#qatar-authoritarianism

#qatar-authoritarianism

"The visa bond program functions, in essence, like a security deposit that's layered on top of the standard visa process. It applies to visitors applying for a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism) visa..."

"The news was both surprising and upsetting. Damascus has historically been a city that embraces everyone and diversity is its true identity. This decision makes us feel like we're losing a part of the city's open spirit. It's not just about the drink itself, but about freedom of choice."

We live in an extraordinary moment in Qatar, as you can imagine, but ... there has been an amazing coordination among all the universities in, first of all, minimizing the risk of the students and, secondly, in assuring the continuity of education by online means and also doing the adaptations that are needed in terms of assessment and everything else. We learned a lot during the COVID times and those lessons learned there have been extremely useful in this specific situation at this time.

Qatar's minister of state for foreign affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi, speaks with Talk to Al Jazeera, as the Gulf faces its most dangerous escalation in years after coming under Iranian drone and missile attacks. Al Khulaifi condemns Iran's aggression, warns that attacks on energy infrastructure threaten global markets, and argues that Gulf security is inseparable from global stability.

There are two matches at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open on February 20, the best being No. 1-ranked Carlos Alcaraz against No. 14 Andrey Rublev. The Tennis Channel provides live coverage and highlights of all the major moments across tournaments during Center Court and Center Court Live, so check it out! Watch tennis, other live sports and more on Fubo. Use our link to sign up!

OPINION - A few weeks ago, Al Jazeera Google Cloud as its primary technology provider for "The Core," a sweeping program designed to integrate generative artificial intelligence (AI) throughout its production process. The move, which further deepened the relationship between the two companies, should sound alarm bells for policymakers and anyone concerned with the accuracy, credibility, and transparency of the news media and information space, which impacts nearly every aspect of society.

As soaked Senegal fans celebrated winning the Africa Cup of Nations in a Moroccan rainstorm, thoughts and talk would likely have soon turned to a World Cup opener against France less than six months away. The June 16 clash against their former colonial rulers, who Senegal memorably beat in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup, is in the New Jersey stadium which will host the World Cup final. While the 300,000 strong Senegalese diaspora in France should ensure some fans are backing the African champions, those who hold only Senegalese passports will not be allowed in the US.

Next weekend, the Super Bowl and opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics will kick off a packed season for live sports. Advertisers and media buyers have been investing in these big-ticket events since last summer. But some marketers are thinking beyond February, to June - and amending their contingency plans should political events in the U.S. derail this summer's soccer World Cup.

At this stage, travelling fans are left with little to no information as to what will be allowed or not at Fifa venues, or what to expect from the police elsewhere in the country. There is no clarity as to what will be allowed in the stadiums, who will be deployed inside, which police forces will be working where.

It follows the seizure by US forces of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in a raid on the capital city Caracas this month, along with warnings that US president Donald Trump has recently issued to a host of other countries. So with the US due to host both the World Cup and Olympics over the next two and a half years, what questions does America's foreign policy raise for sports organisations, and could any take a stand?