It was a pleasure to join Thanos Davelis, the director of public affairs at the Hellenic Leader, in a new episode of the Greek Current podcast series. to to discuss the relations between Turkey and Egypt following the Turkish President Erdogan’s handshake with his Egyptian counterpart at the World Cup. We discussed what steps Cairo still expects to see from Ankara, and where Greek-Egyptian relations fit in.
Egypt suffering from sugar crisis despite largest sugar factory in the world. Ibrahim Ayyad
From Twitter
Little over a year ago, Egypt was elected to host and preside over #COP27. Since then, a team of planners, organizers and negotiators have worked tirelessly to put together the biggest multilateral conference of our time. pic.twitter.com/PY4p181Z7R
Italy’s @eni has begun drilling the Huge Egyptian gas prospect 'Thuraya' on the Northeast Arish block in the Mediterranean.
The Thuraya prospect is said to have a total mean potential of 17+tcf natural gas reserves in place which is near similar to Zohr's 21.5tcf gas field. pic.twitter.com/7z5TFBQb3n
A Turkish commentator said that Turkey wants Egypt to “respect human rights” His Egyptian counterpart replied “You are talking like a Swiss citizen, your country #Turkey’s HR record is far worse than #Egypt” 🔥🔥🔥@cristianbaysarihttps://t.co/c0Um4kuMTq
“According to the sources, Erdoğan even made an official request before the World Cup to come to Cairo and hold a summit with Sisi to announce the resolution of outstanding issues” https://t.co/3DX4KtDUSO
Investors are questioning whether authorities would completely loosen their grip if the Egyptian pound comes under more pressure https://t.co/Fl9dQXYrsM
Who would have imagined, a movie on superficial religiosity was censored by Egypt but allowed by Saudi Arabia. Social change in Saudi and its ramifications should not be underestimated. https://t.co/ien8KDY2Jw
Marking a centenary since the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in Egypt Dodson's book 'Tutankhamun, King of Egypt: His Life and Afterlife,' published by @AUCPress, will be out in December 2022. Click here to pre-order https://t.co/glw6KmNbG1https://t.co/cQ4pGZFPSl via @FRANCE24
Today is a moment of unbridled beauty and creation. Today, the artistic heart of #Egypt is growing.
Designed by #Dior’s director Kim Jones, the new pre-2023 collection of the luxury fashion house celebrates an enduring love of travel at The Grand Egyptian Museum. pic.twitter.com/ZGrxmJS4H6
The most important about this agreement is that it defines the limits of jurisdiction and areas of responsibility (AoR) for search and rescue activities between Greece and Egypt whether in sea or air, which are identified with the FIR of Cairo and Athens respectively. https://t.co/xliS7aqHlo
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan says handshake with Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi in #Qatar, first step towards further normalisation in ties between the two countries#Egypt#Turkeypic.twitter.com/AGEKBfijFO
#BREAKING Just as relations between Türkiye and Egypt takes shape, ties with Syria can follow same path in next period; there is no room for hard feelings in politics: Erdogan pic.twitter.com/ooSUjPiast
Greece 🇬🇷 National Defense Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister will also pay an official visit to Cairo Tomorrow.
The Ministers of Defense of both countries will be signing an MoU on Cooperation in the Fields of Aeronautics and Maritime Search and Rescue during the visit. https://t.co/gkfDsOIOqS
On Tuesday #Greece and #Egypt will sign a MoU to strengthen aeronautical and maritime search and rescue cooperation and coordination. pic.twitter.com/Q7KuQKkGEG
Prince Dimitri Zedginidze-Amilakhvari (1906-1942) AKA "Bazorka," exiled Russian/Georgian noble and legendary figure in the French Foreign Legion. Lieutenant-colonel of the "13e Demi-Brigade de Légion Étrangère." KIA at the second battle of El Alamein. pic.twitter.com/Ua8NxRCE2G
Egypt reaps economic, political gains from COP27. Hagar Hosny
From Twitter
History was made today at #COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh as parties agreed to the establishment of a long-awaited loss and damage fund for assisting developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. pic.twitter.com/spmWVUjTva
After two weeks of extensive negotiations, #COP27 has concluded with a hallmark implementation plan #SHIP, and a historic deal for agenda item and outcome on #LossAndDamage funding. pic.twitter.com/clEmx0TV7x
#UPDATE The European Union on Saturday rejected as "unacceptable" a proposal from COP27 host country Egypt for a deal at the climate summit, with a French official saying it was insufficiently ambitious on reducing carbon emissions.
In the letter, Alaa indicated that he will be able to see his mother, asking her to bring a cake to celebrate his birthday with her and his cellmates during the upcoming visit on Thursday, & stating that he will explain everything about his current situation at that time. (2/3)
WATCH: Representatives from the world's nations are in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to flesh out the rules of a new global climate pact. Here’s a look at some of the main stakeholders and negotiating blocs #COP27https://t.co/afTX5wxEVcpic.twitter.com/XX46LaPSGU
#Egypt is one of the first countries to adopt #SDGs Localization, ensuring no one is left behind. We’re working with all stakeholders to realize the ambition of the 2030 agenda; mobilizing, engaging and empowering local actors to shape a transformative #recovery. https://t.co/AFmOwc6b9K
At the opening of Gender Day. Women’s agency in climate dialogue and implementation was the key focus. The session saw the official launch of Egypt's African Women's Climate Adaptive Priorities initiative #AWCAP. pic.twitter.com/xGDDCsFHYr
The EEZ Delimitation Agreement between Greece and Egypt shows that application of International Law and International Law of the Sea creates the perfect example of how countries could resolve differences through dialogue (remarks at the “Manama Dialogue” Forum 2022). pic.twitter.com/nPkHQ7xVPe
In a show of solidarity, Saudi Arabia's crown prince and the presidents of Egypt, Turkey and Algeria, as well as the United Nations Secretary-General, are among leaders at the opening ceremony pic.twitter.com/5rimmRtpRX
In Egypt, picture of lieutenant colonel killed today in clashes with ISIS in Qantara city just east of the Suez Canal in Sinai. https://t.co/O9BPiEFfDD
Satellite Imagery Showing the progress of Toshka Agricultural Production Project in Five Years
The project is being executed by the Egyptian-military affiliated NSPO and Army Engineering Authority to reclaim and cultivate around 1.1 million acres of Egypt's desert land. pic.twitter.com/5ba9XKYluU
Egypt’s 🇪🇬 President Anwar Sadat addressed the people of Israel 🇮🇱 on this day in 1977 in Jerusalem. “I convey to you the message of peace, the message of the Egyptian People, whose sons, Muslims, Christians, and Jews, live together in a spirit of cordiality, love and tolerance.” pic.twitter.com/ERBlLnPH0h
Salah hugging the player who deliberately hurt him and prevented him playing in the world cup only shows Mo’s sportsmanship, it does nothing to our feelings re the thug Ramos, a violent red card player who is a football shame. https://t.co/jdQ2w0KlTn
The only people who will be able to drink in stadiums will be those in corporate hospitality.
(MATCH Hospitality)
Can you afford paying $3000? If so, then you are one of few who can enjoy high-end alcoholic drinks in Qatar. The conservative Muslim country that voluntarily decided to host the top global sport event the Football World Cup, has only remembered that alcohol is banned in Islam few hours before the start of the tournament, and has thus decided to ban beer from World Cup stadiums. Its decision, however, comes with a caveat: The rich and elite can enjoy alcohol in corporate hospitality lounges.
According to this Sky News report, at cost of $3000 (£2,522) per ticket, fans will be able to enjoy high-end alcoholic drinks and fine food in the luxurious hospitality lounges, suites, and restaurants at the eight stadiums built and renovated for football’s biggest event. And for £4,000, a mixologist and premium spirits are thrown in.
In Islam, alcohol is banned for everyone, rich and poor, corporates and non-corporates, elites and non-elites. But in Qatar, the ban is lifted, it seems, for those the Qatari leadership sees as useful to serve its agenda. And they are many of them, rushing on social media to defend Qatar and use excuses like “health and safety”, “hooliganism”, and “respect for the culture”. Those who dare to voice outrage are branded “white supremacists” and disrespectful to Islam.
Well, no one disrespect Islam more than those who think the Almighty will only punish the poor for daring to drink a cheap can of beer, but will forgive Muslims who allow the rich to enjoy drinking in their posh lounges.
Qatar’s beer ban perfectly sums up the fallacy of Islamism, where alcohol is a top sin, but bribes, exploitation of poor workers, and favouring the rich elites are conveniently ignored.
Up to 6,500 migrant workers have allegedly died in Qatar since the World Cup was awarded, and fans who have travelled to Qatar as part of a controversial paid-for supporters programme have been told by Qatari authorities that their cash has been cut, as the Guardian has revealed that a per diem payment for food and drink upon which some supporters were depending was cancelled just as fans were packing to travel to the Gulf, following the exposure of the scheme in the media and even reports of alleged bribery for Ecuadorian players. Where is Islam in all of this?
It is sad and infuriating to see pious Muslims rush to defend “sister” Qatar’s alcohol ban against the “evil” West while ignoring all the anti-Islamic policies adopted in Doha. This is testimony to how Islamism has managed to brainwash many Muslims to believe that alcohol will only be a treat in heaven, but not on earth and that the rich can enjoy life behind closed doors, but not the poor.
There are many things money can buy, but Islam is not one of them. Islam is about justice not privilege. Islam is about tolerance, not enforcement. Islam has never sanctioned dualism and corruption.
Defend Qatar as much as you like, but stop dragging Islam into this moral mess.
Curbs on rights weaken Egypt’s climate talks, campaigners say. Dominic Evans
Dead wrong: Victorians ‘mistaken’ about why Egyptians mummified bodies. Vanessa Thorpe
Read
Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Call with President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi of Egypt
The Muslim Brotherhood’s radical preachments and its relationship to violence and extremism. European Eye on radicalisation
From Twitter
Today I sat down with President El-Sisi of Egypt to discuss accelerating global efforts to tackle the climate crisis, strengthen the multifaceted U.S.-Egypt strategic and defense partnership, and the importance of human rights. pic.twitter.com/VEJnyRYhJh
As Speaker, it is my privilege to lead a Congressional delegation to #COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.
Faced with an accelerating climate crisis, Congress is proud to work with our partners around the world to advance a healthier, more sustainable and more equitable future.
𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 & 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆. That’s what #Egypt’s Country Platform for the NWFE نُوَفِّـي Program is built on. Yesterday in his opening speech US President Joe Biden @POTUS announced a $500 million package to tackle climate change in Egypt. pic.twitter.com/XA2LQrRFja
#UPDATE The UN rights chief is calling for the immediate release of Alaa Abdel Fattah, a jailed political dissident who has been refusing food and now water too, a spokeswoman said Tuesday pic.twitter.com/FXAlbVVXqa
Delighted to meet my friend UAE President HH Sheikh @MohamedBinZayed at #COP27 today. We discussed Israeli-Emirati cooperation on climate issues and regional developments in the Middle East. 🇮🇱🤝🇦🇪 pic.twitter.com/jeBZaWzbUH
Cop27, Meloni arrivata al vertice di Sharm el-Sheikh: stretta di mano con Al Sisi. Poi incontri con Herzog, Sunak e Ahmed https://t.co/4QPvsZ7bXs via @fattoquotidiano
Consistent with our commitment to advance renewable energy solutions that support sustainable development, I joined my brother President Abdel Fattah El Sisi at COP27 to witness the signing of an MOU between our two nations to develop a 10-gigawatt onshore wind project in Egypt. pic.twitter.com/qBeX7AnF0o
The family was not informed of the medical procedures that Abd El Fattah has undergone as he enters day five without water following an escalation of the hunger strike he began in April to protest conditions in detention. (2/3)
Our lawyers just received a call from the General Prosecutor's office that their permit to visit is ready, they are on their way to pick it up then head to Wadi ElNatrun prison to visit @alaa
I pray today is the day we get a proof of life and an update on his health#FreeAlaa
Yesterday on 11/11 the #MuslimBrotherhood#Ikhwaan terrorists got a tight slap on their face, they called for a protest against Egypt’s El-Sisi countrywide to instill chaos… but guess what ? No one showed up … 😂 here’s their flop hashtag # موعد_مع_الحرية
Egypt condemns heinous terrorist attack in Istanbul, expresses condolences, and sympathy to victims. The attack killed six and injured more than 43 Turkish President Erdogan confirmed. pic.twitter.com/X93Zw4jgqN
Market taking a nose dive, could be related to Fitch revising Egypt’s outlook to negative (affirmed at B+). Yesterday’s foreign investors generated gains were wiped out. pic.twitter.com/qof2UgZ6f2
Egypt stock market recovered and reached levels pre Ukraine invasion. Thanks to the devaluation that made stocks cheaper, brought back a trickle of foreign investors. pic.twitter.com/dh7McJPtlB
Egypt’s annual inflation rate rose to 16.3 percent in October 2022, compared to 7.3 percent in the same month of prior year, according to the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS).#Egypt#business | #مصر#التضخمpic.twitter.com/8cZTsyyg3S
Cyprus President Nikos Anastasiades met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati in #Egypt. The update of the agreement between #Cyprus and #Lebanon on the delimitation of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) was one of the topics discussed. https://t.co/PJ2sjocyjV
Rooftop farms are helping Syrian migrants in Egypt create an extra source of income while transforming neglected rooftops into eco-friendly spaces pic.twitter.com/YF0505i3Bv
🇪🇬 Cairo will host the Russian-US bilateral consultative commission on the Strategic Nuclear Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) in late November-early December, according to @Sputniklnt. pic.twitter.com/s6Ezszfykc
The Egyptian red sea towns are full capacity with Europeans,many spending extended time here,tonight am in a resort red sea city,went and bought 3 small packets of digestive biscuits and 2 small cartons of milk, for coffee at home tomorrow,total price 21 LE(1$=24LE) cheap 4some? pic.twitter.com/ujIDqh4A8N
Why does Egypt have a problem with rape? Jade Bremner
Read
The IMF’s deal with Egypt ignores its economy’s main weakness: The overweening presence of the military in practically every important sector. Bobby Ghosh
Delighted to be in Sharm El-Sheikh for #COP27. Thank you to Egypt for hosting, and for your call for a #JustAndAmbitious COP. We have a lot of work to do — let’s get going.
— Special Presidential Envoy John Kerry (@ClimateEnvoy) November 6, 2022
COP27 is a personal matter for me. My childhood Alexandria has changed a lot, but the thoughts of it vanishing because of global warming, sends chills in my spine https://t.co/yEawzrjVA0 via @FRANCE24
— Embassy of Ethiopia in South Africa (@EthiopiainSA) November 6, 2022
As a participating nation at #COP27 in Sharm el Sheikh, from 6-18 Nov, 🇦🇪’s delegation of govt officials, negotiators, business leaders, NGOs, academia & youth will represent the UAE and collaborate with global partners to address #ClimateChange. #UAEsupportsCOP27
— Office Of The UAE Special Envoy For Climate Change (@uaeclimateenvoy) November 6, 2022
Cyprus’s President Nicos Anastasiades will depart for Egypt to participate in the world leader’s summit of the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference (COP27), which will take place in Sharm El Sheikh on November 7 and 8.https://t.co/Y2yJuw4bQ0
The loan Egypt got from the IMF is small. For a bigger loan the IMF demanded: lifting subsidies and state (read military) exit from the economy. Both conditions are politically unpalatable. The small loan buys temporary relief, economic woes to continue
Libya's National Oil Corporation is examining a project proposal of creating two gas pipelines to connect with #Greece and the Egyptian city of #Damietta, NOC chief Farhat Bengdara tells CNBC Arabia
In a massive feat of irony, Coca-cola, the world’s largest plastic polluter, is sponsoring #COP27, the world’s largest annual environmental conference, which will take place in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt this month. @Sydneyallen67https://t.co/JSvPrULvoQ
Illumination of the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs building with the word COP27 on the occasion of the Climate Change Conference in Sharm El-Sheikh @COP27P@UNFCCCpic.twitter.com/gXo9TDUoa5
Today at the Egypt stock market, Egyptians were selling, reaping profits, until a bull of foreign investors came dashing through. Both Arab and foreign investors were the only net buyers, thanks to the pound devaluation. pic.twitter.com/S7T2sRlEuZ
We are very proud to celebrate 50 years of friendship and cooperation between the UAE and Egypt. Together with my brother, President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, we continue to strengthen and build upon these longstanding ties for the long-term benefit of our people and the region.
🌍Rishi Sunak has demoted his climate minister and pulled out of the COP summit in Egypt… yet No 10 says tackling climate change remains a “priority”. Meanwhile:https://t.co/zDnckW4r6q
Apparently the Sunak government is not remotely bound by the decisions of the Truss government. Hence the sacked Braverman returns six days later. So how about King Charles now goes to COP. Be good if the world saw a UK leader who cared about the environment.
The USD reached 23 EGP. I’m praying this is an immediate post devaluation shooting star and it might cool off a bit in the coming days and fluctuate between 22-23 😬
BREAKING: Imprisoned activist and former MP Zyad Elelaimy received a pardon from President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi following calls from political parties and the Presidential Amnesty Committee, lawyer Tarek al-Kholy said. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/UKxy25Q7AL
Signing ceremony of migration-cooperation deal between European Union and Egyptian ministries of foreign affairs and defence, consisting of €80 million #EU funding for #Egypt's border control https://t.co/SvMKeUDic1
Excellent point ! 👏🏼 . Egypt President El Sisi: “When political Islam reached to power, it failed, when it failed it didn’t accept its failure, it wrote a false narrative that we are against Islam” #politicalislam h/t @Sha3rT_Yaaspic.twitter.com/YOYvH8JEE4
— حسن سجواني 🇦🇪 Hassan Sajwani (@HSajwanization) October 23, 2022
NEW: Egypt has missed out on an additional $75 million in military aid after U.S. senator Patrick Leahy, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, put a hold on the funding, rejecting State Dept’s assessment that Cairo made progress on political prisoners and due process.
The State Dept in mid-September withheld $130 million of military aid yo Egypt over broad rights concerns, but said it would allow another $75 million to go ahead, citing progress by Cairo on political detentions and due process, incl the release of about 500 political detainees.
In a statement to @Reuters, Leahy objected to administration effectively sacrificing rights issues over policy. “We can’t give short shrift to the law because of other policy considerations,” he said, adding that the situation facing political prisoners in Egypt was “deplorable.”
The Royal Navy’s amphibious warship @HMS_ALBION has just arrived at Alexandria Naval Base in an official visit from 20 to 23 October 2022. Looking forward for joint naval engagement with the Egyptian Navy.@UKinEgyptpic.twitter.com/1npCSftpZS
— Colonel Mark Beynon MBE, Mulhaq Askaree to Egypt (@UKDACairo) October 20, 2022
My video message below on my visit to Cairo – more to come over the next two days as I discuss climate, #COP27, 🇬🇧🇪🇬 trade, and regional affairs. pic.twitter.com/AOUJg98T4H
The United States is donating over 1 million Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine doses to Egypt, for a total of 29 million doses. In partnership with @gavi, we are working through #COVAX to ensure equitable distribution of safe and effective vaccines worldwide. @USEmbassyCairo@USAIDEgypt
Egypt police going through mobile phones is an incredibly scary thing. You can be an apolitical person with an anti-gov meme or joke on your Facebook timeline. This can get you arrested and you won’t know when or how you will get out.
Congratulations to the new government team!🇮🇹 I see very competent people I wish a fruitful collaboration between Egypt and Italy🇮🇹❤️🇪🇬 pic.twitter.com/aEO6zQbU4c
Yesterday, the commemoration service of the 80th Anniversary of the Second Battle of Alamein was held at the Commonwealth War Grave Commission Cemetery @CWGC, Alamein city pic.twitter.com/YLdFUHm53I
Showcasing Egyptian culture & cuisine… H.E Mrs. Hala Youssef, Spouse of the Ambassador of Egypt in Washington DC, lead the Embassy’s participation in the “Embassy Chef Challenge” event held at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, featuring chefs from embassies across DC. #ICFFpic.twitter.com/uANqx7El8H
Ibrahim Pasha was one of 19th C Egypt’s great military heroes. When his son, Ismail, was planning Cairo’s downtown in the 1860s he commissioned the French artist Charles Cordier to create an equestrian of Ibrahim. On the base were to be scenes from two of his great victories …
Almost a century later in the 1940s the king of Egypt, Farouk, decided to find the panels. Cordier’s heirs were found, France’s museums were searched but they never located them. However some photos of them survived. So Farouk …
In the middle of the night. To this day, those newly made panels are still there on the statue. The originals, I believe, are still lost. The full story is in this issue of Akhir Sa’a from 9th August 1950, digitised by @AUC_RBSCLpic.twitter.com/ZlqBPVlxm2
U.S.-Egypt relations continue to bolster the region’s safety & security. A/S Barbara A. Leaf met FM Sameh Shoukry to discuss a range of topics, including stability in the West Bank, Egypt’s water security, Libya, human rights, regional stability & #COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh. 🇺🇸🇪🇬
— U.S. State Dept – Near Eastern Affairs (@StateDept_NEA) October 12, 2022
From a contact currently in one of those meetings at the IMF in Washington DC. “The Egyptian delegation were joking today that their Pound had better prospects that the British Pound"
Background info: Egypt is in the middle of an IMF bailout programme
Assistant Secretary Barbara A. Leaf met today with National Council for Human Rights President @moushirak who noted efforts to address and improve human rights in Egypt. We’ll continue to engage with @nchregypt to advance human rights. @USEmbassyCairopic.twitter.com/WqpwKO6zP9
— U.S. State Dept – Near Eastern Affairs (@StateDept_NEA) October 11, 2022
This is the energy source of the future for the EU. ESTMED coming from stable country and country partner. ISRAEL -EGYPT-CYPRES-GREECE -ITALY. This is the only way for the EU and Western countries to conduct their policy without external pressure. Investment cost 6 billion euros pic.twitter.com/MdZE3TGEji
Serious crisis. Egyptian poultry farmers are dispatching chicks because they cannot feed them. There is no forex to release the tones of fodder held in ports. Egypt’s problem is not exchange rate, it is far worse, there is no forex available at any price. https://t.co/A1gEjd6sXP
How will Egyptians afford to live if the Egyptian Pound's value is allowed to move freely against the US Dollar? Many employers based in Egypt don't have US Dollars and so they can't afford to increase salaries in the short term. So any steep drop in value will be devastating.
Egyptian Air Force Chief Says Egypt has now an Air Force capable of reaching farthest ranges to protect the Egyptian interests and deter anyone who tries to cross the red lines drawn by Egypt. pic.twitter.com/XFoinomAQY
VIDEO: Beneath the waters off Egypt's Red Sea coast a kaleidoscopic ecosystem teems with life that could become the world's "last coral refuge" as global heating eradicates reefs elsewhere, researchers say pic.twitter.com/i968j2mED5
Now #Egypt is sleepwalking toward #Taliban-style society Superficial religiosity is every where, without depth, and without spirit. Just wear hijab, grow beard, and put Quran on loud speaker to look good! https://t.co/uHnzXN2gs7
On this day in 1957, Lester B. Pearson was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his actions as Minister of External Affairs during the Suez Crisis. He proposed a UN peacekeeping force as means for easing the British and French out of Egypt. https://t.co/OHI72OfvuB
My heart melts for those brave Iranians defying all the odds in their quest for freedom.
They are a rare bread in a… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…2 days ago
Nervana 
Qatar- Where God Favours the Rich
The only people who will be able to drink in stadiums will be those in corporate hospitality.
(MATCH Hospitality)
Can you afford paying $3000? If so, then you are one of few who can enjoy high-end alcoholic drinks in Qatar. The conservative Muslim country that voluntarily decided to host the top global sport event the Football World Cup, has only remembered that alcohol is banned in Islam few hours before the start of the tournament, and has thus decided to ban beer from World Cup stadiums. Its decision, however, comes with a caveat: The rich and elite can enjoy alcohol in corporate hospitality lounges.
According to this Sky News report, at cost of $3000 (£2,522) per ticket, fans will be able to enjoy high-end alcoholic drinks and fine food in the luxurious hospitality lounges, suites, and restaurants at the eight stadiums built and renovated for football’s biggest event. And for £4,000, a mixologist and premium spirits are thrown in.
In Islam, alcohol is banned for everyone, rich and poor, corporates and non-corporates, elites and non-elites. But in Qatar, the ban is lifted, it seems, for those the Qatari leadership sees as useful to serve its agenda. And they are many of them, rushing on social media to defend Qatar and use excuses like “health and safety”, “hooliganism”, and “respect for the culture”. Those who dare to voice outrage are branded “white supremacists” and disrespectful to Islam.
Well, no one disrespect Islam more than those who think the Almighty will only punish the poor for daring to drink a cheap can of beer, but will forgive Muslims who allow the rich to enjoy drinking in their posh lounges.
Qatar’s beer ban perfectly sums up the fallacy of Islamism, where alcohol is a top sin, but bribes, exploitation of poor workers, and favouring the rich elites are conveniently ignored.
Up to 6,500 migrant workers have allegedly died in Qatar since the World Cup was awarded, and fans who have travelled to Qatar as part of a controversial paid-for supporters programme have been told by Qatari authorities that their cash has been cut, as the Guardian has revealed that a per diem payment for food and drink upon which some supporters were depending was cancelled just as fans were packing to travel to the Gulf, following the exposure of the scheme in the media and even reports of alleged bribery for Ecuadorian players. Where is Islam in all of this?
It is sad and infuriating to see pious Muslims rush to defend “sister” Qatar’s alcohol ban against the “evil” West while ignoring all the anti-Islamic policies adopted in Doha. This is testimony to how Islamism has managed to brainwash many Muslims to believe that alcohol will only be a treat in heaven, but not on earth and that the rich can enjoy life behind closed doors, but not the poor.
There are many things money can buy, but Islam is not one of them. Islam is about justice not privilege. Islam is about tolerance, not enforcement. Islam has never sanctioned dualism and corruption.
Defend Qatar as much as you like, but stop dragging Islam into this moral mess.
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