EXPLAINER: Qatar's vast wealth helps it host FIFA World Cup
2 years, 4 months ago

EXPLAINER: Qatar's vast wealth helps it host FIFA World Cup

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. They enjoy massive wealth and benefits fueled by Qatar's shared control of one of the world's largest reserves of natural gas. Here's a look at Qatar's economy and how this tiny country was able to spend so much to host the FIFA World Cup: QATAR'S ECONOMIC STRENGTH For most of its existence, the tribes of Qatar relied on pearl diving and fishing for survival. QATAR'S WORLD CUP SPENDING Qatar has spent some $200 billion on infrastructure and other development projects since winning the bid to host the five-week long World Cup, according to official statements and a report from Deloitte. The London-based research firm Capital Economics said ticket sales suggest that around 1.5 million tourists will visit Qatar for the World Cup.

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History of this topic

Saudi Arabia’s network of spending and influence detailed before getting 2034 World Cup from FIFA
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Saudi Arabia’s network of spending and influence detailed before getting 2034 World Cup from FIFA

Associated Press  

GENEVA — Saudi Arabia’s growing influence and massive spending in global sports ahead of being confirmed by FIFA as the 2034 World Cup host was detailed on Monday in a report that cited risks to good governance off the field. The oil-rich kingdom’s investment of tens of billions of dollars in soccer, golf, boxing, tennis, the Esports Olympics and a …

FIFA awards 2026 World Cup contract for high-end hospitality to NFL specialist On Location
8 months, 1 week ago

FIFA awards 2026 World Cup contract for high-end hospitality to NFL specialist On Location

Associated Press  

GENEVA — FIFA picked hospitality provider On Location to run its high-end billion-dollar program for the 2026 World Cup that will see 104 men’s games in the United States, Canada and Mexico. FIFA’s financial report for 2022 said it earned “$243 million through the sale of hospitality rights” for the World Cup in Qatar, which had just 64 games. Soccer’s …

A year on from Qatar, this is the real legacy of the 2022 World Cup
1 year, 4 months ago

A year on from Qatar, this is the real legacy of the 2022 World Cup

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Many of the human rights issues documented in the lead-up to the …

One year on from World Cup, Qatar and FIFA urged by rights group to do more for migrant workers
1 year, 4 months ago

One year on from World Cup, Qatar and FIFA urged by rights group to do more for migrant workers

Associated Press  

LONDON — One year after Qatar hosted the men’s World Cup, the gas-rich emirate and soccer governing body FIFA were urged Thursday by human rights group Amnesty International to do more for migrant workers who were essential to prepare the tournament and still face labor abuses. “The abuses related to the 2022 World Cup should serve to remind sporting bodies …

Qatar Airways posts a $1.2 billion profit over the last fiscal year when it hosted FIFA World Cup
1 year, 8 months ago

Qatar Airways posts a $1.2 billion profit over the last fiscal year when it hosted FIFA World Cup

Associated Press  

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Qatar Airways said Thursday it earned a profit of $1.2 billion over the last fiscal year, boosted in part by the small Arabian Peninsula country’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Qatar Airways’ profit of $1.2 billion is down slightly from $1.5 billion last fiscal year. The World Cup played a large role in …

Qatar Airways reports $1.2B in profits after ferrying passengers to last year's soccer World Cup
1 year, 8 months ago

Qatar Airways reports $1.2B in profits after ferrying passengers to last year's soccer World Cup

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Qatar Airways on Wednesday reported …

FIFA made false claims about 'carbon-neutral' World Cup in Qatar, Swiss regulator says
1 year, 9 months ago

FIFA made false claims about 'carbon-neutral' World Cup in Qatar, Swiss regulator says

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy FIFA made false claims about …

How the World Cup in Qatar refined sportswashing into a fine art
2 years, 3 months ago

How the World Cup in Qatar refined sportswashing into a fine art

Live Mint  

Since it was declared the host in 2010, Qatar has spent $220 billion to stage the Fifa World Cup. In 2012, it bought the French club Paris Saint-Germain for Euro 100 million through Qatari sports Investment, a closed shareholding organization which is a subsidiary of the Qatari Investment Authority, the country’s sovereign wealth fund. When Messi was draped with the …

Diplomatic victory for Qatar after FIFA World Cup 2022 success
2 years, 3 months ago

Diplomatic victory for Qatar after FIFA World Cup 2022 success

The Hindu  

Qatar fought a “culture war”, corruption claims and accusations over rights abuses in hosting the FIFA World Cup but experts say the Gulf state has reinforced its image everywhere except parts of Europe. “Qatar has been able to use the World Cup effectively to establish its brand, especially in the Global South,” said Krieg. The World Cup “gave Qatar a …

FIFA at the Qatar World Cup: Lost trust mars most big gains
2 years, 3 months ago

FIFA at the Qatar World Cup: Lost trust mars most big gains

The Hindu  

Published : Dec 20, 2022 16:19 IST Even before an epic final won by Lionel Messi and Argentina, FIFA president Gianni Infantino was calling it “the best World Cup ever” in Qatar. FIFA’s fundamental role is to oversee global football’s rules and make sure World Cups happen on schedule: Goal achieved, billions of dollars duly earned. FIFA gave assurances in …

Rise of emerging economies trend of the times
2 years, 3 months ago

Rise of emerging economies trend of the times

China Daily  

The success of the 2022 Qatar World Cup, which concluded on Sunday, is beyond doubt, despite the great lengths some Western countries went to in their attempts to smear the tournament with lies and unfounded charges on so-called human rights issues. How the Qatar World Cup has unfolded over the past few weeks demonstrates how the most popular sport on …

How Much FIFA Earned During Qatar World Cup 2022; Rights Sales, Tickets; Check Full Revenue Break-Up
2 years, 3 months ago

How Much FIFA Earned During Qatar World Cup 2022; Rights Sales, Tickets; Check Full Revenue Break-Up

News 18  

Finally, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 ended on Sunday with a historic football match between Argentina and France, and a thrilling win by the South American country. How Much Did FIFA Budget Its Revenue During Qatar Football World Cup 2022? For the four-year cycle to the Qatar World Cup 2022, the world’s highest governing body of football FIFA had …

Analysis: Six key takeaways from the Qatar World Cup
2 years, 3 months ago

Analysis: Six key takeaways from the Qatar World Cup

Al Jazeera  

From the end of the Messi saga to the first Arab tournament, and the mixing of politics and sports – here’s what FIFA, and the rest of us, will have to think about. Having the World Cup in the Middle East allowed people from the region to have a tournament which they could attend and not feel foreign. It allowed …

EXPLAINED | How Qatar turns its cash into foreign policy power
2 years, 3 months ago

EXPLAINED | How Qatar turns its cash into foreign policy power

The Hindu  

Published : Dec 17, 2022 16:19 IST The glamorous event was covered in all the best magazines. It’s not illegal to network Unlike recent allegations around bribes paid to European parliamentarians, connections like this, between Qatar and celebrities like Campbell, are clearly lawful. The Corruption Risk Forecast, a system developed by several academic organizations including the European Research Center for …

Special report: Qatar, the World Cup and the war on truth
2 years, 3 months ago

Special report: Qatar, the World Cup and the war on truth

New York Times  

For a brief few moments it looked like the World Cup was being rigged in real time, amplifying an explosive conspiracy theory seen by millions around the world. We will outline: The London “research centre” which doesn’t exist How ‘Qatar’s rivals’ allegedly pushed to switch this World Cup to the UK The mysterious case of ‘Denmark Uncensored’ Curious conferences, fake …

FIFA chief praises Qatar 2022 as ‘best World Cup ever’
2 years, 3 months ago

FIFA chief praises Qatar 2022 as ‘best World Cup ever’

Al Jazeera  

Infantino hails ‘transformative legacy’ of event and spread of nations in knockout stages – with a nod also to Morocco. This year’s World Cup in Qatar has been “the best ever”, Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, football’s global governing body, has said. Describing what he called “the transformative legacy of this World Cup”, he told a news conference that “many …

FIFA plan to re-think the 2026 World Cup format after drama of the group stages in Qatar
2 years, 3 months ago

FIFA plan to re-think the 2026 World Cup format after drama of the group stages in Qatar

Daily Mail  

However, FIFA are yet to decide on a format to accommodate the extra 16 teams Having just delivered the most exciting group stage ever seen at a World Cup, with a tried and tested format that keeps hundreds of millions of fans enthralled, FIFA now faces the prospect of ripping it all up. It means world football’s governing body are …

Explained: What will happen to Qatar's new stadiums after the World Cup?
2 years, 3 months ago

Explained: What will happen to Qatar's new stadiums after the World Cup?

Firstpost  

The Qataris say the stadium will disappear, but it isn’t clear when that will happen. The Gulf country will soon stage an Asian Cup, the multi-sport Asian Games and maybe even an Olympics Doha: The World Cup stadium was designed to leave a minimal footprint in the Qatari sand. A look at FIFA requirements for World Cup stadiums and what …

Death and dishonesty: Stories of two workers who built the World Cup stadiums in Qatar
2 years, 3 months ago

Death and dishonesty: Stories of two workers who built the World Cup stadiums in Qatar

NPR  

Death and dishonesty: Stories of two workers who built the World Cup stadiums in Qatar Enlarge this image toggle caption Lauren Frayer/NPR Lauren Frayer/NPR MUMBAI, India – At dusk, as neighborhood children toss a ball around in park lined with palm trees on the outskirts of Mumbai, Ashwini Kumar looks on from a bench nearby. "The world should remember this, …

Qatar\'s migrant workers enjoy World Cup on the cheap
2 years, 4 months ago

Qatar\'s migrant workers enjoy World Cup on the cheap

Deccan Chronicle  

DOHA: Shafeeq Saqafi paid three dollars for the Argentina shirt he proudly wore when sat with 15,000 other migrant workers in a hidden corner of Doha to watch Lionel Messi's side salvage their World Cup. Messi's goal in the 2-0 win over Mexico brought the biggest crowd seen at the Asian Town stadium to their feet and Saqafi beat his …

Watching the World Cup with Qatar’s migrant workers and hearing about their lives
2 years, 4 months ago

Watching the World Cup with Qatar’s migrant workers and hearing about their lives

New York Times  

Inside a cricket stadium on the outskirts of Doha, hundreds of men gather together. Asian Town is a shopping and entertainment complex close to “Labour City”, which opened in 2015 and accommodates close to 70,000 migrant workers who assisted the construction projects that were critical to the state’s World Cup. Migrant workers have helped build Qatar's World Cup from scratch …

Second successive loss puts hosts Qatar out of World Cup
2 years, 4 months ago

Second successive loss puts hosts Qatar out of World Cup

Hindustan Times  

After successive defeats, Qatar’s World Cup campaign ended earlier than what the hosts would have wanted after Netherlands-Ecuador ended 1-1 taking both to four points. Senegal players celebrate after scoring a goal against Qatar at the FIFA World Cup 2022 Not since South Africa has the home country’s team taken the fastest way to exiting a competition that took years …

Qatar pulls off miracle to leave gleaming legacy
2 years, 4 months ago

Qatar pulls off miracle to leave gleaming legacy

China Daily  

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Doha, Qatar - November 23, 2022 General view of Mexico fans looking over Doha skyline, Qatar, November 23, 2022 I'll admit, it's quite surreal watching the World Cup unfold in the small Gulf emirate of Qatar. While these were the arenas which hosted the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in the January …

Chinese companies score big at World Cup
2 years, 4 months ago

Chinese companies score big at World Cup

China Daily  

The crowd at Al Bayt Stadium eagerly awaits the opening match of the 2022 World Cup tournament between host Qatar and Ecuador on Sunday evening. HECTOR VIVAS/FIFA/GETTY IMAGES Enterprises showcase wide range of products at Qatar tournament Although failing to qualify for the FIFA World Cup finals soccer tournament now underway in Qatar, China is making a huge contribution to …

Chinese companies score big at World Cup
2 years, 4 months ago

Chinese companies score big at World Cup

China Daily  

The crowd at Al Bayt Stadium eagerly awaits the opening match of the 2022 World Cup tournament between host Qatar and Ecuador on Sunday evening. HECTOR VIVAS/FIFA/GETTY IMAGES Enterprises showcase wide range of products at Qatar tournament Although failing to qualify for the FIFA World Cup finals soccer tournament now underway in Qatar, China is making a huge contribution to …

Sour and dispiriting is not how a World Cup should feel
2 years, 4 months ago

Sour and dispiriting is not how a World Cup should feel

The Independent  

In the end, the prospect of distorting their games for the sake of a multi-coloured One Love captain’s armband proved too much for the governing bodies of football in England, Wales, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands. The only good thing about hosting the World Cup, ironically, is that the world is far more aware of the suppression of …

In a stadium of their own, migrant workers say their sweat made World Cup happen
2 years, 4 months ago

In a stadium of their own, migrant workers say their sweat made World Cup happen

The Hindu  

Published : Nov 21, 2022 16:09 IST Taking selfies from the stands and sitting on the grassy pitch, thousands of migrant workers gathered in a Doha stadium to watch the opening match of the first World Cup in West Asia. Rights groups have accused authorities of failing to protect lower-income workers - including those who built the stadiums and hotels …

Qatar’s opening World Cup impression slips into disaster on and off the pitch
2 years, 4 months ago

Qatar’s opening World Cup impression slips into disaster on and off the pitch

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Rising out of the desert and out of …

We must not forget the price that was paid for this World Cup
2 years, 4 months ago

We must not forget the price that was paid for this World Cup

The Independent  

The joy of football is complicated this time. As Miguel Delaney, our chief football writer, says in his preview of the competition, “many people measure their lives in World Cups. This World Cup can instead be measured in lives.” He argues that it was better to use the competition as a chance to raise awareness of the exploitation of migrant …

World Cup: The human cost of Qatar 2022
2 years, 4 months ago

World Cup: The human cost of Qatar 2022

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. World Cup CEO Nasser al Khater spoke earlier this …

FIFA earns record $7.5bn revenue for Qatar World Cup
2 years, 4 months ago

FIFA earns record $7.5bn revenue for Qatar World Cup

Al Jazeera  

The earnings from this World Cup cycle are $1bn more than those generated from the 2018 tournament in Russia. FIFA has earned an unprecedented $7.5bn in revenue through four years of commercial deals tied to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the governing body of football says. Key broadcast deals for this year’s World Cup were signed during Sepp Blatter’s …

Qatar gears up for FIFA World Cup equity market boom
2 years, 4 months ago

Qatar gears up for FIFA World Cup equity market boom

Al Jazeera  

Historically, equity markets of FIFA World Cup hosts have outperformed peers. Doha, Qatar – Qatar is gearing up for a FIFA World Cup equity market boom as the country’s stock exchange is all set to benefit from the upcoming colossal event. With more than $4bn of foreign inflows in the first 10 months of this year alone, equity market experts …

Qatar walks tightrope between Arab values and Western norms with World Cup gamble
2 years, 4 months ago

Qatar walks tightrope between Arab values and Western norms with World Cup gamble

LA Times  

The calm before the storm is over. “They have to turn the television on and see what can happen at these big football tournaments to be concerned.” The latest reaction to that apprehension came Friday when Qatari officials demanded FIFA ban beer sales at the eight World Cup stadiums, ending a long and delicate back-and-forth between the government and global …

Qatar makes World Cup debut in a controversial tournament of firsts
2 years, 4 months ago

Qatar makes World Cup debut in a controversial tournament of firsts

CNN  

Doha, Qatar CNN — There have been 21 editions of the men’s World Cup since its inauguration in 1930 but Qatar 2022 is set to be a tournament like no other. Joe Klamar/AFP/Getty Images ‘Winter’ Cup The World Cup has always been held in either May, June or July but Qatar 2022 will break away from such tradition – more …

'Things are very disappointing': Eric Dier raises doubts about Qatar's migrant workers crisis
2 years, 4 months ago

'Things are very disappointing': Eric Dier raises doubts about Qatar's migrant workers crisis

Daily Mail  

The Spurs star is in contention to start England's opener against Iran on Monday Dier insisted the situation was 'difficult for players' to handle in Qatar The defender believes players shouldn't be the ones facing political questions Eric Dier has vowed to learn more about the political circumstances marring the upcoming World Cup in Qatar as he admitted players featuring …

Qatar World Cup reaps revenue bonus for FIFA, says Infantino
2 years, 4 months ago

Qatar World Cup reaps revenue bonus for FIFA, says Infantino

The Hindu  

FIFA will earn up $700 million more from the Qatar World Cup than it did four years ago despite relentless criticism in the build-up to the tournament, president Gianni Infantino said on Saturday. "All in all this World Cup will generate for FIFA around $600-$700 million more than the last World Cup," he said ahead of Sunday's opening match between …

World Cup: FIFA officials 'told hotel isn't ready' before arrival in Qatar
2 years, 4 months ago

World Cup: FIFA officials 'told hotel isn't ready' before arrival in Qatar

Daily Mail  

Qatar's World Cup organisers have reportedly been left red-faced after a luxury five-star hotel due to house top FIFA executives wasn't finished on time. Qatar World Cup organisers were left embarrassed after hotel rooms for top-ranking FIFA officials in the luxury Fairmont - located inside the Katara Towers - weren't ready on time The FIFA delegates were instead accommodated here …

FIFA World Cup Qatar and migrant workers: The controversy that isn't
2 years, 4 months ago

FIFA World Cup Qatar and migrant workers: The controversy that isn't

India Today  

After the 2018 mega FIFA World Cup in Russia, the 2022 FIFA is all set to be hosted by Qatar, a country most people hadn’t even heard about. With that, Qatar became the first country in the Middle East to host one of the world’s biggest sporting events, beating stiff competition from the United States, Australia, UK, Japan and South …

Why Qatar is a controversial host for the World Cup
2 years, 4 months ago

Why Qatar is a controversial host for the World Cup

NPR  

Why Qatar is a controversial host for the World Cup Enlarge this image toggle caption Patricia De Melo Moreira/AFP via Getty Images Patricia De Melo Moreira/AFP via Getty Images The selection of Qatar to host this year's FIFA World Cup brought cheers to the streets of Doha in a celebration of the first edition of the tournament to be held …

Qatar’s World Cup denounced for ‘washing’ country’s image
2 years, 4 months ago

Qatar’s World Cup denounced for ‘washing’ country’s image

Associated Press  

Qatar’s decision to launch itself into hosting the 2022 World Cup was a head-scratcher from the start. “The Qatar World Cup kickstarted discussion about sportswashing and human rights in football and it has been very steep learning curve for us all,” Norway soccer federation president Lise Klaveness said at a recent Council of Europe event. Germany’s interior minister also expressed …

World Cup 2022: Fans stunned at being charged almost £12 for less than a pint in Qatar
2 years, 4 months ago

World Cup 2022: Fans stunned at being charged almost £12 for less than a pint in Qatar

Daily Mail  

Fans have been left bemused after it emerged that those travelling to Qatar for the World Cup will need to pay almost £12 for less than a pint of beer. But they have been dealt a shock early on, after finding out that a 500ml glass of Budweiser, the only official beer of the World Cup, will cost 50 riyals …

Qatar's World Cup denounced for 'washing' country's image
2 years, 4 months ago

Qatar's World Cup denounced for 'washing' country's image

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “The Qatar World Cup kickstarted discussion about sportswashing and …

Qatar’s World Cup denounced for ‘washing’ country’s image
2 years, 4 months ago

Qatar’s World Cup denounced for ‘washing’ country’s image

LA Times  

A man takes a selfie with a sign reading in English “FIFA World Cup, Qatar 2022” at the corniche in Doha, Qatar, on Nov. 11. “The Qatar World Cup kick-started discussion about sportswashing and human rights in football and it has been very steep learning curve for us all,” Norway soccer federation President Lise Klaveness said at a recent Council …

FIFA World Cup: Dreams of wealth turn to dust for Qatar migrant workers
2 years, 4 months ago

FIFA World Cup: Dreams of wealth turn to dust for Qatar migrant workers

India Today  

Hundreds of thousands of people have flocked to Qatar in recent years to work on giant construction schemes as it boosted its infrastructure ahead of the World Cup. His father, a driver, "used to go to work at 3:00 am and come back at 11:00 pm," he said. They were among six to eight people living in a room at …

How Qatar became this year's World Cup host : Throughline
2 years, 4 months ago

How Qatar became this year's World Cup host : Throughline

NPR  

How Qatar became this year's World Cup host Enlarge this image Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Listen to Throughline on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. "It's just spent $200 billion at least on hosting this World Cup — on winning the bid, building the stadiums, building the infrastructure," award-winning author and sports journalist James Montague says. But what no one …

World Cup: Africa knows Qatar’s pain and joy
2 years, 4 months ago

World Cup: Africa knows Qatar’s pain and joy

Al Jazeera  

Along with the Arab world, Africa will celebrate, too — no matter the racism and bigotry that the West throws at Qatar. Four years later, when Italy hosted the World Cup, my colleagues from school and I fell in love with Cameroon’s national team – the Indomitable Lions – as it emerged as the surprise package of the tournament. So …

Qatar hoping to show its soccer passion as World Cup host
2 years, 4 months ago

Qatar hoping to show its soccer passion as World Cup host

Associated Press  

Qatar made a promise to fans 12 years ago when it started campaigning to host the World Cup: We love soccer just like you, so come and enjoy it with us. The message acknowledged there would be skeptics that a tiny emirate whose team had never been to a World Cup — never played a qualifying game until 1977 — …

What is the Qatar World Cup costing fans? We spoke to supporters around the globe
2 years, 4 months ago

What is the Qatar World Cup costing fans? We spoke to supporters around the globe

New York Times  

For some football fans, the World Cup has been an adventure years in the making. “We have heard a lot about the ethical issues, but the main issue stopping French fans going to Qatar is because they don’t have the money to do it,” Aupretre tells The Athletic. “It doesn’t sit comfortably that it’s in Qatar but it’s the first …

Qatar unveils 6,000 cabin World Cup fan village near airport
2 years, 4 months ago

Qatar unveils 6,000 cabin World Cup fan village near airport

Associated Press  

DOHA, Qatar — Qatar has unveiled a 6,000-cabin fan village in an isolated lot near its airports, an offering for housing toward the lower end of what’s available for the upcoming World Cup, which is just days away from starting. “Most of the fan they prefer if it’s not a hotel, they prefer the apartment and villa,” al-Jaber said, noting …

EXPLAINER: Qatar’s history, politics ahead of FIFA World Cup
2 years, 4 months ago

EXPLAINER: Qatar’s history, politics ahead of FIFA World Cup

Associated Press  

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Qatar will be on the world stage like it has never been before as the small, energy-rich nation hosts the 2022 FIFA World Cup later this month. QATAR’S INTERNATIONAL POLITICS Qatar follows an ultraconservative form of Sunni Islam known as Wahhabism, though unlike neighboring Saudi Arabia, foreigners can drink alcohol. Qatar backed Islamists in the …

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