Qatar’s austere form of Islam under scrutiny from the press as World Cup kicks off
The World Cup has opened in Qatar, the first Muslim-led country to host this event. Journalist Amardeep Bassey, who has trained journalists preparing to cover the tournament, says it has been mired in controversy from the start with allegations of corruption. Questions remain over how this small country, which has no history of football, or any kind of sporting history managed to land this massive event. Qatar is a traditional conservative society built on a Bedouin culture, following a version of Salafism, an austere puritanical version of Islam, he explains. And its record on human rights against LGBTQ+ people, the role of women, a surveillance state and punishments against free speech is reported upon as much as the actual game. The criticism has led to accusations of racism and Islamophobia, as it has been more intense than, for example, against Russia or Brazil where favelas were pulled down to build the stadiums. While for many journalists reporting the games is the priority, Amardeep Bassey explains that ordinary Qataris have been waiting years for this moment, when the western press descends on their country and — they hope — report on the issues that restrict and curtail their freedoms. Read our report here. Listen to Amardeep on our podcast here
Church could move carol services to accommodate interest in World Cup final
The Church of England has published guidance for services and special events during the World Cup, which is also the busiest time of year for churches leading up to Christmas. The World Cup final is at 3pm GMT on Sunday, 18 December — the last Sunday before Christmas Day and the day when large carol services are usually held. The CofE guidance suggests holding the carol service on Saturday 17 December instead, adding: “Despite this clash of dates, football and faith don’t have to be at odds with one another. Whether you love it or not, there’s no escaping the fact that football and the church have a conjoined heritage.”
Cop27’s failure on fossil fuels is ‘colossal failure‘
Cop27’s failure to call for the phasing out and reduction of all fossil fuels is a colossal failure, according to the Christian charity Tear Fund. The UN Climate conference, in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, ended after a 48-hour overrun as negotiations went to the wire. Several sources spoke of strong attempts by the oil-producing states to back out of agreements. Tear Fund said it was a “misspent fortnight” that gave no real signs of progress. Campaigners fear that the lack of progress on fossil fuels threatens the 1.5C limit reaffirmed at Cop26 in Glasgow last year. In a Twitter thread, Tear Fund said: “Apologies will not protect people from flooding and drought. And the omission of a call to phase out all fossil fuels is a colossal failure and evidence of the fossil fuel industry’s grubby fingers at these talks. We need so much more if we’re to see justice for people living in poverty across the world, who are the ones counting the cost of inaction as a result of a crisis they didn’t cause.”
Palestinian flag antisemitic ‘convoy’ charges dropped
The Crown Prosecution Service has dropped charges against men accused of shouting antisemitic abuse through a loudhailer from a car as it drove through Finchley Road in North London in March 2021, with large Palestinian flags flowing in the car convoy. The CPS said there was not enough evidence to prosecute any of the four men detained. The cases of two of were dropped in the summer and the final two were withdrawn last week. There has been a furious response, with the Campaign Against Antisemitism saying that the director of public prosecutions must explain this decision immediately or resign.
Muslim Council of Britain celebrates 25 years
The Muslim Council of Britain is launching a consultation on its future vision, 25 years after it began. Its secretary-general, Zara Mohammed, said Muslim communities had “been through a lot” since then but they had transformed, with Muslims widely represented across civil society, business, industry and sports. “As we grow in our diversity, now is the moment we decide what future we wish to create for the next 25 years”, she said, adding that they would meet communities across the country as they discuss their future. She outlined the vision as: “The bright future we seek to build and the society we wish to create, one of opportunity and confidence.”
Jewish contribution to the military honoured at Cenotaph ceremony
The Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women laid wreaths at the Cenotaph on Sunday in a ceremony held for the past 101 years to honour Jewish veterans. The Independent reports that more than 1,400 people participated in the march from Horse Guards Parade down Whitehall to the Cenotaph, with veterans and families of those who died, walking together. The service was conducted by the Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis. The association seeks to remember Jewish contribution to the military, combat antisemitism through education, and provide welfare for Jewish veterans and their families.
