The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer
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China-Iran ties to stay on course despite death of ‘good friend’ president Raisi
Published: May 20, 2024
By: Alyssa Chen
China has lost a “good friend” with the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi but its ties with Iran will remain intact and its influence in the Middle East unchanged, according to diplomatic observers.
“[Raisi’s] unfortunate death is a great loss to the Iranian people and Chinese people also lost a good friend,” Chinese President Xi Jinping said in condolences sent to Vice-President Mohammad Mokhber on Monday.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday. Photo: EPA-EFE
Who will shoulder the insurmountable task of rebuilding Gaza?
Published: May 16, 2024
By: SHARIF MOHAMMAD
The destruction in the Gaza Strip after seven months of war is already on a scale that the world has not seen in almost eight decades. It will leave an immense burden on reconstruction that Arab countries are bound to carry.
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