When the world gets closer.

We help you see farther.

Sign up to our expressly international daily newsletter.

Categories

HomeGeopoliticsEconomyFuture
GreenSocietyBon vivantWeirdIdeasMagazine

Focus

Ukraine WarGreen or GoneCoronavirusThe New Now
Paris CallingTrumpMigrant LivesChina 2.0

Countries

FranceUSAGermanyUnited-Kingdom
ItalyRussiaChinaNew-Zealand

Sources

Die WeltLa StampaThe ConversationThe WireKayhan-London
Les EchosEl EspectadorLivy BeregWorldcrunchBrowse all sources >

More about Worldcrunch

About usEditorial MissionEqual OpportunityCorporate Services

Follow us on social media

FlipboardTwitterFacebookInstagramLinkedIn

Already a subscriber? Log in.

You've reach your limit of free articles.

Get unlimited access to Worldcrunch

You can cancel anytime.

SUBSCRIBERS BENEFITS

Ad-free experience NEW

Exclusive international news coverage

Access to Worldcrunch archives

Monthly Access

30-day free trial, then $2.90 per month.

Annual Access BEST VALUE

$19.90 per year, save $14.90 compared to monthly billing.save $14.90.

Subscribe to Worldcrunch
This Happened

This Happened—January 19: Yassar Arafat Returns

This Happened IsraelSourcesWORLDCRUNCHPalestinian TerritoryCountries

Yasser Arafat returns to Hebron on this date in 1997.

Get This Happened straight to your inbox ✉️ each day! Sign up here.

Who was Yasser Arafat?

Arafat was a Palestinian political leader. In the latter part of the 1950s, Arafat co-founded Fatah, a paramilitary organization seeking the removal of Israel and its replacement with a Palestinian state. He later recognized Israel’s right to exist and advocated for a two-state solution.

He remained a controversial figure through his life. Palestinians regard him as a freedom fighter, but Israelis saw him as a terrorist. He was co-award the Nobel Peace Prize in1994.

Why is Hebron so important?

Hebron is holy for Jews, Muslims and Christians. After more than 30 years of Israeli military rule, it was the last West Bank territory to be handed back to Palestine. Arafat received a hero’s welcome on his return.

WORLDCRUNCHWORLDCRUNCH Logo

You've reached your limit of free articles.

To read the full story, start your free trial today.

Get unlimited access. Cancel anytime.

Exclusive coverage from the world's top sources, in English for the first time.

Insights from the widest range of perspectives, languages and countries.

Economy
Soft Power

Soft Power Or Sportwashing? What's Driving The Mega Saudi Image Makeover Play

Saudi Arabia suddenly now leads the world in golf, continues to attract top European soccer stars, and invests in culture and entertainment... Its "soft power" strategy is changing the kingdom's image through what critics bash as blatant "sportwashing."

Footballer Karim Benzema, in his Real Madrid kit

Karim Benzema during a football match at Santiago Bernabeu stadium on June 04, 2023, in Madrid, Spain.

Al Diaz / ZUMA
EconomySaudi ArabiaSourcesGeopoliticsFRANCE INTERIdeasfeatured-postCountries
Pierre Haski

-Analysis-

PARIS — A major announcement this week caused quite a stir in the world of professional golf. It wouldn't belong in the politics section were it not for the role played by Saudi Arabia. The three competing world circuits have announced their merger, putting an end to the "civil war" in the world of pro golf.

The Chairman of the new entity is Yassir Al-Rumayan, head of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund. Add to this the fact that one of the major players in the world of golf is Donald Trump – three of the biggest tournaments are held on golf courses he owns – and it's easy to see what's at stake.

In the same week, we learned that two leading French footballers, Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kanté, were to join Saudi club Al-Ittihad, also owned by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund. The amount of the transfer is not known, but it is sure to be substantial. There, they will join other soccer stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo.

Keep reading...Show less
View article in original language
English edition • Worldcrunch
FRANCE INTERFRANCE INTER Logo

You've reached your limit of free articles.

To read the full story, start your free trial today.

Get unlimited access. Cancel anytime.

Exclusive coverage from the world's top sources, in English for the first time.

Insights from the widest range of perspectives, languages and countries.

Already a subscriber? Log in.

You've reach your limit of free articles.

Get unlimited access to Worldcrunch

You can cancel anytime.

SUBSCRIBERS BENEFITS

Ad-free experience NEW

Exclusive international news coverage

Access to Worldcrunch archives

Monthly Access

30-day free trial, then $2.90 per month.

Annual Access BEST VALUE

$19.90 per year, save $14.90 compared to monthly billing.save $14.90.

Subscribe to Worldcrunch

The latest