Category: Middle East

Understanding Arab Investment In The Sporting World

The Qatar FIFA World Cup, the LIV-PGA golf merger, the UAE’s global investment in soccer, plus the vast swathes of top-level athletes heading to the Saudi Pro League are just some examples of emerging Arab investment in sport. In response to this investment there has been global criticism – ugly spats between former footballers, online abuse and public condemnation aimed at anybody implicated from athletes, and coaches to entire organisations (ie: FIFA). This criticism has contended that these states are seeking to distract the rest of the world from their poor human rights records, in a phenomenon known as sport-washing.  … Continue readingUnderstanding Arab Investment In The Sporting World

THE WORST IS YET TO COME IF WE DON’T ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY – AN UPDATE ON DISPLACEMENT CRISES AND ATTITUDES TO MIGRATION ACROSS THE WORLD

At the close of 2020,the UNHCR predicted that the number of displaced persons would, for the first time in history, reach 82.4 million people. The twenty-first century has seen many factors that have contributed to the number of peoples displaced; a global pandemic, climate change, economic crises, a surge in nationalist foreign policies, harsher border policies and domestic as well as interstate conflict. Many people have been left uprooted and unable to stay in their own homes, sometimes even their own country. … Continue readingTHE WORST IS YET TO COME IF WE DON’T ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY – AN UPDATE ON DISPLACEMENT CRISES AND ATTITUDES TO MIGRATION ACROSS THE WORLD

2021 – THE SEQUEL | WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2022

As we enter another year, it is imperative that we reflect on previous significant events in order to anticipate what the coming twelve months may bring. While much of 2021 has been overshadowed by COVID-19, the emergence of the Delta and Omicron variants, and the rollout of various vaccines, significant geopolitical rumblings have brewed and will continue to rumble well into 2022. The following issues may define the upcoming year in international affairs and even have impacts into 2023 and beyond.
… Continue reading2021 – THE SEQUEL | WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2022

Posted on by mias

FRAGILE DREAMS: PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF REFUGEE WOMEN

The ongoing situation in Afghanistan has thrown into sharp focus the way in which women and girls often face the consequences of war and conflict in a more pronounced and protracted way. Although some mechanisms for protection do exist, the increase in global conflicts over the past decade merits a global effort to further strengthen and reinforce the rights of refugee women and girls, who face unique challenges to their safety and rehabilitation.
… Continue readingFRAGILE DREAMS: PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF REFUGEE WOMEN

Armenia vs Azerbaijan: A Caucasus proxy war?

The region of Nagorno-Karabakh has remained a sensitive one for decades. The small landlocked enclave rests between Azerbaijan and Armenia, two states who lay age-old claims to the disputed territory. However, the most recent war, lasting six weeks, added a new element to the fighting: the evident involvement of regional powerhouses Russia and Turkey. … Continue readingArmenia vs Azerbaijan: A Caucasus proxy war?

ISRAEL’S PATCHWORK COALITION: HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

Netanyahu’s downfall comes after a tumultuous period in Israeli politics. With four legislative elections in two years and Netanyahu being indicted on charges of bribery and fraud, many around the world see the new government led by Naftali Bennett as a force for positive change. However, Netanyahu, the seasoned political veteran who has served as PM for five terms, might be able to take advantage of the weaknesses in the arguably fragile coalition to return to power. … Continue readingISRAEL’S PATCHWORK COALITION: HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

Posted on by Ryan Attard