Currently based in Bahrain
Freelance Writer/Journalist covering football and politics in the Middle East. Founder and Editor of a football website, O-Posts (www.o-posts.com).
"THE STATE OF THE SPORT IN GENERAL, my dear brother, has deteriorated since the 1990s because politics got mixed in with it," states Mukhtar Mohammed, a sports journalist for Yemen's Al Ayam. "Everything from selecting players, coaches and administrators - politics got involved." The statement by Mukhtar sums up the negative impact of political interference in...
Omar Almasri looks at the troubled West Asian nation's attempt at piecing together its shattered promise of being one of the continent's best By Omar Almasri for Goal Singapore "The occupation hurt Iraq, destroyed the country, and brought the nation light-years back," asserts Hassan Al Azzaw, admin of a widely
Iraq - the Lions of Mesopotamia - is a nation, not only known for its rich and venerated history as the cradle of civilization, Mesopotamia, and the birthplace of revered artistic talent like Kadhim Al Saher, but also for its cherished football culture and folklore.
A certain East African country has suffered through so much since its independence from Britain in 1956. It has experienced two civil wars. Fueled by religious persecution, language and ethnic differences, and of course political power, the struggles caused the deaths of millions and the displacement of millions more.
On December 17, 2010 in Tunisia, a man working as a street vendor who has been complaining about work abuse and harassment from his employers finally had enough. 26 year old Mohammed Bouazizi, fed up with the constant torment and abuse, lit himself on fire, a move that would forever change not only Tunisia, but the whole Middle East.
2004 is a year Bahrainis will never forget. In that year, China hosted Asia's biggest football tournament - the Asian Cup of Nations. Bahrain, with its golden generation of players, shocked the whole continent with a fairy tale run to the semi-finals.
MANAMA, Bahrain - A result that stood out in the latest round of World Cup qualifiers was Jordan's 2-1 home win over Japan, its first victory against the reigning Asian champions. Jordan moved into second place in Group B. It may not last - in earlier games Jordan was beaten, 6-0, by Japan, and lost against Oman and Iraq.
In private, just like on the football pitch, Tareq Hindawi comes across as a determined young man. "There are players who have refused to represent the national team for the time being because they believe they represent a certain side," says Hindawi. "But I disagree with their position.
The bloody civil war in Syria, struggle for freedom and liberation away from the oppressive Assad regime has, unquestionably, changed the lives of many. The conflict, with the heartbreak, devastation and division that have ensued, has also crept into sport - one of the few distractions and pleasures of many away from the suffering - dividing players, leading authorities, coaches and managers into three camps: pro-Assad, pro-democracy and neutral.
Qatar's hosting of the FIFA 2022 World Cup has thrust the country into the spotlight. This year, the Gulf State has faced media attention over its human rights record and treatment of migrant workers, its strict laws and harsh climate.