The World Cup’s on the town, Turkey’s ramping up its strikes on Syria and explosions in Jerusalem. Right here’s your round-up, written by Abubakr Al-Shamahi, Al Jazeera Digital’s Center East and North Africa editor.
If, like me, you may have fond recollections of the Nigeria workforce within the 1998 group stage, the Zidane headbutt within the 2006 ultimate, the South African dancing within the 2010 opening match, and England lastly successful a penalty shoot-out in 2018 (simply me?), then I’m guessing you’re at the moment feasting your eyes on the competition of soccer that’s the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
It’s the first World Cup in the Arab world, and within the Center East. I received’t go on about what’s occurred on the pitch (nicely performed Saudi Arabia and Japan), there’s a complete World Cup publication for that, and extensive coverage on our web site. However within the stands, Arab fans – particularly followers of Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia – have created a cauldron-like environment. It’s actually introduced house how particular it’s to host the largest event on the planet, and on the identical time present a distinct facet to the area, an entire departure from the stereotypes that many have of it.
It’s not been with out controversy, in fact. The method of awarding the event to Qatar has been criticised, as has the therapy of migrant employees and the LGBTQ+ neighborhood. FIFA banned a number of groups from carrying an armband that includes a rainbow, which has led to protests. And but many, significantly within the Center East, have accused European nations particularly of being hypocritical and Orientalist of their assaults on the event. Qatar itself has reiterated that everybody is welcome.
With the spectacular outcomes throughout the event to date, consideration is popping in direction of occasions on the sphere, slightly than off it. However I’m certain we haven’t heard the top of the talk surrounding this World Cup — there’s speak that Saudi Arabia desires to host the 2030 version.
Is Turkey bluffing?
There’s been extra fallout from the November 13 bombing in Istanbul, with Turkey launching air raids in Syria and Iraq, concentrating on the teams it accuses of being behind the assault, the PKK and the YPG. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan mentioned that the assaults in Syria had been a part of a new military operation, which might contain tanks and floor troops “when convenient”.
So, are Turkish troops about to roll over the border once more, with the aim of clearing out the YPG? On one hand, Erdogan has been threatening such an operation for months, just for nothing to occur within the face of opposition from the West, Russia and Iran. On the opposite, are Russia and Iran now too distracted with their very own issues?
It’s exhausting to inform, however as of this week, there aren’t any main Turkish army actions, and the preventing appears restricted to Turkish airstrikes and YPG missile assaults – that are nonetheless taking a heavy toll on civilians.
[READ: Is Turkey set for a new operation in Syria?]
Bombs on the streets of Jerusalem
Two explosions at bus stops in Jerusalem on Wednesday had been paying homage to Palestinian assaults that occurred on the peak of the Second Intifada within the early 2000s, one thing that hasn’t been seen for years. The bombings killed no less than one Israeli, and injured others. Nobody has claimed accountability for the assault, however it was praised by Hamas. The explosions occurred at a time when there appears to be no finish to the violence within the occupied West Financial institution, with Israeli troopers killing Palestinians throughout almost-daily raids. Two of the newest victims had been a 16-year-old boy, and an 18-year-old on his way to school.
And Now for One thing Totally different
Have you ever ever heard of Al Baik? In case you have, then you understand. If you happen to haven’t, it’s just like the Center East’s model of KFC, solely higher (Al Baik doesn’t sponsor me or Al Jazeera). The fast-food chain is in every single place in Saudi Arabia’s western Hejaz area, however not likely accessible anyplace else (besides perhaps in the previous few years). In actual fact, the one cause loads of non-Saudis find out about it’s as a result of they might have savoured it’s tasty choices whereas visiting the Muslim holy websites in Mecca and Medina. However now, for the primary time, and thanks to the World Cup, it’s in Doha. It’s fairly clear from the queues that the folks love their fried hen.
In Transient
Iran assaults Kurdish separatist groups primarily based in northern Iraq – Gas cylinder explosion in Iraq kills 15 – Greece’s overseas minister lands in Libya’s Tripoli, and then promptly leaves after refusing to fulfill his counterpart – Egyptian activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah’s well being is severely deteriorating in prison – Morocco arrests its former human rights minister – Israeli air assaults kill four Syrian soldiers – Houthi rebels attack Yemeni oil terminal – China indicators 27-year-gas deal with QatarEnergy – Human Rights Watch: Extra have to be performed to assist children repatriated from camps for suspected ISIL family members in Syria – Egyptian and Turkish leaders shake hands in latest sign that relations are thawing.
Lebanon’s financial institution holdups
Lebanese banks have been within the information in latest months for a spate of “financial institution heists” — which truly contain folks demanding their very own cash that banks should not permitting them to withdraw. The eye has come from the strategies these folks have used, together with coming into with weapons, faux and actual. In this opinion piece, Nizar Ghanem, the founding father of the motion representing Lebanese depositors, and Alex Ray, an analyst in Beirut, clarify why Lebanese are so offended with their banking system, and the risks this disaster will deliver if it continues.
Quote of the Week
“It’s as if we had been destined in Gaza to stay in increasingly more ache” – Khitam Abu Rayya, who lost her brother, his spouse, their youngsters, and her grandchild after 21 folks died in a fire in an apartment within the Gaza Strip. The household had been celebrating a birthday.
[READ: Gene drug only hope for Turkish child, but costs millions]
