Most recent articles by James M. Dorsey
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Soft power and footballQatar vs. UAE: The not-so-beautiful game
In the race to buy influence, garner soft power and win over hearts and minds, those involved in the three-month old Gulf crisis are hell-bent on raising the stakes. Commentary by James M. Dorsey
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Saudi health reforms and women′s rightsStill a sore point
A Saudi decision to license the kingdom′s first women-only gyms over the coming weeks constitutes progress in a country in which women′s rights are severely curtailed. Yet it also reveals the limitations of Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman′s plan to rationalise and diversify the kingdom′s economy. By James M. Dorsey
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World Cup 2022 and Qatari reformsSo much hot air
In a world where human rights are increasingly being put on the backburner, fears are growing among rights and trade union activists that Qatari promises of labour reform and greater liberalism are just that – mere promises. By James M. Dorsey
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Saudi influence in PakistanA perilous road
Saudi-supported ultra-conservative worldviews, abetted by successive Pakistani governments, are changing the very nature of Pakistani society. By James M. Dorsey
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Pakistan and sectarianismThe enemy within
Pakistan′s generals blame their country′s cycle of political violence, including a recent bombing in the Baluch capital of Quetta, on groups in Afghanistan. The focus on external enemies complicates efforts to reduce political violence, ease inter-communal strains and facilitate easing of tensions with Pakistan′s neighbours. By James M. Dorsey
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Football fan protests in Turkey and EgyptClosed ranks
Battles for control of stadiums and other public spaces in Turkey and Egypt have pitched militant football fans against authoritarian leaders. By James Dorsey
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Popular unrest in the Middle EastWho says popular demand for change is off the agenda?
Recent protests in Beirut against government corruption and incompetence highlight a growing revival of non-violent dissent across the Middle East and North Africa. As well as an end to corruption, protesters in Egypt, Iraq and Lebanon have been taking to the streets demanding improvement in basic public services such as waste management, accountability and transparency. By James M. Dorsey
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Egyptian football star Mohammed AboutreikaBridging a deep divide
Few are able to bridge Egypt's deeply polarising divide between supporters and opponents of the Muslim Brotherhood following the 2013 military coup that toppled President Mohammed Morsi. Mohammed Aboutreika, Egypt's most celebrated and storied soccer player, is proving to be either the exception that proves the rule or an indication of shifting attitudes. By James M. Dorsey
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Soccer Ultras and National Protest in EgyptDemands for Civilian Rule
The Port Said tragedy, in which 74 people died, has given new impetus to the protests against the military council. To capitalise on this, football ultras and youth groups need to combine their street tactics with engagement in traditional politics.