Afkār is a publication of the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, providing short-form analyses, insights, and perspectives on regional issues and developments from the Council's experts and outside contributors. Afkār is published in English and Arabic, and is edited by Omar H. Rahman.
Western, especially European, reactions to the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups reveal double standards. While Qatar faced a barrage of unfair criticism, the US has escaped accountability for organizing a tournament marred by several controversies, including visa discrimination, issues of accessibility and affordability, and bias.
The disruption of fertilizer exports through the Strait of Hormuz exposes vulnerabilities in global food systems and is pushing governments to prioritize resilience over efficiency.
As traditional diplomatic channels faltered, Qatar and Pakistan emerged as complementary intermediaries helping manage one of the region’s most dangerous crises.