tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1593189288898730807.post71525024912757199..comments2023-09-02T19:33:30.329+08:00Comments on The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer: Palestine: Playing soccer for statehoodThe Turbulent World of Middle East Soccerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08780576145703699280noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1593189288898730807.post-10655856265636962862011-06-19T03:39:59.359+08:002011-06-19T03:39:59.359+08:001. That's a picture of Younis Mahmoud, Iraq...1. That's a picture of Younis Mahmoud, Iraq's captain. <br /><br />2. The Munich 1972 attack was carried out by an organization called Black September, not the PLO. In fact, the group has repeatedly affirmed its autonomy from Fateh and the PLO. This attack should not be continuously attributed to the Palestinian people. Really why are you even bringing it up? Do you reference the anniversary of Israel's savage attack on Gaza or the Mavi Marmara every time Israel plays a football match. <br /><br />3. Rajoub.... Anti-Israel? Maybe 40 years ago but not now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ol43I6xUEiw<br /><br />4. I don't know how much you can read into Israeli cooperation. Ahmad Keshkesh was prevented from joining up with Wehdat for a month. Abdelatif Bahdari only got into the Gaza strip for the first time in five years after the Rafah crossing was opened by Egypt... not Israel. Let's not overstate cooperation here. Rajoub is in many ways Israel's lackey they make things easier on him and boost his position in the PA. If things were so rosy... Palestine would be holding a training camp in Palestine and not Jordan ahead of their qualifier against Afghanistan. <br /><br />5. This moment in Palestinian football is historic for footballing reasons. Other than putting a smile on people's faces and attracting some positive, non-political press there's very little our team can do. We're excited because in six weeks we could have our Olympic team in the final 12 of Asian qualifying, our senior team in the final 20 (with do-able victories against Afghanistan and Thailand) of WC qualifying, and be declared the hosts of the 2012 Challenge Cup.Bassilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17022940213556876121noreply@blogger.com