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Soccer Decision Fuels Sense of Iraqi Victimhood

Given the inextricable relationship between sports and politics in Iraq, a decision by the Gulf states to move the 2013 Gulf Cup of Nations out of Basra has hit a personal note with Iraqi politicians.

Harith al-Qarawee
Harith al-Qarawee
Oct 15, 2013
A fan wearing a Ghostface mask from Scream holds an Iraqi flag during Iraq's international friendly soccer match against Syria at Baghdad's Shaab stadium March 26, 2013. Iraq will be allowed to play friendly matches at home again following approval from soccer's world governing body FIFA on Thursday. Iraq were banned from playing all games at home for security reasons after losing a World Cup qualifier 2-0 to Jordan at the Franso Hariri Stadium in Arbil in September 2011. The reprieve does not apply to Worl
A fan wearing a Ghostface mask from "Scream" holds an Iraqi flag during Iraq's international friendly soccer match against Syria at Baghdad's Shaab stadium, March 26, 2013. — REUTERS/Thaier al-Sudani

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