Sport
All topics-
Arabian Peninsula
Dawn of a new era in the Gulf
Political scientist Sebastian Sons describes in his new book how societies on the Arabian Peninsula are undergoing multiple changes simultaneously as they search for a new identity
-
Kirkpinar: Turkey's annual oil wrestling tournament
-
Kirkpinar: Turkey's annual oil wrestling tournament
Held each year in late June or early July in Turkey's northwestern town of Edirne, Kirkpinar – on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list since 2010 – is officially recognised as the longest continuously running sporting competition in the world. By Konstantin Novakovic
-
Soccer in Yemen
Yemen's young footballers give the country hope
Little football has been played in war-torn Yemen since 2014. Yet with the ceasefire holding and the Under-17s narrowly missing World Cup qualification, the beautiful game could help bring some joy and unity to a divided country. By John Duerden
-
Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Newcastle Utd
Saudi Arabia's sports binge
After years of relentless spending, Saudi Arabia is now a central player in the world's most lucrative sports. Critics say it is sportswashing, but is there an economic payoff that makes it all worth it? Arthur Sullivan reports
-
Taliban sports ban: Afghan women take a stand
The Taliban's takeover of power has meant wide-ranging restrictions on Afghan women's freedom. This includes a ban on sport. Some women have taken a stand against this – and had their sports equipment photographed anonymously.
-
Saudi-Iran deal
New hope for football in the Middle East
The re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran in March surprised many around the world. If relations improve, the hope is that football in both countries and the wider region will benefit. John Duerden reports
-
South Sudan
Through football, South Sudanese youth forge ahead
With the return of peace after a decade of war, South Sudan's youth national teams qualified for the country's first continental football championships. They are helping forge a stronger national identity and pride. By Lolade Adewuyi
-
Qatar
How Qatar turns its cash into foreign policy power
For years, Qatar has pursued a "soft" foreign policy that helped make international friends and influence the powerful. It includes spending billions on everything from fashion, art and sport, to charities and industry. By Cathrin Schaer
-
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Qatar critics and their blind spots
We are in favour of human rights. But One Love armbands are self-righteous and ignore some fundamental issues. Stefan Buchen examines the debate surrounding the World Cup in Qatar
-
Qatar, Israel and the Palestinians
Middle East conflict impacts World Cup
With reported hostilities against Israeli journalists and the flag of the Palestinian territories flying on the streets and in the stadiums, it is clear the World Cup in Qatar is not apolitical. By Stefan Nestler and the DW team in Qatar
-
Football in the Middle East
Freedom vs. oppression
"Rebel Game: The Power of Football in the Middle East and the Qatar World Cup", an anthology published by Middle East researchers Jan Busse and Rene Wildangel, takes the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar as its basis for grappling with the socio-political and historical relevance of football in the Middle East. By Mirjam Schmidt