Flags and Soccer

I never thought I would be writing a blog post about soccer, but here I go.

Today, USA plays IRAN in the FIFA Men's World Cup Soccer Tournament in Qatar. Yes - Qatar. A country the size of New Hampshire that apparently is one of the richest countries on the planet.

“The political system of Qatar is a semi-constitutional monarchy with the emir as head of state and chief executive, and the prime minister as the head of government.

The emirs are members of the House of Al Thani, whose origins are in the Banu Tamim, one of the largest tribes in the Arabian Peninsula. The present ruler is Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who succeeded on 25 June 2013.”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qatar

Basically, Tamin is a dictator.

To help us understand, imagine if King Charles really ran (created laws and had all the money) England and the Parliament and Prime Minister were just shows for the public.

Middle Eastern countries seem challenging to understand, so let me tell you what I know.

Some of these countries are run by Emirs, Kings, or Princes. Some are run by Ayatollahs (religious leaders).

Some of these countries do not allow women to drive cars.

Some of these countries do not allow women to go to the grocery store alone.

Some of these countries require women to wear headscarves - hijabs.

One country killed a woman - Masha Amini -who did not wear a head scarf properly.

“Amini's death spurred this latest explosion of outrage (in Iran). She had been detained September 13 for allegedly wearing her hijab too loosely in violation of strictures demanding women in public wear the Islamic headscarves. She died three days later in police custody; authorities said she had a heart attack but hadn't been harmed. Her family has disputed that, leading to the public outcry.”

https://www.voanews.com/a/dissident-iranian-women-furious-over-headscarf-death/6761756.html

So what does this have to do with soccer?

Soccer fans are using this tournament as a world stage to protest these social injustices.

They are doing it through their flag.

Compare and Contrast

The official flag of Iran has the symbol for Allah - God in the middle.

The unofficial flag of Iran has these words: Women Life Freedom.

What do you think they are trying to say?