Author: James M. Dorsey

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Pakistan police escort Maliq Ishaq, leader of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi to the High Court in Lahore (photo: Getty Images/AFP/Str)

Pakistan and sectarianism

The enemy within

Pakistan′s generals blame their country′s cycle of political violence, including a recent bombing in the Baluch capital of Quetta, on groups in Afghanistan. The focus on external enemies complicates efforts to reduce political violence, ease inter-communal strains and facilitate easing of tensions with Pakistan′s neighbours. By James M. DorseyMore

Pakistan′s struggle with sectarianism: Enough is enoughTop Pakistani religious body rules women's protection law 'un-Islamic'Pakistani crime writer Omar Shahid Hamid: A nexus of crimeSaudi Arabia and Iran: Defeat Islamic State - or become it
Egyptian Al Ahly football supporter (photo: picture-alliance/AP)

Football fan protests in Turkey and Egypt

Closed ranks

Battles for control of stadiums and other public spaces in Turkey and Egypt have pitched militant football fans against authoritarian leaders. By James DorseyMore

Egyptian football stadium deaths: Black day for the "White Knights"The Port Said football tragedy: Violence was not accidentalEgyptian football star Mohammed Aboutreika: Bridging a deep divide
Protesting corruption in Iraq (photo: Deutsche Welle)

Popular unrest in the Middle East

Who says popular demand for change is off the agenda?

Recent protests in Beirut against government corruption and incompetence highlight a growing revival of non-violent dissent across the Middle East and North Africa. As well as an end to corruption, protesters in Egypt, Iraq and Lebanon have been taking to the streets demanding improvement in basic public services such as waste management, accountability and transparency. By James M. DorseyMore

Politics and religion: The instrumentalisation of religionSix lessons learned from Tunisia's recent elections: "Religion is God's, but democracy belongs to everyone!"Egyptian football star Mohammed Aboutreika: Bridging a deep divide
Mohammed Aboutreika cheering after a goal during the Super Cup in 2010 (photo: Khaled Desouki/afp/Getty Images)

Egyptian football star Mohammed Aboutreika

Bridging a deep divide

Few are able to bridge Egypt's deeply polarising divide between supporters and opponents of the Muslim Brotherhood following the 2013 military coup that toppled President Mohammed Morsi. Mohammed Aboutreika, Egypt's most celebrated and storied soccer player, is proving to be either the exception that proves the rule or an indication of shifting attitudes. By James M. DorseyMore

Palestinian FA to Press for Fifa Ban on IsraelEgyptian soccer stadium deaths: Black day for the "White Knights"The Port Said soccer tragedy: Violence was not accidental
Egyptian protester march to denounce the deadly clashes that occurred after a soccer match, in Cairo, Egypt, 2 February 2012. Thousands marched downtown Cairo towards the interior ministry to show their anger against the interior ministry following deadly clashes that erupted after a soccer match and left 71 people killed (photo: EPA, dpa)

Soccer Ultras and National Protest in Egypt

Demands for Civilian Rule

The tragedy of Port Said in which 74 people died has given protests against the influence of the military council new momentum. But soccer ultras and youth groups will only be able to exploit this if they are able to bridging their street tactics with an engagement in traditional politics. By James M. DorseyMore

The Port Said Soccer Tragedy: Violence Was Not AccidentalAnniversary of the Egyptian RebellionEgypt's Protesters: Ready for the Next Revolution

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