The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer
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Published: April 5, 2024
By: Cai Tiancheng
Israel's violent attack on Gaza resulted in the killing of a staff member of the charity organization World Central Kitchen, which aroused severe criticism from the international community. The United States' stance on Israel has also attracted much attention. Does the United States really want to contain Israel, or is it just continuing to maintain its ambiguous approach to resolve international pressure? Analysts believe that Israel's rigid stance has indeed angered the United States.
U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu are currently at loggerheads over the ceasefire between Israel and Kazakhstan, and their relationship is tense. A few months ago, the relationship between the two was still very good. Biden visited Israel in person in October last year to demonstrate his firm support for Israel. When Biden (right) arrived in Tel Aviv, he hugged Netanyahu who came to greet him. (AFP)
International Feature: How long can Ukraine survive the two-year tug of war with Russia?
Published: March 31, 2024
By: Cai Tiancheng
March 2024 is a dangerous month for Ukraine. After more than two years of fighting against Russia, Ukraine is still unable to regain its territory. Moreover, due to the lack of strong military assistance from the West and the shortage of ammunition, the Ukrainian army faces tremendous pressure on the front line. Recently, Ukraine has relied more on launching drone offensives in an attempt to use small means to achieve greater results, while Russia has violently bombarded Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, as a deterrent. As the war enters its third year, can Ukraine still hold on?
On March 6, Ukrainian President Zelensky (right) received Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Odessa, Unang. On that day, a Russian missile exploded several hundred meters away from the two men. (Reuters)
Saudi Soccer Fans Go On Trial For Shia Chants
Published: March 27, 2024
By: Samindra Kunti
On Thursday, soccer fans of the Saudi club Al Safa FC will go on trial at a Damman court after chanting Shia religious songs deemed “sectarian” by Saudi authorities at a match in the Saudi First Division.
Last January, Al Safa FC played Al Bukayriyah FC in Safwa City in Saudi Arabia’s Shia-majority Eastern Province when Al Safa fans chanted Shia slogans and songs during the match, captured on social media footage. Saudi Arabia is a Sunni-majority country.
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - DECEMBER 12: Fans of Al Ittihad FC celebrate during the FIFA Club World Cup match between Al Ittihad FC and Auckland City FC at King Abdullah Sports City on December 12, 2023 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Lars Baron - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
FIFA VIA GETTY IMAGES
Analyst: Israel could lose support of American Jewish community
Published: March 16, 2024
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the highest-ranking elected American Jewish official, has called for elections to replace the current Israeli government. Dr. James M. Dorsey, adjunct senior fellow from S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, says it reflects a growing sense within the U.S. that Israel could lose support of the Jewish community in the country.
From Qatar to Saudi: Soul-searching in sports reporting
Published: January 27, 2024
By: Karim Zidan
After attending the 2024 Play the Game conference, it has become clear for journalists and activists alike, that Qatar’s continued success in the world of sports represents a juncture for contemplation and self-examination about our methodologies as we shift our focus to Saudi Arabia's hosting of the 2034 World Cup.
James M. Dorsey gave advice to activists wanting to promote change in Saudi Arabia in the run-up to the FIFA World Cup 2034. Photo: Thomas Søndergaard / Play the Game
Analyst: Gaza in dire need of port, land crossing amid risk of famine
Published: March 12, 2024
The United Nations has warned of the risk of famine in Gaza. James M. Dorsey, PhD, an adjunct senior fellow at S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies under Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, says that while airdrop aid may be helpful to individuals, Gaza ultimately needs a port and open land crossings to solve the crisis.
PALESTINIAN PM MOHAMMAD SHTAYYEH RESIGNS AMID REFORM CALLS
Published: February 26, 2024
From Qatar to Saudi: Soul-searching in sports reporting
Published: January 27, 2024
By: Karim Zidan
After attending the 2024 Play the Game conference, it has become clear for journalists and activists alike, that Qatar’s continued success in the world of sports represents a juncture for contemplation and self-examination about our methodologies as we shift our focus to Saudi Arabia's hosting of the 2034 World Cup.
James M. Dorsey gave advice to activists wanting to promote change in Saudi Arabia in the run-up to the FIFA World Cup 2034. Photo: Thomas Søndergaard / Play the Game
Expert who vows to annihilate Hamas at all costs: Israel will reap the consequences
Published: February 16, 2024
By: Cai Tiancheng
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu ignores domestic and foreign pressure and the safety of millions of people in southern Gaza and wants to eliminate Hamas at all costs. In the eyes of the outside world, this is a "crazy" move that is almost a waste of human life. Experts and scholars interviewed believe that resorting to force cannot solve the complex problems between Israel and Palestine at all. It will only further isolate Israel internationally and cause long-term damage to the country. Bigger, and ultimately the gain outweighs the loss.
Displaced Palestinians camp near the Egyptian border fence in Rafah, on the southern tip of Gaza. (AFP)
Lessons from Qatar 2022: How activists should approach the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia
Published: January 26, 2024
By: Karim Zidan
Unlike Qatar, Saudi Arabia feels like it has leverage and does not need to pay attention to activists, so activists need to appeal to areas where Saudis are already interested in change, argued James M. Dorsey at Play the Game 2024.
James M. Dorsey gave advice to activists wanting to promote change in Saudi Arabia in the run-up to the FIFA World Cup 2034. Photo: Thomas Søndergaard / Play the Game
Intense Diplomacy To End Israel-Hamas War, But Faint Hope
Published: January 26, 2024
By: Didier LAURAS
Diplomatic efforts seeking a permanent solution to the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict have intensified in recent days, even though wresting painful compromises out of the two sides appears as difficult as ever.
Israel has been in near permanent conflict since its creation in 1948. But its current military campaign against Hamas, which seized power in the Gaza Strip in 2007, is the most deadly against the Palestinians to date.
Destroyed buildings and roads in Khan Yunis, Gaza. Photo: Abdulqader Sabbah/Anadolu via Getty Images
Published: January 21, 2024
The Red Sea, located in northeastern Africa, has been rough lately. Since January 12, the United States and the United Kingdom, with the support of their allies, have carried out military strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen for several days. In the face of Western military deterrence, the Houthis remained unmoved, continued to hold high the banner of "opposing Israel and supporting Pakistan", and launched attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea several times a week. The war in Gaza has not subsided, the Red Sea crisis has escalated, and the situation in the Middle East is precarious.
On October 19, the USS Carney shot down a missile launched from Yemen over the Red Sea. The Pentagon said at the time that the shells were fired by the Houthis and that the target was supposed to be Israel. (AFP)
Analyst: No party seeks regional expansion of Gaza conflict
Published: January 15, 2024
Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah said on Sunday his group will not stop fighting Israel and that "American aggression in the Red Sea" will turn it into "a battlefield." James M. Dorsey, a senior fellow at the National University of Singapore's Middle East Institute, says that none of the parties, the U.S., the Hezbollah, nor the Houthis, want to expand the Gaza war into a regional war. He adds that the situation now is more likely a calibration.
Expert: Biden was fudging the issue of two-state solution
Published: January 20, 2024
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu publicly rejected the U.S. push for a future Palestinian state and insisted the offensive would continue "until complete victory." U.S. President Joe Biden, meanwhile, said Netanyahu was not opposed to all two-state solutions. James M. Dorsey, a senior fellow from the National University of Singapore's Middle East Institute, says Biden was fudging the issue and that they have different definitions of the two-state solution.
Containing rising tensions in best interests of both Pakistan and Iran: Analyst
Published: January 18, 2024
CNA's Otelli Edwards unpacks the significance of Pakistan's airstrikes against militant targets in Iran with James Dorsey, Senior Fellow at RSIS. He shares the context behind the attacks and explains why he believes it's in the interest of both countries to control rising tensions.
International Feature: Troika race to dominate the Middle East's future
Published: December 10, 2023
By: Cai Tiancheng
Saudi Arabia, with its strong economic strength, has long occupied the position of "big brother" in the Middle East, but this trend has begun to change in recent years. While Saudi Arabia strives to promote economic transformation, the neighboring United Arab Emirates and Qatar are catching up in terms of economic power and regional influence. The UAE's outstanding performance in finance and attracting foreign investment has put increasing pressure on Saudi Arabia; both countries are also actively participating in regional affairs and have an increasing say in the region. The Middle East is no longer dominated by Saudi Arabia, and a troika situation is gradually taking shape.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed leads the country towards the goals of Vision 2030. The capital Riyadh has developed rapidly in recent years. (AFP)
PM Netanyahu’s days are numbered: Analyst
Published: November 7, 2023
As the war between Israel and Hamas reaches the one-month mark, CNA's Steve Lai and Teresa Tang speak to James M Dorsey, Adjunct Senior Fellow of S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, about the political future of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He argues Mr Netanyahu's premiership is at a critical point given questions about who is responsible for the failures in preventing Hamas' attack. He adds that even if the prime minister stays in power throughout the war, investigations will still take place.
The Gaza Tunnel: Hamas's last trump card
Published: November 11, 2023
By: Chen Ruide
As the Israeli-Kazakh conflict continues to escalate, Israel launched another air raid on hospitals and schools in Gaza on November 10, purporting to be aimed at attacking Hamas's base camp hidden under hospitals and schools. To destroy Hamas is to destroy Hamas's vast network of tunnels beneath Gaza; This is a strategic objective that Israel has repeatedly reaffirmed. But how should this account be calculated? Between the aerial artillery fire and the underground tunnels, who can the millions of innocent Gazan civilians on the ground turn to?
Hamas tunnel discovered in Israel in 2018 (Reuters)
China’s Syria Move Reflects Long-Term Ambitions
Published: September 28, 2023
By: Oliver Klaus, Maryelle Demongeot
Syria is back on the world stage. Four months after it was readmitted to the Arab League after years of isolation, Beijing made a bold statement by rolling out the red carpet for Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and signing a strategic partnership agreement aimed at developing closer bilateral ties. Still shunned in the West, al-Assad will be hoping that the pact leads to increased Chinese investments to rebuild his war-torn country. For China, the partnership is part of its longterm strategic objective to increase its influence along the BRI corridor in the face of rapidly shifting geopolitics and deepening trade tensions with the US. It also serves to reinforce China's relationship with Russia, a key Syria player now distracted by the war in Ukraine
Photo: Flag World/Shutterstock
The Princess at the center of Saudi Arabia's sporting web
Published: November 11, 2023
By: Matt Pearson
Title fights, the world's best footballers and golfers, winter sports events and now the men's World Cup — Saudi Arabia's grip on the sporting world is tightening. Meet the woman in the inner circle.
Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud is a key player in the sporting strategy of Saudi Arabia. Image: FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP
Israel vows to eradicate Hamas, experts say almost impossible
Published: October 15, 2023
By: Cai Tiancheng
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Borrell stated that the EU attaches great importance to China and expects China to treat the EU equally, rather than viewing them through the lens of its relations with third countries.
Scholars interviewed believe that the EU wants to emphasize that although it has close ties with the United States on security issues, it is independent in its China policy.
The war in Gaza has resumed, and the situation in the Middle East has become tense again. How the armed conflict between Israel and Kazakhstan will affect the regional situation is a matter of concern. The picture shows Gaza City being heavily shelled by Israel for days, with many buildings destroyed. (AFP)
Borrell hopes China will treat EU scholars equally: EU reaffirms independence in China policy
Published: October 14, 2023
By: Lin Huizhi
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Borrell stated that the EU attaches great importance to China and expects China to treat the EU equally, rather than viewing them through the lens of its relations with third countries.
Scholars interviewed believe that the EU wants to emphasize that although it has close ties with the United States on security issues, it is independent in its China policy.
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng (right) met with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Borrell in Beijing on Friday (October 13). (Xinhua News Agency)
Focus | Casa rekindles war, where will the situation in the Middle East go?
Published: October 13, 2023
The most serious conflict between Israel and Palestine in half a century has broken out. Under the flames of war, lives have been devastated, and many countries are involved. How will the war affect the situation in the Middle East?
Screengrab from "Focus | Casa rekindles war, where will the situation in the Middle East go?" Video / 8world.com
China, Japan, and the ROK agreed to hold a trilateral summit within this year
Published: September 26, 2023
China, South Korea and Japan agreed to hold a trilateral summit within this year.
After a meeting between senior diplomats from the three countries in Seoul on Tuesday (September 9), South Korea's Foreign Ministry said the three sides agreed to hold a summit as soon as possible and begin preparations for the trilateral ministerial meeting. The Republic of Korea holds the rotating chairmanship of the Trilateral Meeting between China, Japan and the Republic of Korea.
Senior diplomats from South Korea, China and Japan met Tuesday in Seoul. Kenhiro Funakoshi, Foreign Affairs Examiner of the Japanese Foreign Ministry (from left), Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Chung Byung-won, and Assistant Foreign Minister of China Nong Rong pose for a group photo before the meeting. (AFP)
Saudi Arabia is trying to disrupt soccer’s world order. The reasons why might surprise you
Published: September 21, 2023
When Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal reportedly planned a $1.1 billion bid to sign French soccer superstar Kylian Mbappé – including $332 million to his club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and an eye-watering $775 million salary packet to the World Cup winner for just one year – it was slammed by critics as sportswashing.
Photo Illustration by Alberto Mier/CNN/Getty
Oil in exchange for players: to what extent is football's status quo threatened?
Published: September 13, 2023
The Saudi Pro League has become the second league in the world in terms of investment in signings this summer.
Saudi Arabia has been the biggest cheerleader in this summer's transfer market. With an investment in transfers of 957 million euros, to which we must add salaries outside the market, the Saudi Pro League has become the second league on the planet that has allocated more money to strengthen, only surpassed by the 2,805 million of the English Premier League. The financial power of the Arab championship has eclipsed the rest of Europe's major leagues, which have taken the opportunity to cash in and clean up accounts still hit by the pandemic. La Liga clubs, which have invested half that of Ligue 1 and Bundesliga, 441 million, close the summer with a surplus of 152 million.
Neymar has become the most expensive signing in the Saudi Pro League this summer, with 90 million euros Photo: AL-HILAL
Indonesia wants to export moderate Islam
Published: August 16, 2023
South-East Asian syncretism
On christmas eve 22 years ago, jihadist terrorists planted bombs at churches in cities across Indonesia, killing 18 people. Every Christmas since then, members of the country’s largest Muslim group, Nahdlatul Ulama (nu), have gathered outside churches in Indonesia to ensure that Christians can worship in safety. Now the powerful Islamic organisation has a more ambitious goal: to spread its moderate views across the Muslim world.
Sunni, sea and sandimage: angga budhiyanto/zuma press/eyevine
Published: August 13, 2023
By: Cai Tiancheng
As Ukraine continues to counterattack and the battle with Russia becomes more and more intense, Ukraine will definitely need more and more weapons and equipment. Do Western countries such as the United States and NATO have enough weapons to meet Ukraine's needs? If the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are still hopeless, the two sides will continue to fight to determine the outcome, but can Western countries continue to support Ukraine's strong counterattack?
The battle between Ukraine and Russia is still raging, with each side trying to crush the other. The picture shows that the Donetsk region of Ukraine was attacked by the Russian army a few days ago, and the local police assisted in the evacuation of the people. (Reuters)
Pakistan lines up Saudi-backed refinery as it eyes more Russian oil
Published: August 1, 2023
By: ADNAN AAMIR
ISLAMABAD -- A $10 billion Saudi-backed oil refinery project planned in Pakistan's port city of Gwadar aims to capitalize on the troubled economy's potential, and, sources say, lay a foundation for taking in more Russian crude.
Crew members check the deck of a ship delivering Russian crude oil to Pakistan at the port of Karachi in June. © Reuters
The domestic league – the next step in Saudi Arabia's big investment
Published: July 9, 2023
The stars are joining Saudi Arabia one by one, and at the same time the state investment fund has bought into four clubs.
The domestic soccer league looks set to be the next piece of the puzzle in the big Saudi sports venture.
Al-Hilal is the most champion of the Saudi football league. In the picture, supporters at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh during one of two final matches in the Asian edition of the Champions League this spring. Japanese opponents Urawa Red Diamonds were ultimately too strong over two games. Photo: AP
International feature: Turning the tide and turning the mutiny against the Belarusian strongman?
Published: July 9, 2023
The Russian mercenary organization Wagner Group unexpectedly launched a mutiny, but it ended dramatically within 24 hours. It was Belarusian President Lukashenko who resolved the crisis. Feng Shui has taken turns. Lukashenko, who was originally attached to Russian President Putin, has now become the "savior" who mediates the mutiny. What is his intention in this move? Belarus has taken in Prigozhin, the leader of Wagner. Will Wagner revive in a different place? Is NATO's eastern flank facing a greater threat?
Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) has a close relationship with Belarusian President Lukashenko. The picture shows that in May this year, Putin received visiting Lukashenko at the Kremlin. (AFP)
Should Malaysia ratify a UN treaty to protect the high seas?
Published: June 26, 2023
By: Danial Azhar
PETALING JAYA: The United Nations recently adopted a landmark treaty to protect the high seas, which cover more than 60% of the world’s oceans, and to preserve marine biodiversity in international waters.
The treaty was adopted on June 19, following an agreement in March between more than 100 countries on the text of the document.
The UN treaty on marine biodiversity is part of a larger goal of protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. (AP pic)
Published: June 26, 2023
By: Lin Huizhi
When the Russian mutiny took a dramatic turn, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Rudenko arrived in Beijing to meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement "supporting Russia in maintaining national stability" on the same night.
The interviewed scholars believe that Russia undoubtedly hopes to get China to reiterate its support for Russia through this meeting of diplomats, while China hopes to better understand the actual situation of the mutiny and how Russian President Vladimir Putin will handle this event with potentially serious consequences .
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Rudenko (left) arrived in Beijing on Sunday (June 25) to meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang. (Official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China)
LIV Golf’s al-Rumayyan and the PGA Tour’s Monahan Make Strange Bedfellows
Published: June 12, 2023
By: John Branch
After more than a year of high-stakes jockeying and long-distance accusations, Jay Monahan and Yasir al-Rumayyan finally met in May, an arranged blind date in some Venice cafe or hotel.
Now the oddest of bedfellows will attempt to remake the future of professional golf and repair the damage done by a yearlong civil war they had once waged against each other.
Jay Monahan and Yasir al-Rumayyan.Credit...Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images; Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Published: June 11, 2023
By: Kinling Lo
Chinese firms are eyeing more economic opportunities from Beijing’s booming ties with the Middle East in an upcoming business forum in Saudi Arabia, but analysts say uncertainties remain over how much can be achieved amid a complex economic and political relationship.
President Xi Jinping with with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh in December. Photo: Saudi Press Agency via AP
Türkiye Presidential Election Run-off
Published: May 29, 2023
James M. Dorsey @mideastsoccer joined us at @anews to discuss the Türkiye Presidential Election Run-off
Consider limiting reliance on China for 5G rollout, says expert
Published: May 18, 2023
By Sofia Zahari
PETALING JAYA: A geopolitical expert says Malaysia may want to limit the extent of its cooperation with Chinese companies for its 5G rollout due to security concerns.
James M Dorsey of S Rajaratnam School of International Studies said these concerns were exacerbated by recent cyberattacks in the South China Sea reportedly linked to Beijing.
Huawei, the Chinese equipment maker blacklisted by Washington, has lobbied heavily for another chance at a role in building Malaysia’s 5G network. (Reuters pic)
Published: April 26, 2023
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelens spoke on the phone for the first time after the Russia-Ukraine war. Xi Jinping also announced that he would send a special representative on Eurasian affairs to Ukraine and other countries to communicate with all parties to resolve the crisis. After the call, Ukraine announced the appointment of a new ambassador to China.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (right) speaks on the phone with Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) in Kiev on Wednesday (April 26). (Right: Ukrainian Presidential Palace via Reuters/Left: Agence France-Presse)
Anwar’s delicate balancing act in South China Sea standoff
Published: April 26, 2023
By David Pillai
Malaysia needs to play its cards right if it is to prevail against China over the competing territorial claims.
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s three-day official visit to China at the end of last month was lauded as a resounding success, having strengthened ties with the superpower and secured China’s commitment to invest RM170 billion in Malaysia.
China has sent its navy vessels to monitor Petronas as it undertakes exploration activities in Malaysia’s exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea. Photo: Reuters pic
Published: April 17, 2023
When Russian President Vladimir Putin met with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Li Shangfu in Moscow on Sunday (April 16), he said that Russia and China are actively cooperating between military departments; Strategic communication, strengthening multilateral coordination and cooperation, and making new contributions to maintaining world and regional security and stability.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) and Defense Minister Shoigu (middle) meet with visiting Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu (left) in Moscow on Sunday (April 16). Photo: AFP
International Feature: Shah's Reconciliation Unlocks Middle
Published: April 12, 2023
One is a monarchy kingdom with a majority of Sunni Muslims; the other originally practiced a monarchy, but a revolution more than 40 years ago overthrew the king and established an Islamic republic with Shia Muslims at its core. Saudi Arabia and Iran have been vying to be the leader in the Persian Gulf for many years, and they have formed factions and even fought proxy wars in Syria and Yemen.
Top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi (middle), Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (right), and Minister of State and national security adviser of Saudi Arabia Musaad bin Mohammed Al Aiban (right) pose for pictures during a meeting in Beijing, China. Photo: China Daily/Reuters
The legacy of international sports competitions
Published: April 10, 2023
By David Lee
Against the allegations of a corrupt bidding process, migrant worker abuse and human rights concerns, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was widely considered a success in terms of tournament organisation and as a sporting spectacle.
It was the first time the World Cup had been held in the Middle East, and the oil-rich emirate spared no expense in harnessing the tournament to burnish its international reputation and branding.
It was the first time the World Cup had been held in the Middle East, and the oil-rich emirate spared no expense in harnessing the tournament to burnish its international reputation and branding. PHOTO: AFP
Iran-Saudi Detente Brightens Tehran's Outlook
Published: March 16, 2023
By Simon Martelli, Maryelle Demongeot, Dawn Lee, Phil Chaffee
The China-mediated detente between Iran and Saudi Arabia last week represents a diplomatic breakthrough that was years in the making and brings with it the prospect of regional de-escalation. Iran’s restoration of ties with its Mideast Gulf rivals, including with the United Arab Emirates last year, and China’s growing appetite for Iranian oil will help counter Western efforts
to isolate the regime — most recently over its military ties to Russia and suppression of dissent —and have brightened its economic outlook. But big questions remain about the fate of Iran’s nuclear program, and long-standing mistrust between Tehran and Riyadh tempers expectation of dramatic change.
vanchai tan/Shutterstock
China Eyes Economic Recovery, Flexes Diplomatic Muscles
Published: March 16, 2023
By Maryelle Demongeot , Rafiq Latta, Nicosia
China’s annual parliamentary meetings earlier this month rubber-stamped Xi's unanimous re-election for an unprecedented third five-year term. With that coronation came a new government, led by Xi loyalist Li Qiang, former Shanghai Communist Party Secretary. Under Xi’s leadership, Li is tasked with engineering China’s economy recovery after three years of Covid-19 gloom against a background of accelerating climate change impacts in China and worldwide. For their part, Chinese diplomats are working around the clock to promote China’s image as a global, and neutral, leader — and can claim an early success in brokering the Saudi-Iranian deal last week.
Mirko Kuzmanovic/Shutterstock
Disaster in Saudi Arabia: Wisma Putra needs a massive shake up
Published: March 26, 2023
On the evening of March 21, Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim began his publicly unannounced trip to Saudi Arabia. Early on, people in the know around Putra Jaya weren’t too sure whether it was a private or official visit. The timing wasn’t right as it was the beginning of Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month. It was mooted, Anwar and his wife were travelling to perform the Umrah. It was also thought their daughter Nurul Izzah, travelled by a commercial flight to joint her parents to perform the Umrah.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim arrives in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on March 22, received by Jeddah's governor, Prince Saud bin Abdullah. Photo: Prime Minister’s Office of Malaysia)
Malaysia seeks closer ties with Saudi Arabia as PM arrives on first visit
Published: March 22, 2023
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim arrived on Wednesday on his first visit to Saudi Arabia, as Kuala Lumpur seeks closer ties with Riyadh.
Anwar began his trip with a stop in Jeddah, where he and members of his delegation, including first lady Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Foreign Minister Zambry Abd Kadir and Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil performed Umrah.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim arrives in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on March 22, received by Jeddah's governor, Prince Saud bin Abdullah. Photo: Prime Minister’s Office of Malaysia)
Malaysia's Anwar seeks to mend Saudi ties cooled by 1MDB
Published: March 22, 2023
By NORMAN GOH
KUALA LUMPUR -- After years of bumpy relations between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia arising from the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is on an official working visit to mend ties between the two majority-Muslim countries.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim arrives in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on March 22, received by Jeddah's governor, Prince Saud bin Abdullah. Photo: Prime Minister’s Office of Malaysia)
China Re-Engages, But on Its Terms
Published: February 9, 2023
By Maryelle Demongeot, Singapore
China is busy re-engaging with the world after years of Covid-19 isolation and overly aggressive “wolf warrior” diplomacy. Sharply decelerating economic growth of only 3% in 2022 is forcing Beijing to seek a more benign international environment so that it can focus on its internal affairs.
Photo: Feng Yu/Shutterstock
Published: February 19, 2023
As Europe's calls for China to put pressure on Russia over Russia's Ukraine continue to rise, Wang Yi also stressed that China opposes armed attacks on nuclear power plants and peaceful nuclear facilities, as well as the use of biological and chemical weapons by any country under any circumstances.
Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China and director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, delivered a speech at the Munich Security Conference China event on Saturday and answered questions from the scene. (AFP)
Xi Jinping: China will unswervingly develop friendly cooperation with Iran
Published: February 15, 2023
Iranian President Rahid Rahid met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Xi Jinping emphasized that no matter how the international and regional situation changes, China will unswervingly develop friendly cooperation with Iran; Rahid described China and Iran as "friends who share weal and woe."
Iranian President Rehi (left) met with Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) in Beijing on Tuesday (February 14), which was the first visit to China by an Iranian president since 2018. (Reuters)
Over-the-top activism: Qatar's LGBTQ fight backfired on gays in the Middle East
Published: December 30, 2022
By vg.hu
Critics say Western activists have done just the opposite of what they would have liked, with Muslim countries where they have been more tolerant so far turning away from gays.
Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images
Did LGBTQ rights campaigns in Qatar help or hinder?
Published: December 30, 2022
By Cathrin Schaer
Protests by Western activists at the FIFA World Cup may have backfired and sparked a backlash against gay. lesbian and queer communities in Qatar, critics say.
Even before the football World Cup began in November, fans were already protesting Qatar's human rights record Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire/dpa
Published: December 22, 2022
By Jeff Carlisle
DOHA, Qatar -- Abdulrahman Al Malki says he'll never watch soccer the same way again after seeing Mexico's fans in action at the World Cup in Qatar.
China emerges as lead funder for Egypt's new administrative city
Published: December 20, 2022
By Grady McGregor
This month, President Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to the project in a meeting with Egypt's president on the sidelines of a Saudi summit. But that commitment may be tested in the coming months as Egypt’s loans come due.
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (L) greets Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) during a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People on Dec. 23, 2014, in Beijing, China. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is undertaking his first visit to China in hopes to secure investment deals. - Greg Baker - Pool/Getty Images
Published: December 12, 2022
By Lianhe Zaobao
The enemy of an enemy is a friend, which is a portrayal of the polarization of current international relations. After the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian war, Russia was sanctioned by the West and moved closer to other non-Western countries.
Iran, known as a drone superpower, showcased its own unmanned fighter in military exercises in August. (Reuters)
Pakistan to buy discounted Russian oil to ease economic pains
Published: December 9, 2022
By ADNAN AAMIR
ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan will purchase oil from Russia at a discount starting in 2023, Islamabad's minister of state for petroleum announced this week, raising hopes of some respite for the South Asian country's cash-strapped economy.
A crude oil tanker is anchored at a terminal near the Russian port of Nakhodka on Dec. 4. Pakistan is poised to import oil from Russia by sea. © Reuters
Making Pakistan relevant amidst changing dynamics in the Gulf
Published: December 8, 2022
By Arhama Siddiqa
In November, India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) agreed to resume talks on a free trade agreement (FTA) largely focusing on technology transfers, food security and energy security. The last round of trade negotiations were in 2008.
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud (R) and Secretray General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Nayef bin Falah Al-Hajraf, hold a press conferece at the end of the GCC's 41st summit, in the city of al-Ula in northwestern Saudi Arabia on January 5, 2021. [FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images]
Panel: Qatar's regional and global influences have been rising
Published: December 2, 2022
By World Today
The 2022 FIFA World Cup is currently underway in Qatar, a small country in the Middle East. Yet in the Afghan crisis, in the energy crunch now facing the international community, and in many other regional and global issues, Qatar wields an outsized influence.
Xi Will Visit Saudi Arabia, a Sign of China’s Growing Middle East Ties
Published: December 6, 2022
By Vivian Nereim and David Pierson
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — China’s leader, Xi Jinping, will travel to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday for a flurry of meetings bringing together heads of state from across the Middle East, a region where longtime American allies are growing increasingly close to China.
Xi Jinping, China’s leader, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. He is expected to visit Saudi Arabia for three days.Credit...Mark R Cristino/EPA, via Shutterstock
Published: December 1, 2022
By ANews
The zero Covid policy has been partially effective due to the Covid cases continuing to rise in China. Is the ease of restrictions the only way out of this public anger? James Dorsey has more to answer.
Qatar loses on World Cup field,
Published: November 30, 2022
By JENNA FRYER
DOHA, Qatar (AP) — The gilded stadiums are among the most spectacular in the world. The seafront is sparkling and the skyscrapers are draped with larger-than-life banners featuring the stars of the World Cup.
FILE - Qatar's Mohammed Muntari, left, and Qatar's goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham look on after the World Cup group A soccer match between Qatar and Senegal, at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Friday, Nov. 25, 2022. Senegal won 3-1. Qatar became the first host nation in World Cup history to lose the opening match, and then only the second host to be eliminated from the group stage. South Africa in 2010 was the first host nation to be eliminated in group stage but still had a chance to advance in its third and final group match. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit, File)
Footprints: Securing the World Cup
Published: November 25, 2022
By Umaid Wasim
On October 19, The Washington Institute’s Aeder Family LINK program held a hybrid event with Marti Flacks, James M. Dorsey, and Susan L. Ziadeh. The discussion was moderated by Patrick Clawson. Flacks is the Khosravi Chair in Principled Internationalism and director of the Human Rights Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Dorsey is a columnist and author of the blog and book: The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer. Ziadeh served for twenty-three years in the State Department, including as deputy assistant secretary for Arabian Peninsula affairs and ambassador to Qatar. Clawson is the Institute’s Morningstar Senior Fellow and director of research. The following is a rapporteur’s summary of their remarks.
MORE SCRUTINY ON QATAR AMIDST WORLD CUP
Published: November 22, 2022
By Dr James Dorsey, Adjunct Senior Fellow, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies
Qatar was awarded the rights to host the 2022 World Cup, thus making history with this World Cup being the first to be held in the Middle East. The Qatari government's goal may have been to bring international prestige, but it has also come under scrutiny for the country’s human rights practices. Adding to this are also long-standing corruption allegations hanging over the bidding process for the games, which Qatar has consistently denied any wrongdoing. For Qatar, what will be the political and economic impact of hosting the World Cup? We speak to Dr. James Dorsey, Adjunct Senior Fellow, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies for insights.
Image credit: Shutterstock.com
2022 Qatar World Cup: Sports, Politics & Human Rights
Published: October 28, 2022
By Susan L. Ziadeh, Marti Flacks, James M. Dorsey, Patrick Clawson
On October 19, The Washington Institute’s Aeder Family LINK program held a hybrid event with Marti Flacks, James M. Dorsey, and Susan L. Ziadeh. The discussion was moderated by Patrick Clawson. Flacks is the Khosravi Chair in Principled Internationalism and director of the Human Rights Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Dorsey is a columnist and author of the blog and book: The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer. Ziadeh served for twenty-three years in the State Department, including as deputy assistant secretary for Arabian Peninsula affairs and ambassador to Qatar. Clawson is the Institute’s Morningstar Senior Fellow and director of research. The following is a rapporteur’s summary of their remarks.
Qatar World Cup: Limits of Liberalization
Published: October 18, 2022
By ALAINNA LILOIA
Qatar’s hosting gig has propelled the country into the international spotlight and impacted the domestic debate on social reforms.
The 2022 World Cup which will run from November 20th to December 18th is quickly approaching, as Qatar prepares to host massive numbers of spectators and tourists. Much of the discussion surrounding the event in Western media has focused on concerns for LGBTQ+ visitors, the treatment of migrant laborers, and rules regarding the consumption of alcohol. Yet, as leaders across the Gulf experiment with social and economic liberalization, the upcoming games and resulting international pressures are testing the limits of reform and social change in Qatar.
Cerveza will not be sold inside the stadiums during the matches of the World Cup Qatar 2022, because the sale of alcohol is very restricted in this country, but there will be authorized supply points around the sports venues before and after the matches, according to una fuente partially confirmed by FIFA this Saturday.
South Africa and Saudi Arabia strike $15bn worth of agreements
Published: October 18, 2022
By Jaysim Hanspal
Details about the agreements between the two countries, which included Memorandums of Understanding, have remained under wraps.
However, reports say the two have agreed to cover investment opportunities in renewable energy, industry, mining, tourism, logistics and agriculture.
Saudi Arabia's Prime Minister and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives the President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, October 15, 2022. Saudi Press Agency/Handout via REUTERS
Sportswashing or soft power? Why Saudi Arabia are buying up sport
Published: August 13, 2022
By Martyn Ziegler, Chief Sports Reporter
Saudi’s advances are as much about regional prominence as distracting from human rights abuses.
Court papers served in the United States last week by the PGA Tour claimed that the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour has already committed more than $2 billion to the project “with no discernible plan for how to recoup the investment”.
How will China react if Nancy Pelosi visits Taiwan?
Published: August 2, 2022
By ANews
How will China react if Nancy Pelosi visits Taiwan? Political Analyst James M. Dorsey joins us to discuss Pelosi's Taiwan visit.
From sportswashing in autocracies to soft power in democracies
Published: July 27, 2022
By Lars Jørgensen
How will the global debate on human rights and workers’ rights in world sport play out after the FIFA World Cup in Qatar? Play the Game asked James M. Dorsey, a senior fellow at the National University of Singapore’s Middle East Institute, and Jules Boykoff, a professor of politics and government at Pacific University in Oregon, US.
Qatar can not afford to roll back the reforms after the World Cup, argued James M. Dorsey at Play the Game 2022. Photo: Thomas Søndergaard/ Play the Game
It is important that FIFA’s world cup in Qatar gets a human rights legacy
Published: June 28, 2022
By Andy Brown
Human rights and labour groups, fans, unions, and football federations are working to ensure that people who suffered human rights abuses during preparations for the World Cup in Qatar are not abandoned after the tournament is over.
Minky Worden from Human Rights Watch at Play the Game 2022. Photo: Thomas Søndergaard/ Play the Game
Emphasis on 'a new era of cooperation' during Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Turkey
Published: June 21, 2022
By Ece Goksedef (BBC Turkish)
Erdogan welcomed Mohammed bin Salman with the official at the Presidential Complex. After the bilateral meeting, the meeting between the delegations started. Then the two leaders went to dinner together.
Suudi Arabistan Veliaht Prensi ve ülkenin fiili yöneticisi konumundaki Muhammed bin Selman'ın Ankara'da Cumhurbaşkanı Recep Tayyip Erdoğan ile görüştü. (AFP)
Erdogan says Saudi Crown Prince MBS to visit Turkey next week
Published: June 17, 2022
By Al Jazeera
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) will visit Ankara next week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said, as Turkey and Saudi Arabia put a bitter rift, which had made the two countries bitter opponents over the past few years, behind them.
© Provided by Al Jazeera
Erdogan visited Saudi Arabia in late April, where he met MBS before travelling to Mecca [File: AFP/Saudi press Agency]
Pakistan's new Sharif government tiptoes into economic minefield
Published: April 13, 2022
By ADNAN AAMIR, Contributing writer
ISLAMABAD -- The political crisis that gripped Pakistan for a month has pushed the country deeper into economic trouble, with experts warning that new Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif faces unpalatable decisions like raising fuel prices and taxes to escape the jam.
Newly elected Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addresses the National Assembly on April 11. © National Assembly of Pakistan via AP
Seven months away from the World Cup, Qatar still seems an unusual host
Published: April 2, 2022
By Umaid Wasim
DOHA: The towering frame of Jan Oblak, one of the best goalkeepers in world football, was keeping Qatar out. To their frustration, in one of their final warm-up matches ahead of the World Cup they will host in November, there was no way past the Slovenian at the Education Bay Stadium on Tuesday night as they sought to put up a show for their fans.
DOHA: A general view of the World Cup countdown clock at the Corniche on Friday.—Reuters
Israel says partnership with Arab League allies will deter Iran
Published: March 28, 2022
By Umaid Wasim
Israel's foreign minster says deepening ties with friendly countries from the Arab League will "first and foremost" help counter the threat from Iran.
Three Arab League states normalised relations with Israel for the first time in 2020
Response to Ukraine invasion will shape China’s regional agenda, says academic
Published: March 2, 2022
By Ahimsya Karu and Sean Augustin
PETALING JAYA: The Russia-Ukraine conflict will influence the way China handles its disputes over territories with other countries, especially in South East Asia, according to an expert in international relations.
An academic says the Russia-Ukraine conflict will influence the way China handles its disputes over territories with other countries. (AP pic)
UKRAINIAN CRISIS
A challenge for Turkey and for Israel
Published: February 22, 2022
Through the voice of Recep Tayipp Erdoğan on a trip to Africa, Turkey denounced Russia's recognition of the enclaves of Donetsk and Luhansk. Israel has also sided with the West in this crisis. For these two Middle Eastern countries, the crisis in Ukraine poses particular challenges, forcing them to reflect on their core national interests.
Kyiv, February 3, 2022. President Volodymyr Zelensky and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visiting the Ukrainian capital ahead of a Ukraine-Russia summit make a statement after their talks. Sergei Supinsky/ AFP
Analysis: Do not seek territorial expansion, it is a geopolitical struggle, the Russian-Russian war is expected to be a limited battle
Published: February 16, 2022
Dorsey, a senior researcher at the Middle East Institute at the National University of Singapore, said the U.S. warning merely reflects an analysis of Russia’s actual military deployment, joint exercises and strategic intelligence, which can be seen as a tactic aimed at keeping Russia passive.
The Russian army is approaching the city, and the Ukrainian people spontaneously come out to defend their homeland. A teenager digs trenches for Ukrainian government troops stationed there in the Mariupol region of eastern Ukraine. (AFP)
Pakistan on high alert following Baloch attacks on security posts
Published: February 15, 2022
By ADNAN AAMIR, Contributing writer
ISLAMABAD -- Analysts are assessing how seriously Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's efforts to maintain good ties with China may have been undermined in the wake of serious attacks by militants on security posts in the southwestern province of Balochistan early in the month.
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's response to devastating recent attacks by Baloch militants on security posts in Nushki District of Balochistan Province is being closely watched in Beijing and Islamabad. (Nikkei montage/Getty Images/AFP/Jiji)
