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Argentina wins the World Cup; are there any other winners?

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Argentina wins the World Cup

Obviously, the standard of winning in the world cup is winning the Cup, yet others have joined the honor of moral winning and entered history at its sharpest edge. First, among other winners, Qatar has achieved super outstanding success in hosting the World Cup, which befits its place. Second, many Arab teams won and scored well in some matches such as Tunisia and Saudi Arabia which succeeded in defeating the legend Messi. Third, some of the Arab teams have qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time such as Morocco. Thus, this has demolished the idea of the inability of Arab youth to achieve success in football and to consider the West as a criterion for success.

That idea of misfortune, which lived in our minds and traced the minds of Arab youth, brought them into the circle of disability, lack of initiative, improved performance, attempt, confrontation, and achievement, Unfortunately. Nevertheless, this is no more happening. Among all, Palestine, Qatar, Israel, Racism, and Islam are all topics that took great attention and importance during the tournaments. Mainly, talking about other winners is our focus here.

Qatar: What a pride!

The small but influential State of Qatar was able to realize the Arab dream of hosting the FIFA World Cup as well as organizing a unique version of the World Championship. This is not strange nor unlikely for a country like Qatar, which has accumulated long experience in organizing global events. Qatar organized several global events, including the Climate Conference (COP18) in 2012. The closest example is the mini “rehearsal” that preceded the World Cup, the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup.

Since the first day of the tournaments, the world has been dazzled and fascinated by Qatar’s legendary uplifting World Cup opening. Harmoniously, the opening, which was a wonderful art, blended local and Arab national cultures with Qatar’s customs and traditions. The football masses have praised Qatar’s generosity, hospitality, and creativity.

Other winners in the Mondial
The World Cup opening ceremony beautifully blends all cultures together


Qatar has beautifully reflected the Islamic culture theme in the event’s hosting laws that reflected the authentic Islamic culture. For example, opening the event included many arts with a musical background, and video scenes reflecting the link between the authenticity of the past and the rhythm of the present by modern technical means.

It managed to overcome the West’s offensive campaign regarding the workers’ crisis, the imposed Islamic rules, and refuting the thought of being an incompetent country. It was also able to overcome the political crisis with its Gulf surroundings and the stifling blockade it suffered. Seriously, Qatar has thoroughly considered every tiny detail of the event. Consequently, none can deny the fact that Qatar has made unparalleled success along with moral values rooted in its blood. The last day of tournaments was a day of pride and a day of success. The people of Qatar shared their joy on Qatar’s National Day in scenes expressing the fulfillment and joy of the achievements of these people for a moment, from the beginning of the World Cup to the final. Moreover, building infrastructures with paying attention to the principle of sustainability was yet another field of success.
Read more on this/ Qatar FIFA 2022, A Civilized Model Of Islam

Western Racism toward Arabs and Muslims

Arabs have long suffered systematic attacks for portraying them as a nation unable to achieve success and participate effectively in major global events. But, now came the time to demolish all these ignorant racist views. For example, Morocco’s best international achievement came at the 2022 World Cup. Morocco became the first African team to qualify for the semi-finals of the World Cup after the previous three African quarter-finalists were eliminated. Morocco was unbeaten in their last six World Cup matches (winning 3 and drawing 3), the longest-unbeaten African team in the history of the World Cup by counting their 2-2 draw against Spain in Morocco’s last encounter with the Russian World Cup. Most importantly, their greatest win is being crowned with the love of Arabs.

Moroccans/ Other winners in the Mondial

Qatar’s success in hosting the World Cup gives Arabs hope that they can catch up with civilizations at all levels. But it needs great time and effort. It also requires sincerity of intent, decision, will, deviation from dependence, and focus on the interests of our people. Another aspect includes no more considering the west as a criterion for judgments and laws. The masses not only accepted the imposed Islamic rules but also praised them and considered them a good choice. Despite all these fabulous achievements, some will never abandon the racist look for Arabs. For example, Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, draped Lionel Messi in an Arab bisht before lifting the World Cup as an act of courtesy and appreciation. BBC host Gary Lineker said, “it was a shame they had covered his shirt,” during what was “a magical moment.”

On the other hand, the moment when Sofiane Boufal along with his mother made a celebratory victory dance at the pitch went viral. This exact scene warmed our hearts, not just us as Muslims or Arabs but also the westerners too. They were amazed by the Islamic values present during the tournaments. They felt the unity, love, gratitude, and family values of the Muslims especially. In addition to the Islamic preaching made by Qatar’s efforts, many football fans converted to Islam. Yet, again, some will insist to believe and increase Islamophobia to deviate us from the track of success, of course.
Read more on this/ The World Cup in Qatar and Die-hard Western Racism

Sofiane Boufal along with his mother made a celebratory victory dance at the pitch.
Winners! Winners!

Love for Palestine, hatred for Israel

Others have joined the honor of moral winning like Palestine, for instance. At the World Cup, Palestine’s presence was evident, and the absence of Israeli media and flag as an intolerable guest. Some people did not know anything about the Palestinian cause while some believed the misleading story of Israel. However, thanks belong to the supporting campaign, with Qatar as a contributor, things have changed. For instance, non-Arab and Muslim audiences (for example, the Brazilian public) appeared to celebrate their win by singing to Palestine. 
Read more on this/ Palestine is Entrenched In the Heart of Qatar World Cup

Today, we are the one who is writing history from an Arabic land by our rules. It is worth mentioning that people must stop saying that it is all about anti-Semitism. This is either based on ignorance or claims of stupidity. Qatar, Palestine, and Muslims, in general, are all other winners too. The question remains in our minds. If the World Cup were in another Arab country, would it have succeeded in this way and left moral impacts on the world?

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Gulf of Oman: The New Battleground Between USA and Iran

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US military ship

On July 5, 2023, a Wednesday morning, two Iranian Navy ships approached US oil tankers in two separate incidents in the Gulf of Oman. One of the Iranian Navy ships fired its weapons at an oil tanker – escalating tensions in the region. The incident is marking another chapter in a string of incidents that have been occurring since 2019.

The Gulf of Oman Incident

According to commander Tim Hawkins, spokesman for the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet:

“The Iranian navy did make attempts to seize commercial tankers lawfully transiting international waters.”

At 01:00 AM local time, an Iranian Navy ship came near the oil tanker TRF Moss, which was flagged by the Marshall Islands. However, the Iranian Navy ship left the region when the US Navy destroyer USS McFaul arrived in the area.

Further, three hours later, at 4:00 AM, the US Navy received a distress call from the Bahamas-flagged oil tanker Richmond Voyager. According to the US Navy, the Bahamas-flagged oil tanker was more than 20 miles from the coast of Muscat, Oman, when another Iranian Navy ship came approaching the US oil tanker.

The Iranian Navy ship was signaling the oil tanker to stop when the same US Navy destroyer, USS McFaul, headed towards the oil tanker at full speed. 

US Military ship in the Gulf of Oman

The Iranian Navy fired its weapons before the US Navy destroyer USS McFaul arrived on the scene with a lot of bullets in a short period of time. According to the US Navy, the Iranian Navy fired with both small arms, such as pistols and rifles, and crew-served weapons, such as machine guns and cannons.

The bullets struck the side of the oil tanker near the crew’s living spaces, but no one was injured. However, The US Navy destroyer USS McFaul arrived on the scene, and the Iranian Navy ship left.

The Continual Attacks of Iran in the Gulf of Oman –

Iran has been continuously involved in multiple attacks on oil tankers since 2019 on a major shipping route for oil. According to the US Navy, Iran has either harassed or seized nearly 20 commercial ships that have been flagged by other countries since 2021.

Such attacks on major shipping routes for oil pose a clear threat to the security of shipping in the region and the global economy – according to the US Navy. The recent attack of July 2023 was not the first attempt by Iran; on June 14, 2019, Iran attempted to seize two US oil tankers by blast, which spiked the oil price significantly. However, the explosions raised concerns about a potential military conflict between Iran and the United States.

Earlier this year, Iran took control of two oil tankers in less than a week in the same region of the Strait of Hormuz, near the Gulf of Oman. Hence, knowing the importance and criticality of waterways for the global economy, such seizures prompted the US to send more ships and aircraft to patrol the Strait of Hormuz. The United States is working with individual countries in the region to deter threats to commercial shipping and prevent attacks on commercial ships.

In May 2023, Greece issued a serious notice and warned ship owners to stay away from Iranian waters because there was a risk of being attacked. However, the latest seizure of an oil tanker by Iran is part of a series of attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf of Oman that have been happening since 2019.

Why is Iran Constantly Attacking US Oil Tankers? 

According to the U.S. Navy, in the past two years, Iran has taken commercial vessels in at least five instances. Additionally, they have recorded more than a dozen instances of Iran bothering commercial vessels during the past two years. And many of the incidents have happened in the Strait of Hormuz or nearby regions, a major shipping route for oil, which accounts for about 20% of all crude oil. 

The constant attack of Iran on US oil tankers in waterways is considered retaliation for withdrawing Iran’s 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers and restoring crippling sanctions by the US during the reign of President Trump. 

The Trump administration’s decision to leave the Iran nuclear deal and impose new sanctions on Iran has led to increased tensions between Iran and the United States. 

However, after the decision to leave the Iran nuclear deal, Iran has increased its nuclear activities within the country, which could be used to develop nuclear weapons. However, the United States and other countries in the world have worked together to prevent such practices by Iran. 

Nevertheless, Iran has denied such practice and says that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes, such as generating electricity. Further, Iran is providing Russia with armed drones that can be used in the war against Ukraine. This is further increasing tension among countries and is a serious concern for the international community. 

What will Happen Next?

The ongoing tension between Iran and the US serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance that should be maintained in international waters. Iran’s repeated attack on the US and other countries’ oil tankers and commercial vessels shows the ever-complex geopolitical landscape in the middle-east region.

However, as countries work together to maintain maritime trade security, diplomatic efforts and international cooperation must be at the forefront of resolving these conflicts. 

The world is watching closely with the hope of a peaceful resolution – especially in times of current economic and diplomatic uncertainties. 

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Manipur Violence Sparks Debate in Indian Parliament

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For the past few days, India’s Parliament is unable to function properly. The opposition has been pushing for a debate on the violence in Manipur under relevant rules of the parliament proceedings. However, the ruling BJP party has been refusing the opposition’s request. As a result, the Indian lawmakers have not been able to carry out much business in the parliament. People have raised questions about the losing credibility of the parliament.

Also, read Modi Bats for Uniform Civil Code in India

Manipur Violence

Since May this year, Manipur has been engulfed in ethno-religious violence. The violence erupted on May 3 after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. More than 160 people have been killed in the violence so far. The government has imposed curfew in the state.

Read here, Modi Visits US Amidst Human Rights Criticism

GOI avoiding accountability on Manipur violence

While the law-and-order machinery in the state has broken, the state government has largely avoided accountability for the Manipur violence. Further, people at the helm of affairs in Manipur, including police have played partisan role in the violence. There are reports of police officers of one ethnic community inflicting violence against members of the other community. Reports and videos of sexual violence coming from Manipur this week shocked India except for the ruling party. There had been efforts to suppress the reports and videos of Manipur sexual violence. Despite attempting to delete the video clips from phones and internet ban in the state, the videos somehow went viral on social media.  

Also, read Pakistan Establishment’s Move Against Imran Khan and PTI

Opposition parties on Manipur violence

Given the gravity of the situation, various opposition parties in India had called for the resignation of the state government. The state government however continues to ignore these calls. Similarly, Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi has not spoken a word on the issue. During these three months, Modi has attended various rallies and functions and spoken a lot about the achievements of his government, but Manipur does not seem to exist for him.

Read here, Karnataka Elections: Setback for Modi

Modi not attending parliament on Manipur violence

Modi has also not attended the parliament to talk about Manipur violence. He has been absent from the parliament. The opposition demanded his presence in the parliament to debate and discuss on Manipur. However, the ruling government has rejected the opposition demands. Even though the government agreed to have a short discussion on Manipur, it wanted to do it without the presence of Modi.

Also, read India’s Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi Disqualified

GOI’s whataboutery on Manipur violence

One of the horrible things that was witnessed in parliament recently was the ruling government resorting to whataboutery. When the opposition demanded a discussion on Manipur sexual violence, the members of ruling party, including Minister for Women and Child Development, Smriti Zubin Irani resorted to whataboutery. If the opposition wants to discuss Manipur sexual violence, the ruling government wants to discuss sexual violence in opposition-ruled states. However, opposition members argued that while sexual violence against women was happening in other states, the sexual violence in Manipur had a genocidal intent.

Meanwhile, opposition leaders asked the Upper House to suspend all other business and take up the discussion on Manipur. Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar did not allow the discussion and rejected the demands for PM’s presence in the House.

Read here, India Government Unleashes Bulldozer in Kashmir

Opposition parties demand discussion on Manipur violence

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Raghav Chadha cited an example from Congress days when the chairman had suspended all other businesses to take up the issue of attacks on migrants from Northeast. Manipur is one of the states located in the Northeast. The people from Northeast are discriminated and attacked in the mainland India. During the Covid-19 pandemic, there were various reports of violence on migrants from Northeast states.

“The images of brutality and monstrosity coming from Manipur have shaken the soul of India to its core. Is this India of 21st century? Is this the New India of which the prime minister sings paens across the world? Did the people of Manipur vote for this?” Chadha said.

“The ministers of BJP tweet if there is a small earthquake anywhere from Pakistan to Kazakhstan. And now when Manipur is burning, these people are not even bothered. The cries of Manipur have reached every corner of the world, but not the corridors of power in Delhi,” he added.

Also, read BBC’s Modi Documentary Rattles Modi Government

Indian parliament over Manipur violence

The way the current regime has handled parliament proceedings has made parliament a joke. The opposition is not being heard in the parliament. The only function of parliament for Modi’s party is to pass bills and make laws conveniently with the help of its brute majority. The government does not want any inconvenience. It does not want discussion on anything inconvenient. The opposition can either toe the line or they can shout and stage a walk-out. However, the government will not concede, and it will do what it wants to do. One wonders what the function of the opposition in India’s parliament is today. Currently, it seems it has none.

Read here, Turkey-Israel Relations: Erdogan is Using the Palestinian Cause for Electoral Gains

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LGBT Rights in India: The Long and Difficult Battle to Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage

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Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage in India

They might be a minority, but the majority cannot decide the rights of the minority,” utters the Supreme Court advocate during the hearing on same-sex marriage. 

Same-Sex Marriage in India

On January 6, 2023, the Supreme Court of India decided to address the pending petitions for same-sex marriage pending in different high courts.

Homosexuality was decriminalized in India in 2018. But, same-sex marriages are still not accepted by the law.

However, in a discussion during parliament on the same petition, BJP minister Sushil Modi’s position was completely different. According to him, “Same-sex marriages go against Indian culture.” He also added, “Same-sex marriage is neither recognized nor accepted in any uncodified personal law.” 

The statement from the BJP MP manifested a completely different outlook and belief for the Indian government regarding same-sex marriages. Marriage laws in India are governed by personal laws, which vary based on an individual’s religion.

Currently, Indian law defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Hence, the concept of same-sex marriage is a hard pill to swallow for Indian culture and society. 

Legalizing Same-Sex Marriges – Fighting for Equality

The current situation of the LGBTQ+ community in India is not yet entitled to the same legal recognition as other communities. The LGBTQ+ members often live in shadows, rejected by their families or society at large.

Their efforts to legalize same-sex marriage in India are still ongoing, with various advocacy groups and individuals working towards achieving marriage equality with little hope in sight.

In 2018, the Supreme Court of India decriminalized homosexuality. According to the law, same-sex couples can live together legally in India.

Then a question might arise – what could be the reason behind not legalizing same-sex marriage?

Understanding What is the LGBTQ+ Community-Fighting? 

Here, the battle is to legalize same-sex marriage and get the same legal rights and protections that heterosexual couples enjoy or gain in India.

According to the law, a same-sex couple cannot adopt a child. The law also allows a single woman to adopt a child of any gender. But a single man is eligible to adopt only a male child.  

Thus, LGBTQ+ individuals can apply for the adoption of a child as a single parent. But their partner will not have legal rights to the adopted child. Thus, supporters of LGBTQ+ rights emphasize how such laws give rise to prejudice in society. 

In India, there are many family laws that regulate matters of adoption, surrogacy, inheritance, etc. However, in all such laws, “Marriage” plays a crucial part. As LGBTQ+ couples cannot legally marry, they are deprived of rights afforded by these laws. 

Moreover, the LGBTQ+ couple is not eligible to get life insurance for their partner. They cannot buy a joint home loan as there is no legal recognition of their marriage, and they experience a lack of safety and security from society and the government. Further, there is no law specifying who inherits the property in case of the absence of a will. Thus, the LGBTQ+ community wants to legalize same-sex marriage in India.  

The On-going Arguments by LGBTQ+ supporters 

The LGBTQ+ supporters argue that the Supreme Court of India has intervened in many inter-caste and inter-religious marriages in the past. Then, why can’t the Supreme Court support same-sex marriages? Many legal experts have pointed if we legalize same-sex marriage, we do not necessarily involve in changing the articles of the Constitution. 

All it requires are a few amendments to the Special Marriage Acts. Legal experts claim that the act should be made gender-neutral. That is if a man’s marriage to a woman is a legal procedure, then same-sex marriage should be legally recognized under the Act. 

Changing the Law

The second argument that LGBTQ+ supporters proposed is that by changing the law. They argue that by changing the law, the people’s opinions towards them will also change.

According to the reports, after the decriminalization of homosexuality, there has been an increase in societal acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Existence of Same-Sex Relationships in the History

The third argument that LGBTQ+ supporters proposed is that same-sex relationships in India date back to the past. According to Harbans Mukhia, a well-known historian, homosexuality in India was criminalized by the British government under Indian Penal Code 377 in the 19th century due to their Christian belief system.  

But both Hindu and Muslim histories show multiple mentions of homosexual relationships in India. For example, the Khajuraho temple in Madhya Pradesh has an ancient sculpture chronicling four women having homosexual or the Hindu text Kamasutra.

Moreover, Devdut Patnayak, the famous Indian author, shared that in the Rigveda, Mitra, and Varuna, both male gods, are said to have a child. In the Mahabharata, the story of Shikandi, who was responsible for the death of Bhisma. She was born as a daughter but raised as a man. 

In Muslim history, Shah Hussain, the Sufi poet, is believed to have fallen in love with a Hindu boy, Madho Lal. Even a Mughal Emperor had a similar experience. In his Memoir, Baburnama, Babur enunciates his attraction towards a boy named Baburi in Kabul. 

However, the counterargument is: Indian history may have seen same-sex relationships, but there is no evidence of same-sex marriages. 

India Is Not Ready for Same-Sex Marriage

The people who oppose the legalization of same-sex marriage in India argue that same-sex marriage violates the fundamental unit of our society—the family. Many also argue that legalizing same-sex marriages is an acceptance of Western culture and a violation of Indian values.

Moreover, Indian society also believes that marriage is not just an instrument of enjoyment but it is procreation. As same-sex couples can’t procreate, what’s the use of their marital union? 

However, India’s society and culture are designed on the basis of exceptions, which makes India not ready. Moreover, to make Indian society accept such a community, the first thing it needs is a change in their perspective of thinking and adoption of what is truthful and natural. 

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