Hassan Al-Thawadi addresses some of the allegations against Qatar's 2022 FIFA World Cup bid.
30 replies, posted
This interview was conducted by The Student Room UK, and although they were published a couple of months ago; it still has some significance as news on an event in the world. I noticed the low view count and thought that it should be spread among those following the headlines/stories on the FIFA World Cup allegations. This is the first direct interview with a bid member I've seen so far.
Part 1
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wStKwbpHjtc[/media]
Part 2
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTjfFPzNMp0[/media]
My God, his English-speaking skills are par-non! I'm very surprised, there's hardly an accent!
He isn't a native English-speaker, is he?
[editline]9th October 2011[/editline]
Also someone tell the interviewer to get his hand out of his frigging face.
[QUOTE=ewitwins;32701713]My God, his English-speaking skills are par-non! I'm very surprised, there's hardly an accent!
He isn't a native English-speaker, is he?[/QUOTE]
Nope. English is essentially a main language in Qatar, it's definitely more spoken than Arabic is, so you'll find most people are just as fluent. I say most because there are the few that speak poor english, but basically everyone speaks some form of the language. All private schools in Qatar teach in English, and all but one universities as well.
Older people are the ones with accents because they didn't grow up learning English, but the generation that includes the guy being interviewed are almost always fluent English speakers.
[QUOTE=Conspiracy;32701782]Nope. English is essentially a main language in Qatar, it's definitely more spoken than Arabic is, so you'll find most people are just as fluent. I say most because there are the few that speak poor english, but basically everyone speaks some form of the language. All private schools in Qatar teach in English, and all but one universities as well.
Older people are the ones with accents because they didn't grow up learning English, but the generation that includes the guy being interviewed are almost always fluent English speakers.[/QUOTE]
How do you, as an individual living in Qatar, feel about the allegations put upon the nation as a whole?
[QUOTE=ewitwins;32701871]How do you, as an individual living in Qatar, feel about the allegations put upon the nation as a whole?[/QUOTE]
I don't think anyone could have put it better than Hassan Al-Thawadi did. It's a little insulting that the rest of the world would jump to the conclusion that Qatar won because of oil-money instead of merit. The allegations basically meant that the tireless work of the bidding committee was completely nonexistent. It hurts people who spent years putting it together, I don't know how else to put it.
[QUOTE=Conspiracy;32701968]I don't think anyone could have put it better than Hassan Al-Thawadi did. It's a little insulting that the rest of the world would jump to the conclusion that Qatar won because of oil-money instead of merit. The allegations basically meant that the tireless work of the bidding committee was completely nonexistent. It hurts people who spent years putting it together, I don't know how else to put it.[/QUOTE]
I agree. I think Mr.Hassan reacted to all of the questions very well, and he even asked for clarification on certain questions, something that I don't think I've seen an interviewee do for quite some time, even when it was desperately needed.
What's it like living in Qatar, anyways? Is there any tension due to what's been happening for the last few months throughout the Arab world?
[QUOTE=ewitwins;32702022]I agree. I think Mr.Hassan reacted to all of the questions very well, and he even asked for clarification on certain questions, something that I don't think I've seen an interviewee do for quite some time, even when it was desperately needed.
What's it like living in Qatar, anyways? Is there any tension due to what's been happening for the last few months throughout the Arab world?[/QUOTE]
None whatsoever. Despite the country being a constitutional monarchy, the current Emir is the reason why Qatar went from a desert to the future hosting nation of the 2022 World Cup. There are simply no complaints among the government system because Qatar's always been very good at developing with a cultural background in mind. Most people in Qatar aren't even Qatari, Qatar's open to immigration from all around the world because there's such a high demand for certain jobs that can't be sustained by its population because of the rapid development. It's a peaceful place.
Al-Jazeera/Al-Jazeera English is actually based and was founded in Doha, which is why I found it to be so ironic when the interviewer mentioned an issue of free media. Since AJE are the news outlet thats giving so much coverage on the Arab Spring; if anything were to happen in Qatar it would be broadcasted quicker than anywhere else.
[QUOTE=Conspiracy;32702132]None whatsoever. Despite the country being a constitutional monarchy, the current Emir is the reason why Qatar went from a desert to the future hosting nation of the 2022 World Cup. There are simply no complaints among the government system because Qatar's always been very good at developing with a cultural background in mind. Most people in Qatar aren't even Qatari, Qatar's open to immigration from all around the world because there's such a high demand for certain jobs that can't be sustained by its population because of the rapid development. It's a peaceful place.
Al-Jazeera/Al-Jazeera English is actually based and was founded in Doha, which is why I found it to be so ironic when the interviewer mentioned an issue of free media. Since AJE are the news outlet thats giving so much coverage on the Arab Spring; if anything were to happen in Qatar it would be broadcasted quicker than anywhere else.[/QUOTE]
I wonder if they'd have any positions open for an architect :v: It's so hard to get a job over here in the U.S, things aren't so good right now.
[QUOTE=ewitwins;32702179]I wonder if they'd have any positions open for an architect :v: It's so hard to get a job over here in the U.S, things aren't so good right now.[/QUOTE]
Haha, the several billions of dollars that are going into infrastructure to prepare for 2022 should definitely give work to architects over the next several years.
How do you feel about the social situation in Qatar as opposed to the economic situation
That's the reason I've always felt Qatar absolutely should not have the world cup, no offense
It's a world celebration, there's going to be drunkenness and promiscuity at the event. Given Qatar's current social situation I can't help but think we're going to hear stories of thousands of tourists jailed over stupid shit
[QUOTE=Zeke129;32702996]How do you feel about the social situation in Qatar as opposed to the economic situation
That's the reason I've always felt Qatar absolutely should not have the world cup, no offense[/QUOTE]
Isn't alcohol banned in Qatar? If so is that what you're hinting towards? Since that's all the world cup seems to revolve around.
[QUOTE=Nightsure;32703070]Isn't alcohol banned in Qatar? If so is that what you're hinting towards? Since that's all the world cup seems to revolve around.[/QUOTE]
They said they're going to relax those rules for the event, it's sexuality that I'm worried about, especially homosexuality. [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Qatar](Which is illegal in Qatar)[/url]
You think no gay people are going to show up to the world cup? Think again Qatar
[release]Article 201 of the 1971 Penal Code punishes sodomy between consenting adults (irrespective of sex) with up to five years imprisonment. Since the 1990s, there have been several reports of this law being enforced against non-citizens.[/release]
If they don't change this the event is going to be a fucking disaster and Qatar will become the laughingstock of the world
[QUOTE=Zeke129;32703099]They said they're going to relax those rules for the event, it's sexuality that I'm worried about, especially homosexuality. [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Qatar](Which is illegal in Qatar)[/url]
You think no gay people are going to show up to the world cup? Think again Qatar
[release]Article 201 of the 1971 Penal Code punishes sodomy between consenting adults (irrespective of sex) with up to five years imprisonment. Since the 1990s, there have been several reports of this law being enforced against non-citizens.[/release]
If they don't change this the event is going to be a fucking disaster and Qatar will become the laughingstock of the world[/QUOTE]
I think the other countries governments would lean on them rather hard to relax this to "keep it to the bedroom", seeing as they are relaxing the alcohol laws
I want a money bag now, its not fair.
[QUOTE=Conspiracy;32701968]I don't think anyone could have put it better than Hassan Al-Thawadi did. It's a little insulting that the rest of the world would jump to the conclusion that Qatar won because of oil-money instead of merit.[/QUOTE]
Don't be naive, that's how states win these deals.
Good interview though.
[editline]10th October 2011[/editline]
[QUOTE=ewitwins;32702179]I wonder if they'd have any positions open for an architect :v: It's so hard to get a job over here in the U.S, things aren't so good right now.[/QUOTE]
You might end up working for Bin Ladens
[editline]10th October 2011[/editline]
[QUOTE=Nightsure;32703070]Isn't alcohol banned in Qatar? If so is that what you're hinting towards? Since that's all the world cup seems to revolve around.[/QUOTE]
sober sports?
that's like waterslides without water
Is it banned?
Contrary to popular belief, Alcohol is very available in Qatar. It's just expensive as hell and usually served in luxury restaurants, and I think there's one liquor store but you have to apply for a permit before you can make purchases.When 2022 happens, they've already vowed to build countless, open bars and people will definitely be able to drink but not as freely as Germany (simply because you cannot become more free in terms of alcohol than Germany, haha) but it shouldn't feel too different from home.
As for homosexuality, sexual open-ness has seen an incredible rise in the last 5 years or so. There hasn't been any instances of persecution of gay people in recent years as far as I know, and this event should definitely further develop Qatar's laws to abolish any old laws targeting gay people. Plus, I'm pretty sure they're well aware that gay people will be visiting Qatar; so there shouldn't be any issues with jailing them; as they do not jail homosexuals in their own country as of now.
[QUOTE=Conspiracy;32707326]As for homosexuality, sexual open-ness has seen an incredible rise in the last 5 years or so. There hasn't been any instances of persecution of gay people in recent years as far as I know, and this event should definitely further develop Qatar's laws to abolish any old laws targeting gay people. Plus, I'm pretty sure they're well aware that gay people will be visiting Qatar; so there shouldn't be any issues with jailing them; as they do not jail homosexuals in their own country as of now.[/QUOTE]
As for homosexual persecution specifically, I can't find anything quickly, but recent events are certainly troubling, like when Qatari officials deported a refugee/rape victim from Libya during the rebellion: [url]http://www.amnestyusa.org/news/press-releases/amnesty-international-condemns-qatar-for-deporting-rape-survivor-eman-al-obeidi-to-libya[/url]
[QUOTE=Zeke129;32703099]They said they're going to relax those rules for the event, it's sexuality that I'm worried about, especially homosexuality. [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Qatar](Which is illegal in Qatar)[/url]
You think no gay people are going to show up to the world cup? Think again Qatar
[release]Article 201 of the 1971 Penal Code punishes sodomy between consenting adults (irrespective of sex) with up to five years imprisonment. Since the 1990s, there have been several reports of this law being enforced against non-citizens.[/release]
If they don't change this the event is going to be a fucking disaster and Qatar will become the laughingstock of the world[/QUOTE]
Back in the 1971, Qatar was originally based off of Saudi Arabia's incredibly strict (and endlessly criticized) Wahhabi interpretation of Sharia law. Since then, Qatar's developed and has slowly started to turn a blind eye to that specific level of intensity. Women can drive, alcohol can be sold, no one is ever stoned to death, etc. I suppose that law in the penal code (Hence its establishment in 1971) is very obsolete and not enforced. I agree with you that it should be removed, as a symbolic means, but I assure you that gay people will watch the world cup without ridicule, harassment or any legal persecution whatsoever.
[editline]10th October 2011[/editline]
[QUOTE=Megafanx13;32707383]As for homosexual persecution specifically, I can't find anything quickly, but recent events are certainly troubling, like when Qatari officials deported a refugee/rape victim from Libya during the rebellion: [url]http://www.amnestyusa.org/news/press-releases/amnesty-international-condemns-qatar-for-deporting-rape-survivor-eman-al-obeidi-to-libya[/url][/QUOTE]
Qatar was initially supposed to protect her under the request of European diplomats, but as a person with no legal document Qatari law had to deport her because she had no official papers that could grant her residency, and generally refugees find it very difficult to enter this part of the world. She was held until they could put her on a plane back to the rebel controlled Benghazi, where they assumed she would be in good hands and under special protection from the NTC who had showed such strong support for her in the past. As opposed to the Ghaddafi regime that had attacked and raped her. It's a little insensitive but that's the best they could do under current law. That's what my opinion is, anyway.
Also, Qatar's help towards Libya and against Ghaddafi has been pretty huge altogether.
Why did your Qatari flag suddenly turn into a British flag? I am confuse?
Are you using a Qatari VPN to make us think you're from Qatar? I am very confuse.
[QUOTE=Conspiracy;32707390]I assure you that gay people will watch the world cup without ridicule, harassment or any legal persecution whatsoever.[/QUOTE]
Well I hope your government knows that the world will be watching extremely closely.
[QUOTE=Zeke129;32708384]Well I hope your government knows that the world will be watching extremely closely.[/QUOTE]
Indeed. Some kind of incident involving arrests for otherwise legal sexual activity (or equivalent) would be incredibly damning for the nation and its credibility.
[QUOTE=doonbugie2;32708312]Why did your Qatari flag suddenly turn into a British flag? I am confuse?
Are you using a Qatari VPN to make us think you're from Qatar? I am very confuse.[/QUOTE]
Haha, actually I was using a British VPN briefly to access my grades posted on PowerSchool. (They've blocked it in school so we don't look at grades and immediately run up to teachers to hassle them, but we find a way around it.) I'm in Qatar.
[editline]10th October 2011[/editline]
[QUOTE=Zeke129;32708384]Well I hope your government knows that the world will be watching extremely closely.[/QUOTE]
No doubt.
[QUOTE=Conspiracy;32708766]Haha, actually I was using a British VPN briefly to access my grades posted on PowerSchool. (They've blocked it in school so we don't look at grades and immediately run up to teachers to hassle them, but we find a way around it.) I'm in Qatar.
[editline]10th October 2011[/editline]
No doubt.[/QUOTE]
I'm onto you.
Bah! this world cup will suck so much. I was hoping for the Spain-Portugal bid to win...
[QUOTE=barttool;32708977]Bah! this world cup will suck so much. I was hoping for the Spain-Portugal bid to win...[/QUOTE]
How come? I thought the bid looked really strong.
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-z2jtUS9-Y[/media]
Having gays banned overall is a laugh and a half, seriously it's so stupid to have such a strict law on a personal right. Even if it's enforced you can perfectly get away with it by saying you're room mates or some shit idk.
[editline]10th October 2011[/editline]
[QUOTE]In 2010, upon Qatar being awarded the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar's record on LGBT rights became a source of debate again, with gay rights groups criticizing FIFA for choosing to host the event in a country where homosexuality is illegal.[6] Richard de Mos, a member of the [B]Dutch Parliament for the Freedom Party (PVV), has proposed that the Dutch football team play in pink, instead of the country's national color, orange, to protest the gay rights situation in Qatar.[/B][/QUOTE]
This is why the world is so great.
[QUOTE=Conspiracy;32709053]How come? I thought the bid looked really strong.
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-z2jtUS9-Y[/media][/QUOTE]
I think that video meant 'persian gulf' cuz last time i checked 'arabian gulf' didn't exist.
While the bid looks amazing, I wonder how much money they spent on that single >10 minute long video.
[QUOTE=aydin690;32709133]I think that video meant 'persian gulf' cuz last time i checked 'arabian gulf' didn't exist.[/QUOTE]While I agree, who gives a shit.
[editline]10th October 2011[/editline]
Arabs recognize it as the Arabian Gulf and Iranians as the Persian Gulf. It's such a trivial argument between the two, I'm not sure why you’d post just to bring it up.
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