Sitemap - 2011 - The Turbulent World with James M. Dorsey
Lebanese soccer unites (briefly) deeply divided nation
French women groups protest FIFA decision to endorse hijab
Protest is proving beneficial to North African soccer performance
Libyans have sporting chance (JMD Quoted)
Tahrir and Change Squares: Two Models of Subverted Revolts
Football Seeks Fans (JMD Quoted in Asia 360)
Striker Mohammed Ghadir puts Israeli anti-racism to the test
FIFA endorsement of Hijab proposal may end dispute with Iran and Muslim women
Anti-Syrian soccer protests in Iran position Azeris as potential pawn in Syrian strife
Blatter rules out investigation of Qatar’s World Cup bid
Refurbished Kabul stadium retains memories of Taliban abuse
Egyptian battle lines harden as ultras learn from failures of past Arab revolutionaries
Soccer sparks political rift in Turkey’s ruling AKP
Raising the stakes: Russian military support for Syria
Bahrain halts legal proceedings against protesting sportspeople
Qatar’s 2022 World Cup bid comes under renewed scrutiny
LSDP MEETS JAMES M. DORSEY (GT 2011 N.79)
Bahrain military court sentences goalkeeper and other athletes for anti-government protests
‘THE ARAB SPRING AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON SOUTHEAST ASIA’
Dorsey on Arab Movements and Impacts to Azerbaijan (in English, Turkish and Russian)
Fake soccer websites used to mislead Iran during cyber-attack on its nuclear program
Year of the Arab Uprising: Impact on Southeast Asia
Iranian Azeri soccer protests raise spectre of Turkish-Iranian-Syrian proxy war
Australian soccer boss says Qatar’s hosting of the World Cup is likely to be challenged
FIFA opens door to investigation of Qatar’s World Cup bid
Former national goalkeeper leads chants on Tahrir Square
Play the Game – Developments in Sports in the Middle East
Randale für die Revolution (JMD in German)
AFC mandates push for compromise on FIFA ban of hijab
Stepping up Sanctions: Arab and Turkish Pressures on Syria
Saudi Arabia to send token woman to Olympics to evade sanctions
EFA hints at renewed suspension of soccer as militants clash with security forces on Tahrir Square
Egypt’s Military Council: Between a rock and a hard place
Ultras bolster protesters in battles on Cairo’s Tahrir Square
Emirates condemns racism in a swipe at FIFA president Blatter
Al Jazeera acquires Egyptian soccer broadcast rights on the cheap
FIFA backs labour union demands for improved worker conditions in Qatar
Algerian soccer doctor supports calls for investigation of doping allegations
Did Algeria dope its World Cup soccer team to distract attention from protests?
AP with JMD quotes: Gadhafi demise revives Libya's Olympic dreams
Labour unions threaten Qatar with global anti-World Cup campaign
Libya demands extradition by Niger of soccer-crazy Qaddafi son
Syrian Uprising: Arab League acts on Damascus
Syria athletes may yet attens Arab Games (JMD quotes)
Syrian goalkeeper emerges as protest leader in embattled city of Homs
Soccer success increases Somali team’s woes
Iran protests Bahrain’s treatment of its soccer team amid reports of terror plot
Bahrain and Iran battle on and off the soccer pitch
EFA backs down on club penalties for militant fan behaviour
Bahraini soccer superstar to stand trial for anti-government protests
Egyptian state TV director suspended for broadcasting soccer fan protest
Everything goes in Syrian crackdown and Syrian soccer
Mounting Israeli-Iranian Tension: Turkey in the Middle
Israeli MP drafts legislation obliging players to recognize Israel as a Jewish state
Bahrain releases teenage Iraqi soccer player
Emirates considers dropping World Cup sponsorship because of FIFA corruption
British MPs call for independent inquiry into Qatar’s 2022 World Cup bid
Turkey offers example for cracking down on soccer violence
Fans demand renaming of Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium as Pakistan pledges support of Afghan stability
Dubai bank launches first soccer hedge fund despite mounting fan opposition
Palestine unveils sports plan in effort to further state- and nationhood
Israel and Hamas: A new equation for Mid-East peace?
UAE’s Al Serkal lobbies Gulf to support his AFC candidacy
Prominent soccer executives and players seek compromise on the hijab
Islamists fare well in an Arab world in revolt
Somali jihadists focus on banning women's sports rather than famine
Egyptian soccer in uproar over penalties for fan violence
Cairo court postpones verdict against ultras
Parties bet on soccer in Tunisia's first post-revolt election
Middle Eastern power struggle threatens Arab popular revolt
Ultras send mixed signals on continued use of violence
Libyan rebels investigate Qaddafi son for murder of soccer player
Algerian stadiums: hotbeds of anti-government protest
Gulf states capitalize on soccer investments
Saudi arrests Colombian player for wearing sleeveless shirt and Jesus tattoo.
Militant soccer fans suspected of desecrating graves in Israel
An Arab Development Bank: Institutionalising Change in the Middle East
Fußball im Frühling - JMD on Deutschlandfunk (German National Radio in German)
Bahrain and Iran at loggerheads on and off the pitch
Libyan soccer club thrives on revolutionary zeal rather than training
Qatar laments corruption allegations but fails to come clean
Sport fights back: A day of contrasts and defiance
How football fuelled the Arab Spring
Sports court rejects Bin Hammam appeal to be reinstated as FIFA executive committee member
FIFA appoints controversial Bahraini official to 2014 World Cup committee
Al Qaeda-linked militants detain Somali national soccer team player
Soccer-playing Qaddafi son denies Interpol allegations
Arab Protesters and Social Media: Need for Engagement
Awlaki’s death highlights Yemeni president’s increasing irrelevance
Gulf states keep winds of change at bay – but for how long?
Interpol issues arrest warrant for Qaddafi son for soccer crimes
Bradley's job a boost for U.S. credibility - JMD quotes
Western Sahara conflict erupts in violence on the soccer pitch
Embattled Yemeni leader turns to soccer to polish his tattered image
Barcelona endorses $225 million Qatar shirt sponsorship deal
Barcelona revisits Qatar sponsorship deal amid fan protests
FIFA bans Iraq from playing qualifiers at home
Middle East teeters on the brink as Palestine and protests converge
Arab autocrats ignore social media at their peril
Jordanian Prince Ali calls for government support of soccer to confront extremism
JMD in IHT: Social media send governments an urgent and important message
FIFA forces Syrian Football Association elections
Palestinian vote puts US credibility at stake
JMD on Money & Business: Whither Egypt and Libya? (UPDATED LINK)
Investigation of Thai soccer boss puts FIFA’s anti-corruption campaign to the test
Egyptian prime minister praises militant soccer fans
Clashes with police thwart attempt by militant Egyptian soccer fans to build bridges
JMD on BBC World Football: Qatar Takeover of PSG
JMD in NYT: What Kind of Job Is Bradley Walking Into?
Soccer match sparks nationalist protests in northwest Iran
Besiktas-Tel Aviv match reflects Turkish-Israeli reality
FIFA rejects Bin Hammam’s appeal
Violence overshadows Ahly-Esperance African championship match
UNSC vote on Palestine State: US Credibility at Stake
2022 World Cup spotlights strains in Qatari society
FIFA investigates Syrian soccer association
Turkish sport authorities call for restraint during Besiktas match against Tel Aviv
Soccer papers take center stage in battle for press freedom in Sudan
EFA penalizes Al Ahly in bid to stop violent protests by militant soccer fans
Militant Egyptian soccer fans deny attacking Israel embassy
Militant Egyptian soccer fans lead attack on Israeli embassy and interior ministry
Turkish-Israeli soccer match takes on political significance
FIFA to hear Bin Hammam appeal on September 15
Syria and Bahrain: Two poles of the Arab revolt highlight a slide toward sectarianism
Former FIFA VP portrays Blatter as a dictator
Deep-seated animosity between Egyptian security and soccer fans turns violent
Bin Hammam launches scathing attack on FIFA ethics committee
Is Iran Turning its Back on Syria?
Winners and losers in Libya: Western companies win, Chinese lose
Qatar loses bid for FIFA media agency
China scores fatal own goals in competition for post-Qaddafi Libya
Libyan win in African Cup qualifier celebrates ousting of Qaddafi
Libya flies rebel colours in first post-Qaddafi African soccer match
Myanmar has much to teach autocratic Arab leaders when it comes to soccer
Qaddafi sons: two sides of the same coin?
Bin Hammam associate announces candidacy for AFC presidency
Iranian soccer fans protest government’s failure to rescue Lake Orumiyeh
Libya poses policy challenge to Asian giants
Algerian-Qatari tension over Libya spills onto the soccer pitch
Soccer: a tool to further Palestinian statehood (JMD on BBC)
Syria starts feeling the pain of Western sanctions
Soccer players speak out about their ordeal during Bahrain’s brutal crackdown on protesters
Asian football struggles to shed off-field malaise (Interview with AP)
Soccer-playing Qaddafi son seeks to negotiate ceasefire in Libya
South Africa agrees to replace Libya as host of 2013 Nations Cup in bid to pre-empt Nigeria
Bin Hammam appeals FIFA’s banning him for life from soccer
The colonel's solitude - interview in El Mundo
Damage limitation: China and Russia have options in Libya and Syria but time is running out
US and the Middle East: PR fiasco looms for Obama
How Egyptian and Tunisian youth hacked the Arab Spring
Imminent fall of Qaddafi poses policy challenge for China and Russia
Detention of Qaddafi scion spotlights the soccer pitch as a platform of resistance
Libya at crossroads: A model for the Middle East or a revolution that goes awry?
Rebel advances stop Libyan soccer team in its tracks
Tightening noose leaves Assad substantial room to fight on
FIFA bans Syria from 2014 World Cup
Soccer binds jihadists in Russian terror plot
Syria’s Latakia stadium joins long list of region’s politically abused soccer pitches
Banned Bahrain defender in exile joins Australian club
Bahrain soccer reflects sectarian splits (JMD on BBC World Service)
Somalia soccer seeks Diaspora support as Islamists lose ground
Libyan rebels seek to project image of unity as they advance on Tripoli
Syria fuels schism between Sunnis and Shiites
Bahrain: A headache for Obama and Blatter
Efforts to halt Syrian crackdown focus on crippling economic sanctions
Syria's Widening Protests: Assad increasingly Beleaguered
FIFA indicts Caribbean officials to Bin Hammam’s detriment
Saudi criticism of Syrian president Assad isolates Iran but fails to address key issues
Syrian president unites international community in condemnation of his violence
Saudi women campaign for recognition of right to play soccer
Controversy about Qatar World Cup fuels calls for European summer soccer
Mubarak trial allows military to shape Egypt in its image
Syria arrests national soccer team goalkeeper for participation in anti-government protests
Hama: a tipping point for Assad?
Killing of Libyan rebel commander strengthens resistance to UN condemnation of Syria
Zamalek financial crisis reflects impact of Egypt’s political turmoil on soccer
Role of Arab militaries in popular uprisings
Indict Syrian President Assad, but not now
Inhuman Syrian violence during Ramadan corners Assad internationally
Asian Football Federation moves to dismantle Bin Hammam’s legacy
Assad has few alternatives but violence and more violence
Blatter hints for first time that FIFA may investigate Qatar’s World Cup bid
Qatar’s Bin Hammam wins as Asian soccer unit delays replacement election for a year
Commander’s killing creates challenges for post-Qaddafi Libya
US fence straddling fuels anti-Americanism in Syria and Bahrain
UN sanctions threaten to turn Qaddafi held territory into humanitarian disaster zone
FIFA Vice President Jordanian Prince Ali calls for Bin Hammam’s replacement
Jordanian businessman, based in Abu Dhabi, first Arab to chair German soccer club
Qatar’s Bin Hammam, banned for life, faces Asian humiliation
Syrian reform à la Bashar Al Assad: Too little, too late
US debt crisis: The folly of politicians. Don’t they ever learn?
FIFA sincerity put to test in wake of Bin Hammam lifetime banning from soccer
Egyptian soccer body to suspend relegations of clubs
Israel threatens abrogation of Oslo accord in test balloon likely to burst
Syrian Revolt: Protesters at a Crossroads
FIFA looks at investigating Egyptian executive committee member
Egyptian military interests clash with efforts to dismantle remnants of the Mubarak regime
British MP calls for enquiry into Bin Hammam’s role in Qatar World Cup bid
Norway refocuses security, brings post-9/11 decade full circle
FIFA declares Qatar’s Bin Hammam guilty of bribing and bans him for life from soccer
Assumptions are a journalist’s Achilles Heel
Norway Terrorism: Who, why and what does it mean?
Assad’s crackdown strengthens protesters’ resolve leaving him with no real options
Bin Hammam anticipates FIFA ban and sets stage for boycotting hearing
Women’s soccer teams in Saudi Arabia and UAE encouraged to be champions
Arabs see no hope that US policy can or will change
Bin Hammam vows to clear his name with FIFA ethics committee
Qatari World Cup Stadium likely to be world’s most expensive
Netanyahu cautiously supports Syrian revolt but leaves Palestinians empty handed
FIFA’s handling of banned Africans makes Bin Hammam litmus test of fight against corruption
Specter of sectarian violence proves two-edged sword for Assad
Guest Column: Qatar currently unlikely to hold summer world cup with current cooling technology
Closer ties between Somali and Yemeni jihadists threatens oil through the Gulf of Aden
Murdoch and Brooks: Paying the price for the greater good
Protesters seek to thwart Egyptian military designs
Recognition of Libyan rebel council sparks similar moves in Syria and Yemen
American Jewish dove buys soccer club in Israel that racially taunts Palestinians
Saudi king tightens control on soccer by awarding broadcast rights to government television
Planning for a post-Qaddafi Libya: bitter pills will have to be swallowed
Libyan Contact Group in major policy shift on Libya
Arab League exhibits its impotence
Mumbai bombings could prove to be a blessing in disguise
Murdoch’s ultimate litmus test: Can he rise to the challenge?
Withdrawal of bribery allegations fails to take Qatar and FIFA off the hook
Syria and Libya: Lessons in how and how not to support people power
Whistleblower retracts allegation of Qatar bribery of FIFA
Syrian protesters, backed by US, hunker down for long battle to oust Assad
Soccer emerges as the latest football in tug of war between Kuwait’s government and parliament
Zamalek and militants demand release of detained soccer fans in Egypt
Conflicts overshadow South Sudan independence
Montreal women demand right to play soccer wearing hijab, widening controversy
Iraq demands explanation for detention of Iraqi soccer player in Bahrain
Western symbolism and Arab silence likely to backfire in Syria
Israel turns mice into elephants
Disfigured Saleh appears defiant but keeps dialogue door open
Qatar’s Bin Hammam hits out at FIFA and suggests he will fight charges
Fans and sponsors let FIFA president Sepp Blatter get away with murder in soccer
A tightening noose threatens to make Qaddafi more obstinate
Is Assad headed for the International Criminal Court?
FIFA likely to pronounce Qatar’s Mohamed Bin Hammam guilty of corruption
Bahrain tells FIFA no soccer players disciplined in crackdown on anti-regime protesters
Daily slaughter by Assad in Syria raises moral question: Whatever happened to the sanctity of life?
Match fixing puts Turkish soccer economy on hold
UK parliament unit says it is appalled by FIFA’s handling of World Cup bids
Algeria lobbies to replace Libya as host of African Nations Cups finals
US risks missing opportunity to play leading role in Middle East transition
Libyan rebels and Qaddafi move closer to negotiated settlement
British parliament enquiry lashes out at FIFA handling of claims of Qatari bribery
Egyptian goalkeeper lashes out at fans and blames Egypt’s revolution for poor performance
Morocco: Model of successful transition or Arab revolt’s major failure?
Will Hama, Syria’s symbol of defiance, survive Assad power?
Qatar has ambitious plan for Paris soccer club PSG
Hariri indictments doom Lebanon if it does, and doom if it doesn’t
China and Russia redraw international battles lines on Libya
Soccer is at the root of high Egyptian divorce rate
Putting the pieces back together again in Libya
Audience figures for Asian Cup hold out promise for Qatar’s 2022 World Cup
Obama sets himself up for failure in Afghanistan
Qaddafi warrant: Rare unity could backfire on Russia, China
Iranian soccer body fires top officials
Obama nudges Israelis, Palestinians to talk. Failure again?
Investigator doubts veracity of British paper’s allegations of FIFA corruption
If Libya threatens to become a no-win for NATO, for China and Russia it’s a win-win
Libyan soccer players defect in symbolic blow to Qaddafi
FIFA looks at investigating Bahrain for government interference in soccer
West hopes deteriorating economy will be Syrian president Assad’s tripwire
Bahraini emerges as frontrunner to succeed Bin Hammam as AFC chief
FIFA security chief calls on Qatar to bar hooligans during world cup
Al Jazeera wins French soccer broadcast rights
Royal Qatar campaign against gays raises questions of gay rights during World Cup
Bahraini soccer player sentenced for participating in anti-government protests
Afghanistan lesson? That kids are smarter than governments
Iranian photographer and women’s soccer rights activist disappears in Tehran
FIFA says it has compelling evidence of alleged bribery by Bin Hammam and Warner
Al Jazeera bids for French soccer broadcast rights
China taking leaf out of Russia’s script for Libya with more activist policy
Dispute over hijab in women’s soccer in Canada, as Muslim youth referee barred
Assad’s speech: Has Syrian tyrant lost his mind?
Saudi Arabia meets challenges of regional protests
EFA decides against bid to host 2013 African Cup of Nations
Syria, pawn in power play by world’s major powers? Yes.
Palestine: Playing soccer for statehood
Moroccan king jumps in front of the cart with bold constitutional change
EFA moves soccer Olympics qualifier against Sudan to Cairo for security reasons
FIFA bans Jordanian women soccer players for wearing the hijab
Syrian tycoon steps aside as Arab rulers seek alternative to crackdowns
Egyptian soccer body calls emergency meeting to curb fan violence
Libya resists pressure to surrender hosting of African soccer tournaments
US relations with Pakistan crumbling fast
Egypt may bid for 2013 African Cup amid mounting violence and anti-corruption campaign
Syria: When does inaction become complicity?
Is Saleh the only man who can ‘save’ Yemen?
Syria casts shadow over Erdogan’s election victory
Tensions between Egyptian soccer fans and players mount over politics and violence
The Middle East six months later: From self-immolation to transformation
Saudi Arabia meets Iranian OPEC challenge head on
FIFA Disqualifies Iran: JMD on NPR
COLD WAR: IRAN AND SAUDI ARABIA. BATTLEFIELD: OPEC
No good options on Syria for global powers
Jordanian prince mediates Iranian-FIFA dispute in rare gesture towards Iran
Western donor aid threatens to undermine Egyptian and Tunisian revolutions
Blatter has reason not to want a FIFA investigation of Qatar
Ahmadinejad seeks overturn of FIFA ban of Iranian women’s soccer team
Syrian protests becoming armed revolt?
Iran decries FIFA ban as insult to Muslims
Egypt coach Shehata resigns after disappointing African Cup match
Israel falls into Palestinian trap by killing protesters
Soccer could cost Turkish Prime Minister votes in Trabzon
Iran protests FIFA's ban of the hijab
Benghazi soccer exemplifies the battle between Arab autocrats and their detractors
Renewed and risky Saudi mediation
US deal second major body blow to Al Qaeda
Conflict between Zamalek and Egyptian soccer body spotlights pro-Mubarak officials
FIFA hires former FBI director Louis Freeh to investigate Qatar’s Bin Hammam
Controversial Egyptian soccer coach’s job on the line in African championship match
Palestinian march will test Israel’s resolve
Yemen revolt becomes naked struggle for power
Battle to pressure Syria moves to UN nuclear watchdog
German business has vested interest in Qatar's 2022 World Cup
Qatar buys top French soccer club PSG
Ousted gay referee seeks reinstatement in Turkey
Arab revolt narrows US policy choices
Tehran funeral of acclaimed Iranian soccer player turns into anti-government protest
Big corporate sponsors, chagrined at corruption scandal, urge FIFA to reform
Unions Press Qatar On Inhuman Labor Conditions
Arab soccer officials and media rally around Bin Hammam
Yemen’s ruling GPC stands to win with and without President Saleh
Bin Hammam blasts FIFA decision to suspend him
FIFA temporarily bans Bin Hammam but clears Blatter of corruption charges
US-Saudi differences over Iran widen emerging gulf between longtime allies
Bin Hammam withdraws from FIFA presidential race amid fresh allegations against Qatar
NATO is betting on the wrong horse in Libya: Tribes not defectors could make the difference
FIFA expands corruption probe to include Blatter alongside Bin Hammam
G8 support for Arab change strains Western purses
Dogfight between Blatter and Bin Hammam puts FIFA election in doubt
Arab protests prompt European Union to link aid to reform
Analysis / James M. Dorsey: Yemen’s Saleh takes his fight for survival to the brink
US-Russian differences over Middle East put reset of relations in jeopardy
FIFA launches ethics investigation of Bin Hammam
Who will become al-Qaida’s next leader?
Netanyahu turns Congress into cheerleaders to strengthen his domestic position
Bin Hammam's FIFA hopes dissipate amid Qatar corruption charges
Pakistan moves closer to China as Obama misses opportunity to stabilize US-Pakistani relations
Blatter accuses Bin Hammam of introducing Qatar bagman in FIFA bribery scandal
Somalia’s Islamist Militia Bans Soccer
Obama sticks to his guns in convoluted dance with Netanyahu
Saleh puts ball in GCC and US courts with embassy siege in Yemen capital
Yemen’s Saleh plays cat and mouse with Saudis and US
What does new Al Qaeda leader have in common with Bin Laden (besides being a killer)? - Soccer
Egyptian Interior Ministry threatens to cancel soccer league if fan violence continues
Police disperse soccer hooligans in Algeria
What can Obama do about the brutal Syrian crackdown on protesters? Anything? Nothing?
In a stunning development, Qatar’s Bin Hammam reportedly defends Iran against Saudi criticism
Could Obama-Netanyahu clash produce Mideast peace breakthrough? Maybe
Expected clash puts Obama Mideast policy shift to the test
Will Barack Obama put his money where his mouth is?
US sanctions against Syria constitute risky strategy to increase domestic pressure on Syrian leader
Blatter takes campaign to Africa amid mounting support for Bin Hammam in FIFA presidential election
Obama effort to recalibrate Mideast policy likely to frustrate reformers and conservatives alike
Egyptian national soccer coach may resign amid criticism for supporting Mubarak
Strauss-Kahn scandal puts European control of the IMF at risk
Failure of Jordanian reform offers roadmap for Arab leaders
Western and emerging nations battle for the future of FIFA
China waits in the wings as US-Pakistani relations rapidly deteriorate
African football body decides stiff punishing of North African clubs for fan violence
Israel and Palestinians Agree to Ease Travel of Palestinian Athletes
Qaddafi and NATO agree on need for negotiations, but on what terms?
Qatar under increased scrutiny with IOC investigation into bribery charges
Escalating Yemeni crisis casts doubt on GCC’s ability to douse Arab fires
GCC expansion threatens to be a road pockmarked with pitfalls
Egypt at a crossroads: The Arab world watches to take a cue from its biggest nation
Allegations of Bribery Could Force Cancellation of Qatar’s Hosting of World Cup
A divided international community gives Assad time to crack down on pro-democracy protesters
Soccer violence in Egypt and Tunisia threatens credibility of militant fans
History’s jury on Osama Bin Laden is still out
CAF to Discuss Tunisian Soccer Violence
Tunisian Clubs Seek Increased Financial Support After Fans Are Banned From Matches
Media & Mass Communications: Efforts by embattled Arab leaders to control news flow fail
Tunisian Fans Disrupt African Championship Match
Restored US military confidence threatens efforts to repair relations with Pakistan
Muslim Brotherhood Takes to the Soccer Pitch
Arab economic reform could make political reform look easy
FIFA Discusses Easing Rules on Foreign Players
Egyptian Soccer Boss Resigns Signalling Transition to Post-Mubarak Era
Northwest Africa braces itself for possible Al-Qaeda retaliation for Bin Laden’s death
Fighting a Lost Battle: Bin Laden’s Shoes are too Big to Fill
Israeli Olympics Committee Recognizes Debilitating Effect of Palestinian Travel Restrictions
Al-Qaeda and anti-terrorism industry face a common threat: Survival in a changing world
Iranian Saudi Tensions Spill on to the Soccer Pitch
Bin Laden’s death unlikely to inspire new generation of jihadists
Qaddafi as media star, or media villain? Whatever the answer, he still knows how to play them
Soccer Violence in Egypt Raises Security Questions
Arab Protests: The going gets tough for demonstrators and embattled leaders
Israel puts itself in a corner by jumping the gun on Palestinian reconciliation
Iranian FA Denounces Saudi Efforts to Move Matches To Third Country
Abu Dhabi Women: To Play or Not to Play?
Fatah-Hamas ‘agreement’ returns Palestine to Arab center stage
Tunisian Bans Fans From Soccer Matches
US bets on EU and Turkey to add sting to planned sanctions on Syria
Bahrain Closes Shiite Soccer Clubs and Detains Players
Abu Dhabi Businessman Set to Acquire German Soccer Club
War of words and expulsions notch Up Iranian-Gulf tensions
Soccer Becomes Latest Flashpoint in Saudi-Iranian Cold War
US and Europe prepare to back condemnation of Syria with deeds
Dubai Confirms Acquisition of Spanish Club Getafe
Yemen and Syria put credibility of the international community on the line
Yemeni agreement to GCC proposal positions group as regional mediator
Syria’s brutal crackdown on protesters puts Iran in the hot spot
Like father, like son: Second generation Arab leaders bare teeth and play games with reform
Qatar Saves Barcelona from Selling Celebrity Players
Anti-Government Protests Put Iraqi Hosting of Gulf Cup in Question
Qatar’s Emir Cup Wins Sponsorship by Shell and Sony
Syrian killings: Is this the tipping point?
State-run Bahrain TV Prosecutes Soccer Players and other Regime Opponents
Syrian president opts for sticks with few carrots
Hopes of Al Qaeda’s demise are proving premature
Cairo Football Club Zamalek gets off lightly for fan violence
Dubai Buys Spanish Soccer Club in Bid to Shore Up Its Image
Dubai Buys Spanish Soccer Club
Financial woes of Egyptian football league force Ittihad Alexandria board to resign
Qatari arrest of Swiss TV journalists sparks concern about World Cup press freedom
Iranian support for protests could backfire in Syria and the Gulf
Middle East’s political geography remains shrouded in mystery
Are President Assad’s reforms too little too late?
More Soccer-related Arrests in Bahrain
Libya and NATO-led Allies locked in stalemate
Militant Soccer Fans Demand Resignation of Ismailia SC Board
Breakaway Turkish Cypriots May Compete in Turkish Soccer League
Egypt remands first senior soccer figure for attacking anti-Mubarak protesters
US-backed Saudi Hostility to Iran Likely to Backfire
Iconic Turkish Player Hakan Sukur Runs for Parliament on Islamist Ticket
Middle East looks at creating ‘proper’ football industry
Egypt’s Battles Reverberate on the Soccer Pitch
Soccer emerges as a political force in the Middle East
Saudi Religious Police Target Soccer Players
Zamalek Players Complain They Have Not Been Paid Since October
Egypt Makes Soccer Clubs Responsible for Security
Israeli Court reinstates Beitar Jerusalem docked point
Bahrain Sportspeople Arrested and Sacked for Anti-Government Protests
Tunisia Follows Egypt in Reviving Suspended Soccer League
Egyptian football may face penalty heartache
Egyptian Government Authorizes Resumption of Soccer Matches
Egyptian Soccer Executive Warns League Cancellation Could Bankrupt Clubs
Syria Suspends Soccer Matches Amid Anti-Government Protests
Football Produces for Qatar PR Fiasco Rather than PR Boon
Egypt Pressures CAF to be Lenient on Zamalek After Soccer Pitch Invasion
Ultras deny Invasion of African Soccer Championship Pitch was Political Provocation
Egyptian Militant Soccer Fans Freeze Activity
Ibrahim Hassan Calls for Pitch Invasion in Match Against Tunisia
Zamalek Ultras Disrupt African Soccer Match in Stunning Display of Nihilism
Egyptian Police and Ultras Brace for Clash at African Championship
Religious Fanatics as Rational Actors
Somali Journalist Killed While Covering Soccer Match Amid Heavy Fighting
Egyptian Soccer Players Boycott Training in Protest against Lagging Payment
Soccer vs. Islam: The Battle for Egypt’s Future
Portuguese Coach Queiroz to Sign With Iran
Libyan Islamists stand to gain with or without Gadhafi
Why Iranian football clubs push for control of broadcast revenues
Saudi Drops Yemeni President to Prevent Turmoil from Spilling Across its Border
Football Pitches: A Battleground for North Africa’s Future
Qatar Hopes to Cool Stadiums with Artificial Cloud
Egyptian Team’s Tarnished Image Rides on Soccer Match against South Africa
Soccer Wars: The Battle for the Future of Somalia’s Children
Hitting Gadaffi: More Questions Than Answers
African Soccer Body Bans Matches in Libya and Ivory Coast
Arab Revolutionaries to Play Soccer Friendly despite Historical Animosity
Bin Hammam Challenges Blatter for FIFA Presidency
Palestinian Emerges Against the Odds as Israeli Soccer Star
Egyptian Military Authorizes Resumption of Soccer Matches
Ex Turkish Player Hakan Sukur to Run for Parliament
Former Prisoner Accuses Egyptian Goalkeeper Coach of Beating Him in Prison
Foreign Players Threaten to Leave Egypt Because of Financial Turmoil
Former Soccer Player Leads Libyan Opposition
Bin Hammam Calls For FIFA Pressure on Israel But Stops Short of Launching Soccer Peace Initiative
Juventus Freezes Libyan Stake in Effort to Alleviate Embarrassment
Marketing the goal for Middle East football
Egyptian Reluctance to Restart League is Rooted in Soccer’s Political History
Countering the Impulse to Militarily Support the Libyan Underdog
Turkey Bans Blogger for Hosting Turkish Soccer League Videos
AFC’s Bin Hamman to Challenge FIFA President Blatter in Uphill Battle
EFA Presses Egyptian Military to Authorize Resumption of Soccer Matches
Zamalek Bans Foreign Coaches and Players But Exempts Its Premier Soccer Team
Qatar Creates Sports Security Consultancy
Protests Force FIFA to Move Yemeni Olympic Qualifier Against Singapore to the UAE
Soccer is the Yardstick for North Africa’s Return to Normalcy
Iran Plays on Mounting Tension in Saudi Arabia
Egyptian Players Boycott Training in Protest against Salary Cuts
Zamalek Board Refuses Resignation of its Chairman
Blatter would Beat Bin Hammam on Twitter in FIFA Presidential Election
EU About to Force Italy to Freeze Libya’s Stake in Juventus
Chairman of Zamalek Resigns Amid Criticism of Financial Management
Emboldened Fans Rewrite the Politics of Egyptian Soccer
Football against the dictators
Tunisia Allows Restricted Resumption of Soccer Matches
Change in the Middle East Puts Turkey in the Eye of the Storm
Italian Refusal to Freeze Libyan Assets Deepens Juventus FC’s Embarrassment
Libya to Play African Championship Match Against Comores Despite Regime’s Crackdown
UAE Wins Hosting of 2013 Under-17 World Cup
Juventus and the Gadaffi family
Fans in Libya and Egypt Line Up Differently in Anti-Government Protests
CAF Postpones U-20 Championship Scheduled to Open in Libya
Tunisia Allows African Championship Game in Step Towards Lifting Ban on Soccer Matches
Egyptian Military Team’s World Cup Performance Likely Barometer of Military Performance as Rulers
Soccer and Detained Shiite Cleric Fuel Iranian-Saudi Tensions
Egyptian Soccer Introduces Financial Austerity
Off the pitch and on, Egyptians yearn for lasting reforms
Libyan National Soccer Team Supports Gadaffi
Egyptian Soccer Focuses on Corruption Rather Than Performance
Saudi-Iranian Tensions Spill on to the Soccer Pitch
Tunisia Extends Ban on Soccer Matches
Egyptian Military Under Pressure to Lift Ban on Soccer Matches
Italy may score an own goal with its reliance on Libyan money
Anti-Government Protests Force Second Postponement of Yemen’s Olympic Qualifier
Egyptian Protests Force First Soccer Resignations
Brazilian Club Opens Soccer School in Iran
African Soccer Leaders and Blatter Delay Depriving Libya of U-20 Soccer Tournament
Islamist Seek to Regain Spotlight with Attacks on Soccer and the Olympics
Online Soccer Network Plays Key Role in Eastern Libya
US Embassy Cancels Funding for Egyptian Police Soccer Program
Soccer Politics: Egyptian Police-Owned Team Distances Itself from Hated Police Force
Soccer Salaries: Egyptian Players Threaten to Walk Off the Job
Cameron Visit to Qatar Highlights Differences in Perceptions of Soccer
Opposition Mounts to Potential Cap on Egyptian Soccer Salaries
Gadaffi Prodigy Offers Study in Politics of Middle Eastern Soccer
Islamist Suicide Bombing Kills Somali Star International
Egyptian Soccer Stadiums Emerge as Venue for Sexual Harassment
Saudi Arabia Celebrates Return of King Abdullah with New Sports Channel
Nigeria Compensates Iran for Cancelling Match To Protest Arms Shipment
CAF to Decide Fate of African Matches Threatened by Political Turmoil
CAF Under Pressure to Take U-20 African Championship Away from Libya
Professional Footballer Leads Pro-Gadaffi Charge in Benghazi
Corruption Investigation Signals Restructuring of Egyptian Soccer
Libyan Soccer Stadium Becomes Safe Haven for Fleeing Turks
Is Democracy a Threat to the World Cup?
Tunisian Soccer Protests Preceded Revolt That Toppled the President
Egyptian Soccer Clubs Urge Speedy Resumption of Suspended League (Updated)
Iran Gets Paid For Nigerian Match Cancellation despite Seizure Iranian Arms Shipment
Libyan Soccer Fans Cheer Gaddafi Son in Tripoli
Egypt to Request Postponement of African Championship match Against South Africa
Arab Revolutionaries to Play Soccer Friendly despite Historical Animosity
Anti-Government Protests Force FIFA to Postpone Yemen Qualifier
Pro-Mubarak Footballers Express Support for Egypt’s Revolt
Queiroz Buys Time With Iran to See Which Way Political Winds Blow
African U-20 Championship Threatened by Libyan Protests and AIDS Test Requirement
Jordan Extends Coach’s Contract in Triumph of Vision over Politics
Egyptian Military Authorizes African Match in Cairo Despite Turmoil
Egyptian Coach under Fire for Supporting Mubarak
Did Soccer Hooligans Assault CBS’s Lara Logan?
Real Madrid to Bring Its Stars to the Gulf
Qatar Denies Seeking to Acquire Manchester United
Opening of Libyan Stadium Set for Confrontation With Anti-Government Protesters
Outspoken FIFA Executive Committee Member Lashes Out at World Cup Bidding Process
Real Madrid Opens Academy in Abu Dhabi
Sports Journalist Asserts Corruption in Qatar’s Winning World Cup Bid
Egypt Cup Cancelled Amid Sharpening Political Fault Lines
Carlos Queiroz Backs Away from Coaching Iran
Online Petition Calls On Qatar to Fight Human Trafficking in Advance of World Cup
Egyptian Protest Leader Highlights Role of Soccer Fans in Ousting Mubarak
Al Ahly Resumes Training, Signaling End of Egyptian Protests
Carlos Queiroz Signs with Iran Amid Mounting Political Tension
Qatar Woes Sam Allardyce and Brad Friedel
South Sudan Faces Uphill Battle in Becoming a Soccer Nation
Glazers Demand £1.8billion to Sell Manchester United
Soccer Flags Fly in Algerian Protests
Anti-Government Protests Reverberate in Algerian Soccer Federation
Foreigners Return to Egyptian League Despite Uncertainty Over Match Resumption
Political Differences Force Extended Suspension of Egyptian Soccer Matches
Bobby Charlton Ridicules Arab Investment Amid Reports of Qatari Purchase of Manchester United
Iran Postpones Tehran Matches to Stymie Anti-Government Protests
Al Ahly Opposes Resumption of Egyptian Matches in Support of Protesters
Iranian Soccer Film Features in Berlin to Protest Filmmaker's Arrest
Qatar to Pay Cash for 2022 World Cup Infrastructure
FIFA Insists Egyptian League Should Remain Suspended
Zidane Says He Backed Qatar to Grow Middle East Soccer
Political Turmoil in North Africa Threatens to Disrupt Africa Cup of Nations
Bin Hammam Set to Challenge Blatter as FIFA President
Ex-Real Madrid Coach Queiroz May Tread in Iranian Political Minefield
Soccer Training Becomes Political Football in Egypt
Former Zamalek Goalkeeper Joins Tahrir Square Protests
FIFA Concedes Qatar and Spain/Portugal Traded Votes in World Cup Bids
Rare Attack on Jordanian Queen Heightens Soccer Tensions
FIFA President Blatter Concedes Round to Rival Bin Hammam
Anti-Government Protests Reinforce Cleavages in Egyptian Soccer
Real Madrid to Open Sports Academy in Saudi Arabia
Qatar Woes Barcelona’s Guardiola as Coach
Zamalek SC Helps Mubarak Government Attempt to Restore Normalcy in Egypt
State-owned Arab TV Networks Employ Soccer to Boost Tarnished Credibility
Egypt Extends Cancellation of Soccer League Indefinitely
Israel Reassures UEFA Over U-21 Amid Turmoil Wracking Egypt
Qatar Reaps PR Flop Not PR Boon from Asian Cup
Qatar Fires Coach in Politically Motivated Move
Egyptian Ultra Tactics Evident in the Battle for Cairo’s Tahrir Square
Soccer Fans Key to Imminent Cairo Street Battle
Egypt Crisis Puts African Teams in Financial Jeopardy
Abu Dhabi Says It Has No Plans to Buy AS Roma
US Cable Linking Qatar to 9/11 Dents 2022 World Cup Host’s Image
Thinking the Unthinkable: Is the Gulf Next?
Libya and Algeria Extend Soccer Match Cancellations to Thwart Protests
Sudanese Dissidents Call For Mass Demonstration on Eve of African Tournament
Egyptian Military Bans All Soccer Training
Arab Investors To Cut Spending on European Soccer
Riots Force US Cancellation of Egyptian Soccer Friendly
Wikileaks Disclosures About Qaddaffi Family Spark Cancellation of Soccer Matches
Sudan Protests Fuelled by Student Death Threaten African Cup Tournament
USSF Reluctant To Cancel Egyptian Soccer Match Reflects Muddled U.S.Foreign Policy
Anti-government protests in Sudan Could Threaten African Soccer Tournament
Libya Bans Soccer Matches In Fear of Anti-Government Protests
Blair Jr Hopes to Trade on Tarnished Name as Middle East Soccer Agent
Zamalek Beats Ulinzi While Ahly Tries to Beat Mubarak
Soccer Fans Emerge as Driver in Egyptian Protests
Morocco to Host 2015 African Cup
Israeli Soccer Commentator Under Fire for Alleged Racist Remarks
Activists Use 2022 World Cup to Force Improvement of Qatari Labor Conditions
Algerian Attitudes Toward Egyptian Crisis Colored by Soccer Rivalry
After World Cup 2022, Qatar wins 2015 World Handball Championship
Egypt Blocks Independent Media, Allows Soccer and Illegal File Sharing
Al Jazeera Set to Hire Controversial British Sports Presenters
UEFA Awards Hosting of U-21 Competition to Israel
Egyptian Anti-Government Protest Force Cancellation of League Matches
European Clubs See Opportunity in Middle East’s Failure in Asia Cup
Al Jazeera Wins World Cup Broadcast Rights
Soccer Fans Play Key Role in Egyptian Protests
FIFA Unlikely to Stand Up for Women’s Rights in Iran
Gulf States Look at Soccer to Tackle Demographic Problems
The Gloves Are Off: Bin Hammam Calls For End to Blatter’s FIFA Rule
Jordanian Performance in Asia Cup Boosts Business and Women’s Soccer
Government Interference Undermines Middle Eastern Soccer’s Prospects
Iran Bans Women from Watching Asian Cup in Movie Theaters
Qatar’s Winning of 2022 World Cup Produces First Peace Dividend
Iran Coach Calls for Politics-free Soccer
Dismal Saudi Performance in Asian Cup Sparks Debate
Qatar’s Bin Hammam Wins Round Against Blatter in Escalating Power Struggle
Middle Eastern Nations Rush To Bid on FIFA Tournaments
World Cup 2022 Will Produce PR Boon for Qatar But Little Economic Benefit
Egypt Employs Soccer to Assert Its Nile Basin Water Rights
Demonstrations in Libya and Jordan put Tunisian model to the test
Soccer: A Flashpoint for Deepening Cleavages in Jordanian Society
Qatar Has Upper Hand in Battle for the Future of FIFA
Somali Militants Assert Control by Banning Soccer
Money Talks: Qatar’s FIFA World Cup Bid Fits Sovereign Wealth Fund Investment Strategy