Original news, features, opinions from Chicago to Jerusalem
By James M. Dorsey A shadowy group of militant soccer fans that has largely lied low since it participated in mass anti-government protests in 2013 that led to the military overthrow of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi has claimed responsibility for a car bomb near a Cairo security building that injured at least six policemen. Whether…
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By James M. Dorsey A condemned Turkish stadium harbours a dark warning of the long-term consequences of ethnic cleansing or what Turks euphemistically call the population exchange almost a century ago when Turkey and Greece expelled their respective Greek and Turkish minorities. It is a message that has not lost its urgency as Turkey fights…
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International sporting associations struggle to balance adherence to human rights with hosting events in autocratic countries
Access to soccer fields not available to everyone in Qatar where economic and social class distinction is still the rule. Migrant worker populations continue to increase, but not the benefits By James M. Dorsey Walking around Qatar’s monumental Aspire Dome sports academy, coach Fred Engh noticed kids playing soccer on an indoor field big enough…
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By James M. Dorsey This month’s premier league final between Cairo’s two storied clubs, Al Ahli SC and Al Zamalek SC, once the world’s most violent derby, was more than a clash between two soccer giants. It was a clash between management styles and diametrically opposed approaches towards militant, highly politicized, street battle-hardened soccer fans….
When an American Arab was celebrated as contributing to the professional hockey Stanley Cup championship of the Chicago Blackhawks, you would think American Arabs would have recognized it as an opportunity to showcase their contributions to America. Other communities would be celebrating Saad, who happens to be a proud Syrian American of immigrant parents. Yet…
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American Arab player Brandon Saad made a critical goal for the Chicago Blackhawks in the 4th game of the Stanley Cup Play-offs against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The goal helped the Blackhawks gain momentum to tie up the series and then go on to win two more games taking the championship Monday night By Ray…
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By Ray Hanania Rookie Cleveland Brown’s quarterback Johnny Manziel got his first NFL start Sunday hoping to lead the charge against team rivals the Cincinnati Bengals. But the Bengals hammered the Brown’s 30 to nothing on Sunday at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland. Many blamed Manziel, but others pointed out that the problem was with the Brown’s…
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By Abdennour Toumi Paris, France — In soccer, when a player viciously prevents an opponent from playing out or finishing an action, it’s called an anti-game. This leads to a sanction by a yellow card or, as it is known in the soccer jargon, a biscotti. This week, former French international full-back, the coach of les…
Read More “Yellow Card! Sagnol’s polemical hit on African soccer players” »
Video: Kansas City Chiefs Abdullah penalized for being Muslim By Ray Hanania You can jump around after you make a touch down. You can do the chicken dance wide-knee-walk after you make a touch down. You can even run with the football high in the air in one hand yelling and screaming after you make…
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Lebanese American Heisman Trophy winner Manziel lags 22nd in draft to the Cleveland Browns By Ray Hanania Not everyone knows that NFL Quarterback Johnny Manziel, 22, is of Lebanese American heritage, so that can’t be a reason why he took a 22nd seat draft last week moving from Texas A&M to the Cleveland Browns. The 2012 Heisman…
AlBalooshi, Langdon, Qatar Al-Anabi Racing top fuel team eager for Florida victory GAINESVILLE, Florida – The 44th annual Amalie Motor Oil Gatornationals, considered “A Major” on the NHRA tour by many, is named for the Florida Gators, the mascot of the nearby University of Florida, and the Qatar Al-Anabi Racing Top Fuel Team is due…
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