Middle East

Argentina wins the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Lionel Messi celebrates with his team.

What Qatar’s World Cup Tells Us About the World in 2022 What Qatar’s World Cup Tells Us About the World in 2022

The soccer tournament offered signs that billions of people no longer think the United States and its entourage run the world.

Dec 21, 2022 / Tony Karon and Daniel Levy

Wide shot of inside of World Cup stadium

The Big Winners of the 2022 World Cup? Qatar and Despots the World Over (and Messi) The Big Winners of the 2022 World Cup? Qatar and Despots the World Over (and Messi)

Even “sportswashing” that costs over $200 billion appears to be money well spent.

Dec 18, 2022 / Jules Boykoff and Dave Zirin

Four surveillance cameras hang inside a stadium.

The Qatar World Cup Ushers in a New Era of Digital Authoritarianism in Sports The Qatar World Cup Ushers in a New Era of Digital Authoritarianism in Sports

With drones, video cameras, facial recognition software, and undercover police, the tournament may be the most-surveilled sporting event ever.

Dec 8, 2022 / Karim Zidan

Soccer fans unfurl a flag that reads Free Palestine at the World Cup in Qatar.

Palestine: The Unexpected Star of the 2022 World Cup Palestine: The Unexpected Star of the 2022 World Cup

From player demonstrations to unfurled flags, Palestinian struggle has been visible and fearless at the World Cup. 

Dec 7, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

An unarmed Trident II D5 missile is test-launched

US Arms Dealing Is Out of Control US Arms Dealing Is Out of Control

What will it take to rein in Washington’s arms-sales addiction?

Nov 23, 2022 / William D. Hartung

Palestinian protesters in Gaza City

Why My Organization Has Chosen to Defy Israeli Military Orders Why My Organization Has Chosen to Defy Israeli Military Orders

Al-Haq was among seven civil society groups raided by Israel and ordered closed in August, but we do not believe in following illegal orders—and so we will remain open.

Nov 21, 2022 / Shawan Jabarin

Fans of German soccer team Sport-Club Freiburg display a banner about boycotting the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar prior to a Bundesliga league match against FC Bayern München.

Will Players Help Raise Awareness About the Horrors Surrounding the World Cup? Will Players Help Raise Awareness About the Horrors Surrounding the World Cup?

We are seeing some people from the soccer world speak out about the Qatar World Cup. We need more.

Nov 16, 2022 / Dave Zirin and Jules Boykoff

People seated around a horseshoe shaped table watch an on-screen address from Ukraine's president

The “International Community” Is an Ineffectual Fantasy The “International Community” Is an Ineffectual Fantasy

World leaders invoke it. We're lead to believe it will act on our behalf. Does it even exist?

Nov 16, 2022 / Rajan Menon

Houthi soldiers marching at funeral

It’s Time to Cut Off Arms Sales to the Saudi Regime It’s Time to Cut Off Arms Sales to the Saudi Regime

The Biden administration promised there would be “consequences” for Saudi Arabia’s recent actions.

Nov 15, 2022 / William D. Hartung and Annelle Sheline

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks at the UNFCCC COP27 climate conference on November 11, 2022 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

Rich, Polluting Nations Must Pay Up Rich, Polluting Nations Must Pay Up

As a bare minimum, a windfall tax on the combined profits of the largest oil and gas companies needs to be enacted.

Nov 15, 2022 / Various Contributors

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