Gulf States investing heavily in influence
At a time when the UAE refuses to take calls from US President Joe Biden, hosts Russian President Vladimir Putin, and cuts oil production during a worldwide energy crisis; many observers wonder whether the Emirates is a friend or foe of the West. All the while, the ambiguous Gulf ally has been stealthily buying influence in Washington and currying bipartisan favour strategically, to keep US policy friendly despite the UAE’s unmistakable lack of reciprocity. Radha Stirling, CE
“My Iraq Prison Hell” - Brian Glendinning talks to Radha Stirling
After two months of prison hell, Brian opens up and he's angry at Qatar's "disgusting" World Cup. Scottish construction engineer, Brian Glendinning was jailed in Iraq over a Qatar National Bank issued Interpol Red Notice for a small debt. After substantial diplomatic, media and strategic efforts of crisis manager Radha Stirling, Brian returned home to Scotland on Saturday. “It brought a tear to my eye as I heard Brian’s worst moment in prison”, said extradition expert Radha S
Qatar threatens potential withdrawal of investment from UK
“If there was ever any doubt that Gulf investors in Europe view their capital as ‘hush money’, this should make it clear,” says Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Doha and Due Process International regarding Qatar’s announcement that all current and future investment in the UK will be under review following a ban on tourism advertising on the London Underground. Transport for London (TfL) recently rejected allowing ads promoting Qatar as a tourist destination that were to app
Talk TV: Radha Stirling & Daisy McAndrew talk Qatar World Cup and human rights issues
When Qatar insisted on hosting the World Cup, people's love of soccer again surpassed their disapproval of dictators, corruption, and human rights abusesWhen Qatar insisted on hosting the World Cup, people's love of soccer again surpassed their disapproval of dictators, corruption, and human rights abuses. Sports has proven to be a vehicle for soft power, and the Gulf is deploying that power vigorously. Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund recently purchased Newcastle United
Qatar Airways abuse exposed.
With the looming 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the myriad nefarious controversies, allegations of corruption and skulduggery surrounding its “winning” hosting the event, we shall be examining a catalogue of inescapable ugly truths that envelope this country, its romanticised and delusional image portrayed to a susceptible public, body of corporations, financiers, public figures, governments and ultimately FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association). Primarily,
Sportwashing: Sports as a vehicle for soft power by Radha Stirling for the Times of Israel
When Qatar insisted on hosting the World Cup, people's love of soccer again surpassed their disapproval of dictators, corruption, and human rights abuses Three years ago the UAE and Saudi Arabia, along with a few of their allies, were boycotting Qatar over Doha’s alleged ties to financing terrorism, and its friendly relationship with Iran. At that time, the Emiratis and the Saudis suggested that the boycott could potentially be lifted if Qatar forfeited hosting the World Cup
Foreign Office told “Dubai travel warnings insufficient”
Coroner tells FCDO to increase Dubai travel warnings. The inquest into the death of Lee Bradley Brown heard that the number of new cases of Britons reporting torture or mistreatment in Dubai to the Foreign Office had surged from 3 per cent of the global total to 13 per cent in just four years, but “that is only the tip of the iceberg”, explained Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai who has advocated for victims since 2008. The Coroner produced a prevention of future dea
Qatar bans Jewish religious observance at World Cup
More than 10,000 religious Jews from Israel and around the world are expected to arrive in Doha to attend the World Cup after having been assured by Qatari authorities that kosher food and places of worship would be available to them; however, Qatar has now reneged on these assurances at the last minute, completely banning Jewish religious services in the country and prohibiting the sale of kosher food. “This is a startling reversal by Qatar,” said Radha Stirling, CEO of Deta
Brian Glendinning’s emotional reunion with family at Edinburgh Airport
Brian was welcomed home this morning at Edinburgh’s airport in an emotional reunion with his loving family and friends. He was met by his mother, Meta; his wife, Kimberly; daughters Heidi and Lexi; and his brothers John and Lee at Edinburgh after returning to Scotland on a flight from Istanbul. Brian told reporters“I just didn’t think this time was coming anytime soon.” “I’m now back where I belong with my family and my friends. “It’s just the emotions. I didn’t think I was g
Brian Glendinning flight delayed
Storms in Iraq have prevented Brian Glendinning from returning to Scotland today as scheduled. “I spoke with Brian last night just before he went to the airport. He was excited to be coming and keen to discuss his shocking experience.” He told Stirling, “Hope you're well and happy belated birthday to you I liked the personal note regarding my release on your birthday 🙌 “I just wanted to drop you a short message to thank you so so much for all your support and efforts you
