The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Quartz: US intelligence sees soccer as indicator of discontent

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To locate the next Arab Spring revolution, look to the soccer stands By  Josh Meyer @ JoshMe...
Monday, May 20, 2013

Saudi Arabia to allow women into stadiums

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Protests persuade Saudi prince to leave the pitch By James M. Dorsey Saudi Arabia, unde...
Sunday, May 19, 2013

Algeria: Middle East’s next revolt if soccer is a barometer

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Algerian soccer fans protest in 2011 By James M. Dorsey Algeria is competing to be the ...
Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Reform of Middle Eastern Militaries: Lessons from Indonesia

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  No. 092/2013 dated 14 May 2013 Reform of Middle Eastern Militaries: Lessons from Indonesia   By James M. Dorsey         Syno...
Sunday, May 12, 2013

Soccer emerges as focal point of dissent in Saudi Arabia

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Prince Faisal rushes off the pitch By James M. Dorsey Soccer, alongside minority Shiite...
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How life (and death) change Egyptian soccer and its American coach (JMD quoted)

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How life (and death) change Egyptian soccer and its American coach Bob Bradley, the former U.S. coach once seen as aloof, has become a...
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About Me

James M. Dorsey
James M DorseyWelcome to The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer by James M. Dorsey, a senior fellow at Nanyang Technological University’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. Soccer in the Middle East and North Africa is played as much on as off the pitch. Stadiums are a symbol of the battle for political freedom; economic opportunity; ethnic, religious and national identity; and gender rights. Alongside the mosque, the stadium was until the Arab revolt erupted in late 2010 the only alternative public space for venting pent-up anger and frustration. It was the training ground in countries like Egypt and Tunisia where militant fans prepared for a day in which their organization and street battle experience would serve them in the showdown with autocratic rulers. Soccer has its own unique thrill – a high-stakes game of cat and mouse between militants and security forces and a struggle for a trophy grander than the FIFA World Cup: the future of a region. This blog explores the role of soccer at a time of transition from autocratic rule to a more open society. It also features James’s daily political comment on the region’s developments. Contact: incoherentblog@gmail.comView my complete profile

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