Obama misspeaks

Published: Saturday, December 04, 2010, 1:36 AM     Updated: Saturday, December 04, 2010, 5:11 PM

I thought I misheard president Obama’s response to FIFA’s decision selecting Qatar over an American bid to host the 2022 World Cup. But it is true. For the world's super power to say the decision was the wrong one is laden with potentially harmful repercussions for the US.  Mind you, 90% of Americans care less about a game they call soccer while the rest of the world, appropriately, calls it football. 

So what’s wrong with awarding World Cup 2022 games to Qatar, Mr. President? The last time I checked, this tiny island in the Arabian Gulf is a close ally of the United States with a large US military base and where Americans are considered honored guests. What message are you sending Mr. President to the leaders of this country, to the Arab and Muslim worlds? Is FIFA’s decision wrong because the games will be held in an Arab Muslim country? 

Second, Mr. President, if you are worried that American spectators won’t be able to tolerate the summer heat in the desert island, I assure you Qatar will probably build the first ever enclosed and of course air conditioned soccer stadium. In fact the news now talk about 9 world class stadiums.

Accusations of bribery and anti-Americanism are the pathetic weapons of sore losers. . Casting doubt at the World body's decision demonstrates our hypocrisy in promoting the democratic choices of other peoples and governments. Had FIFA chosen the US, would we remain silent to and accepting of the baseless allegations of bribery and favoritism?

the Qatar ranked first in all the prequalifying stages. Being an Arab Muslim nation is a plus to hosting a game in a country and a region where the sport is supremely loved. And Qatar will set world records in providing world class infrastructure and sports venues. In fact, Qatar will and for the second time host the Asia Cup and it has declared that all nations including Israel may participate in the games.

If security is your concern, the US military base is on the ready, I am sure.
Could it be that our president thought the World Cup was another name for the Super Bowl? Could it be that he thought the world was about to rob America of its national pastime? (I know some will argue that Baseball is America's game.)

Thank God, you have a Secretary of State who has tried to massage your insult by sending her congratulations to Qatar. I hope the people of Qatar will extend their usually gracious and forgiving hand.

Holding the World Cup in Qatar will not prove to be the panacea some expect. World attention will be directed at their treatment of  slave-like guest workers, treatment of women, and lack of democratic reforms. FIFA, following preset guidelines, may have rightly ignored these misgivings but and for the next ten years the world will be asking.

I give our president  a big F for flunking the diplomatic test .You may be an amateur baseball player but football (soccer) and world diplomacy seem to be not within your reach, Mr. President.