the year, so high is the Muslim regard for mothers, who should be obeyed and treated with the utmost respect. This, of course, is only right, and should be the norm for everyone. In the Qur'an, the Almighty tells us a number of times to worship none but Him and to be good to our parents. The blessed Holy Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace be upon him), encouraged being good to the mother ahead of the father. This was made clear when a man asked the Prophet who was most worthy of his […]]]> 623182 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230315-morocco-joins-spain-and-portugal-in-joint-bid-to-host-2030-fifa-world-cup/ Wed, 15 Mar 2023 10:54:40 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=622497 Morocco's King Mohammed VI announced on Tuesday that his country is to join Spain and Portugal in a joint bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, Anadolu has reported. The statement by the king was read out at a meeting of the Confederation of African Football. "This joint bid, which is unprecedented in football history, will bring together Africa and Europe, the northern and southern Mediterranean, and the African, Arab and Euro-Mediterranean worlds," said the Moroccan monarch. "It will also bring out the best in all of us; in effect, a combination of genius, creativity, experience and means." This is the sixth time that Morocco has sought to host the international football tournament. The Moroccan national team surprised everyone […]]]> 622497 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230306-fa-chief-saudi-sponsorship-will-not-align-with-vision-for-womens-world-cup/ Mon, 06 Mar 2023 18:33:27 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=619665 Football Australia (FA) and its stakeholders have reached an "overwhelming consensus" that a reported Saudi Arabia sponsorship deal does not align with their vision for the women's World Cup, FA Chief Executive, James Johnson, said on Monday, Reuters reports. Both FA and New Zealand Football said last month that they had not been consulted by global soccer governing body, FIFA, after reports that "Visit Saudi" will join international brands such as Adidas, Coca-Cola and Visa as major sponsors. The 32-team tournament, which kicks off in July, is being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. Johnson said FA had consulted on the matter with the government and commercial partners. READ: Saudis donate over $126m for quake victims in Turkiye, Syria "It was an […]]]> 619665 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230215-fifa-picks-saudi-to-host-2023-club-world-cup/ Wed, 15 Feb 2023 14:48:26 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=615406 Saudi Arabia has been selected to host the 2023 Club World Cup in December, FIFA announced yesterday. The FIFA Council unanimously voted for the Saudi Arabian Football Federation to stage the event, which includes the six continental champions plus the host's national champions, Reuters reports. The tournament will take place from 12-22 December. Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia was selected by the Asian Football Confederation to host the 2027 Asian Cup. The country has previously hosted sporting events including this year's Spanish Super Cup, 2022's world title fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua and the Riyadh Grand Prix. The FIFA Council meeting also confirmed changes to the structure of the Club World Cup, with approval for an expanded 32-team tournament from […]]]> 615406 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230207-bahrain-behind-anti-qatar-campaign-french-paper-reports/ Tue, 07 Feb 2023 09:08:40 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=612205 Bahrain is behind a judicial and media attack against Qatar in France, an investigation by French newspaper Liberation has revealed. The newspaper wrote: "The name of this small kingdom does not appear anywhere, but according to our investigations, the judicial and media attack against Qatar in France was remotely controlled from its capital, Manama." The newspaper confirmed this through a member of parliament from the Vendee region, Philippe Latomb, of the MoDem party, and a journalist of Moroccan origin, Rachid M'Barki, a broadcaster on BFMTV. M'Barki was temporarily suspended due to suspicions of external interference and an investigation was opened after he would present content live on air which was not checked or edited by those responsible for his nightly […]]]> 612205 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230116-algeria-caf-investigates-remarks-about-morocco-at-african-football-tournament/ Mon, 16 Jan 2023 10:58:30 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=606429 The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced an investigation into remarks made against the Kingdom of Morocco during the opening ceremony of the African Nations Championship currently being held in Algeria. CAF and FIFA regulations are clear that national football authorities must refrain from engaging in politics and must remain neutral in matters of a political nature. The CAF was briefed on some of the political statements made during the opening ceremony of the tournament last Friday. "These political statements do not belong to CAF and do not reflect the view or opinion of the politically neutral organisation," the confederation said. An investigation, it added, will determine whether and to what extent the political statements and incidents that took […]]]> 606429 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230116-african-football-dispute-ended-by-cameroon-and-algeria/ Mon, 16 Jan 2023 10:11:42 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=606426 The dispute between Cameroon and Algeria over the result of a football match last year has apparently been ended, Anadolu has reported. The head of the Cameroon Football Federation (CFF), Samuel Eto'o, said on Sunday that sport is about bringing people together, not dividing them. Eto'o made his comment on his arrival at Houari Boumediene Airport in Algiers to attend the African Nations Championship for home-based players. Algeria will host the tournament until 4 February, with seventeen teams taking part. The dispute erupted last March after Cameroon beat Algeria 2-1 and qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2022 finals in Qatar. At the time, the Algerians accused Gambian referee Bakary Gassama of "bias" in favour of Cameroon. In his statement […]]]> 606426 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230113-algeria-tebboune-inaugurates-nelson-mandela-stadium-in-the-capital/ Fri, 13 Jan 2023 10:29:04 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=605969 Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune yesterday inaugurated the Nelson Mandela Stadium in the capital in the presence of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football, and Mandla Mandela, the grandson of the South African leader. According to the Anadolu Agency, the Algerian president was received by several officials, including the Chief of Staff of the Army, Said Chengriha, and the Governor of Algiers, Abdelnour Rabhi. Mandela's grandson and the Algerian president unveiled the inauguration banner at the stadium. The new stadium has a capacity of more than 40,000 spectators, and it will host the opening of the African Nations Championship today until 4 February. Eighteen teams are due to take part in the games. Algeria […]]]> 605969 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230111-the-2026-fifa-world-cup-in-the-us-will-sportwash-the-horrors-of-guantanamo/ Wed, 11 Jan 2023 09:50:27 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=605618 The Western media spewed forth barrel loads of pompous invective recently about why Qatar should never have been chosen to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Bewildered Qataris found themselves being demonised by TV commentators and journalists alike in a tirade of what one news source described as "white outrage, colonialism and a game of capitalist greed." Instead of watching an uninterrupted festival celebrating football's finest, the BBC even refused to broadcast the opening ceremony in a show of unprecedented censorship. Instead, viewers were treated to a politicised attack on Qatar. However, while the press barons are still clinging to the moral high ground that is new territory to many of them, they might want to acknowledge that when "the […]]]> 605618 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230104-turkiye-qatar-reiterate-condemnation-of-israel-provocative-storming-at-al-aqsa-mosque/ Wed, 04 Jan 2023 14:28:37 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=603726 In a Wednesday phone call, the top Turkish and Qatari diplomats both repeated their denunciation of yesterday's provocation at Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israel's new National Security Minister, said an official Turkish statement, Anadolu News Agency reports. Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, and his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, discussed Tuesday's "raid on Al-Aqsa Mosque and recent developments in Syria and Afghanistan," said the Turkish Foreign Ministry. READ: Hezbollah Head says change to Al Aqsa status quo could explode the region "During the phone call, the Ministers reiterated their condemnation regarding the provocative act of Itamar Ben-Gvir, Minister of National Security of Israel, at Al-Aqsa Mosque yesterday," said the Ministry. Adding that the two officials also exchanged views […]]]> 603726 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230101-culture-of-hope-2022-and-the-margins-of-victory-in-palestine/ Sun, 01 Jan 2023 10:39:44 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=603296 Another critical year for Palestine has folded. While 2022 has wrought much of the same in terms of Israeli military occupation and increasing violence, it also introduced new variables to the Palestinian struggle – nationally, regionally and internationally. Palestine, the War and the Arabs The Russia-Ukraine War starting in February pressured many political entities, including Palestinians, to take sides or, at least, to declare a position. Though the Palestinian Authority (PA) and various Palestinian political parties insisted on their neutrality, Russia's deviation from the US-led political paradigm in the Middle East opened up new margins for Palestinians to explore. On 4 May, a delegation of Hamas leaders met Russian officials in Moscow, and, a few months later, PA leader Mahmoud […]]]> 603296 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221231-algeria-president-severing-relations-with-rabat-an-alternative-to-war/ Sat, 31 Dec 2022 12:13:08 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=603232 Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has asserted that mediation between his country and Morocco was not possible and that severing relations with Rabat was the alternative to war. In an interview with the French Le Figaro newspaper, Tebboune added that Algeria's severing of its relations with Morocco resulted from accumulations since 1963. The Algerian president affirmed that since Algeria's independence, the border remained closed between the two countries for more than forty years: "As a reaction to the ongoing hostile actions of the neighbour." READ: Algeria: Foreign reserves down to $60bn by end of 2022 Tebboune added: "It is the Moroccan regime that creates problems, and the Moroccan people have nothing to do with it," confirming that 80,000 Moroccans reside in Algeria. […]]]> 603232 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221230-eu-to-probe-uae-involvement-in-corruption-cases/ Fri, 30 Dec 2022 11:35:07 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=603107 The European Union Parliament has opened an official investigation into corruption cases and suspicions involving senior officials from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to launch a smear campaign against Qatar coinciding with hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The investigations have been initiated by European officials, in light of the "dirty game" run by Abu Dhabi within the parliament's corridors. Senior sources revealed to Al-Quds Al-Arabi news site that European politicians had been "stunned" by the involvement of various parties in cases of extortion and attempts to influence an unjustified attack on Qatar. The moves come at a time when Doha has achieved diplomatic victories and stopped the incitement campaigns launched against. READ: Hamas criticises 'biased', 'contradictory' EU resolution on two-state […]]]> 603107 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221229-year-in-review-yemen-and-the-gulf-in-2022/ Thu, 29 Dec 2022 12:56:31 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=602981 2022 has seen Qatar become the first Arab and Muslim country to host the FIFA World Cup and Saudi Arabians mark Halloween for the first time. A ceasefire came in effect in Yemen and ended in bloodshed and Bahrain strengthened its ties with the occupation state of Israel. OPEC+'s decision to reduce production made many questions whether Saudi was getting closer to Russia at the expense of its historic relations with the US OPINION: Global energy markets apocalypse in 2022 [1/3]]]> 602981 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221228-qatar-recycled-80-of-waste-from-fifa-world-cup-stadiums/ Wed, 28 Dec 2022 12:27:47 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=602876 Qatar announced yesterday that it had recycled about 80 per cent of the waste from the stadiums that hosted the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Anadolu reported. In a statement, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC), which is responsible for the delivery of the required infrastructure to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, revealed that more than 2,000 tonnes of waste was generated during the tournament, which were recycled or converted into organic fertiliser. "We are proud to announce that approximately 80% of waste from stadiums has been recycled. This is a massive achievement that has been delivered thanks to detailed planning and unwavering commitment from tournament organisers and national stakeholders," said Bodour Al Meer, the SC's sustainability […]]]> 602876 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221228-turkiye-president-ronaldo-under-political-ban-for-supporting-palestine/ Wed, 28 Dec 2022 09:21:38 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=602851 Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo was a victim of "a political ban" at the Qatar World Cup as a result of his support for the Palestinian cause, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday. "They have wasted Ronaldo. Unfortunately, they have imposed a political ban on him," Erdogan told youth in an event in Turkey's eastern city of Erzurum. "Sending a footballer like Ronaldo to the pitch with just 30 minutes remaining to the match ruined his psychology and took away his energy," he added. "Ronaldo is someone who stands for the Palestinian cause," he added. The 37-year-old came on as a substitute in the second half of a World Cup quarterfinal game against Morocco in which Portugal lost […]]]> 602851 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221222-on-football-opium-and-popular-resistance-not-all-sports-are-created-equal/ Thu, 22 Dec 2022 17:36:50 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=602313 My friend is not an elitist. To the contrary, he has spent decades of his life fighting social inequality, racism and championing the rights of disadvantaged groups. Therefore, I was taken aback when he surmised that "football is the opium of the people". The reference, which summons a famous Marxist maxim about religion written in a specific historical context, suggested that governments use mass sports events to distract from political problems or social conflicts. He is partly right. Not only do governments invest in sports as a form of distraction, but they also often turn sports into a form of political legitimisation. While all governments play this game, the US excels in it. In his seminal 2010 documentary, "Not Just […]]]> 602313 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221221-qatar-expects-17bn-in-fifa-world-cup-revenue/ Wed, 21 Dec 2022 13:28:46 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=602173 Qatar has estimated that it will make $17 billion in revenue after hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar News Agency (QNA) has reported. With 1.2 million visitors and the sale of three million tickets for matches, the immediate revenue will be linked directly to visitor spending. No host country has ever taken such a huge income from hosting the tournament. Added to the direct financial revenue from organising the World Cup, estimated at about 8 billion riyals ($2.2bn), is the long-term economic boost from now until 2025 estimated at another 9.9 billion riyals ($2.7bn) along with an increase in tourism revenue. READ: Despite being the 'best ever' FIFA World Cup, the West still resents that it was in Qatar The […]]]> 602173 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221220-despite-being-the-best-ever-fifa-world-cup-the-west-still-resents-that-it-was-in-qatar/ Tue, 20 Dec 2022 12:08:44 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=601426 According to Gianni Infantino, the President of FIFA, football's world governing body, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was "an incredible success on all fronts." The first such tournament hosted by an Arab and Muslim country was, he said, "the best ever." For Infantino, the fact that football fans "met the Arab world" was "very important for the future of all of us." There was, he added, a "joyful atmosphere… bringing people together." The FIFA chief wasn't alone in praising Qatar for its organisation of the tournament. For example, the former co-owner and vice chairman of Britain's Arsenal Football Club said: "Qatar has won a lot of friends because of this World Cup and the way it has been handled… […]]]> 601426 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221220-frances-benzema-retires-from-international-football/ Tue, 20 Dec 2022 11:21:33 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=601443 French-Algerian striker Karim Benzema announced his retirement from international football on his 35th birthday yesterday, a day after Les Bleus lost to Argentina on penalties in the World Cup final, Reuters reported. Ballon d'Or winner Benzema, who has scored 37 times in 97 appearances, was expected to lead the line for France in Qatar but missed the World Cup after suffering a thigh injury in training the day before the start of the tournament. "I made the effort and mistakes it took to be where I am today and I'm proud of it! I wrote my story and ours is ending," Benzema wrote on Twitter. Benzema made his international debut in 2007. He played at the European Championship in 2008 […]]]> 601443 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221219-qatar-delivered-the-best-world-cup-in-living-memory/ Mon, 19 Dec 2022 18:37:55 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=601396 Despite facing an unprecedented scale of criticism and calls for boycotts, months before a ball had been kicked, the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar has been a success. The month-long tournament ended yesterday in a dramatic final, widely lauded as the best one many pundits and commentators had ever witnessed with Argentina's Lionel Messi, clad in a traditional Arab cloak or bisht, finally living up to the post-Maradona expectations of the South American nation by lifting the World Cup trophy, putting to bed the "GOAT" debate once and for all. On a personal level, Qatar 2022 was also the best World Cup in living memory, having avidly watched all prior ones since France 98 and with vague recollections of […]]]> 601396 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221219-abbas-thanks-qatar-for-supporting-palestinian-cause-through-fifa-world-cup/ Mon, 19 Dec 2022 13:31:38 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=601363 Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas thanked the State of Qatar yesterday for its support for the Palestinian cause during its hosting of the FIFA World Cup, Wafa has reported. Abbas sent a message congratulating the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, on the success of the tournament, which ended on Sunday with Argentina crowned champions after defeating France. "The World Cup in Qatar brought pride to our souls and the souls of our Arab nations," said Abbas. He praised Qatar and the "civilised, organised and humanitarian" organisation of the tournament "in a manner which is a historic addition to Qatar's many achievements, as well as the support provided during this occasion to Palestine, presenting the Palestinian cause […]]]> 601363 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221219-qatar-had-more-than-1-4m-visitors-during-fifa-world-cup/ Mon, 19 Dec 2022 12:24:47 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=601351 Qatar welcomed more than 1.4 million visitors from around the world during the FIFA World Cup tournament which ended yesterday with Argentina beating France to lift the trophy, the Qatar News Agency has reported. The total attendance figure for all matches combined was 3.4m people. The average attendance was above 53,000 per match, more than 96 per cent of the total capacity. "We organised an exceptional, impressive tournament," said Hassan Al-Thawadi, Secretary General of Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy. "It will represent a milestone in hosting major international events." Al-Thawadi added that the historic event will leave a sustainable social, economic and environmental legacy for the country and, in fact, the whole region. Sixty-three matches were played in […]]]> 601351 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221219-beckham-praises-fifa-world-cup-experience-in-qatar/ Mon, 19 Dec 2022 11:59:27 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=601342 Former England footballer David Beckham has praised the quality of the visitor experience at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar for uniting fans from across the globe. Beckham played in three World Cup tournaments for the England team. "Seeing the fans come together and the level of football, it's been amazing," he told Qatar2022.qa. "It's been a privilege to see the excitement and the fun the fans are having." Qatar has succeeded in organising the most physically compact World Cup tournament in recent times, with all eight stadiums used for matches within an hour's journey time of central Doha. This allowed fans to attend more than one match a day in the group stages. READ: Qatar furious over Belgian probe into […]]]> 601342 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221219-qatar-furious-over-belgian-probe-into-possible-external-influence-at-eu/ Mon, 19 Dec 2022 10:36:35 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=601322 Qatar has expressed its rejection of attempts to associate the Gulf State with misconduct, Al Jazeera has reported. The government in Doha is apparently furious at a Belgian investigation into an "alleged attempt to influence the European Parliament" which "relied on 'inaccurate' information." Relations between the two countries could suffer "negatively" as a result. "Qatar was not the only party named in the investigation, yet our country has been exclusively criticised and attacked," said a diplomat at the Qatari mission to the EU. "We have observed this week's selective condemnation of our country with great alarm." Al Jazeera pointed out that "Moroccan interests also face scrutiny" by investigators. According to the diplomat, the Belgian government "made no effort" to engage […]]]> 601322 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221219-gaza-watches-as-argentina-wins-the-world-cup-in-qatar/ Mon, 19 Dec 2022 09:15:34 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=601294 WATCH: Gaza: Funerals held for 8 Palestinians who died at sea making their way to Europe]]> 601294 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221218-flight-show-before-the-world-cup-2022-final/ Sun, 18 Dec 2022 15:55:38 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=601269 READ: Croatia edge Morocco to clinch World Cup bronze medal]]> 601269 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221218-croatia-edge-morocco-to-clinch-world-cup-bronze-medal/ Sun, 18 Dec 2022 09:15:04 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=601241 Morocco's dream run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup ended in defeat as Croatia held on for a 2-1 win in the third-place playoff on Saturday, reports Anadolu Agency. A frantic start at the Khalifa International Stadium saw Croatia take the lead in just the 7th minute through a diving header from defender Josko Gvardiol that capped off a cleverly worked free-kick routine. It took Morocco all of two minutes to level matters with a headed goal of their own from defender Achraf Dari. Mislav Orsic put Croatia ahead minutes before the break, curling in a majestic strike from the left side of the box. Both sides had several attempts in the second period, but Orsic's stunner proved to be […]]]> 601241 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221218-qatar-2022-the-free-palestine-world-cup/ Sun, 18 Dec 2022 08:30:08 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=601114 WATCH: Morocco fans chant shahada during France game]]> 601114 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221217-morocco-won-a-bigger-prize-than-the-world-cup-trophy/ Sat, 17 Dec 2022 14:52:22 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=601219 The 2022 World Cup has been an occasion of many historic firsts. It began as the first tournament to be hosted in an Arab nation, the first to be held during the winter season and the first to feature an Arab and African team in the semi-finals. Defying the odds to reach the last four of this year's tournament, Morocco made an appearance in the quarter-finals following a stunning 1-0 victory over Portugal, knocking mega-star Cristiano Ronaldo out of the tournament. Undoubtedly the best-performing Arab team at this World Cup, the Atlas Lions had set off celebrations across North Africa and beyond with its winning streak. Yet, the ear-splitting moments of triumph only reached louder when members of the Moroccan team […]]]> 601219 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221217-french-left-attacks-macron-for-attending-qatar-world-cup/ Sat, 17 Dec 2022 10:03:26 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=601178 The French left on Friday criticised President Emmanuel Macron's presence in Qatar for the semi-finals and the final match of the FIFA World Cup, as well as his praise of the event's organisation. "You can say it's well-organised because you don't see the deaths that have been caused by building these stadiums, you don't see the violations of human rights, and you don't see the ten tonnes of carbon dioxide that are emitted from this competition," asserted the new Chair of the Green Party Marine Tondelier. She added: "Emmanuel Macron is not French like the others. If he wanted to take a plane, he should have gone to Montreal, where the COP is being held. We are living in the […]]]> 601178 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221216-qatar-starts-dismantling-football-stadiums/ Fri, 16 Dec 2022 16:22:25 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=601144 WATCH: Morocco fans chant shahada during France game]]> 601144