Andy Roddick won’t defend his title in Dubai next week because he doesn’t agree with the decision to deny Israeli Shahar Peer a visa to play in a women’s tournament.
“There were a lot of factors why I should probably go, and obviously having played well there doesn’t make it any easier,” Roddick said ....
The mixing of politics and sports was a big part of Roddick’s decision to pull out of Dubai where he won his second of three titles in 2008. Roddick said he has enjoyed himself when visiting the United Arab Emirates but was disappointed to see the government make a decision that reflects poorly on a great tournament.
“I don’t think you make political statements through sports,” Roddick said.
21 February, 2009
Roddick pulls out of Dubai tournament
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“I don’t think you make political statements through sports,” Roddick said.
Isnt that what he did by deciding not to come? Nice.
The banning of Shahar Peer was not a well-calculated move by the Dubai Government. And if they thought, their banning of her would further whichever cause they were supporting, it just backfired and while doing so further widened the existing animosity between Arabs & Jews. Moreover, if the authorities here thought they could get away with it without any repercussions whatsoever, then they were wrong. DEAD WRONG.
Right now, there's a bunch of people out there having the last laugh, not at Shahar's banning but the big time mess Dubai has gotten itself now.
And the best is yet to come.
Exactly, Anon 17.49!
Anyways, who cares what Dick thinks?
I read about Shahar Peer's denial of the visa and that she was not able to play. It's a bad thing that Roddick decided to not defend his title in Dubai.
I totally disagree of the anonymous comment that it's all about politics. This is all about sports and a fellow sportsman denied to play her passion. Denying one of his/her passion in sports is like denying the person of his/her life. It's not even about money, it's sports.
I go with what Roddick did.
Ana
I believe the issue is that once you agree to host an ATP/WTA tourny, you assure the organization that all eligible players will be granted access. Dubai has reneged on this agreement by denying Ms Peer entry. Pure and simple. If indeed Mr. Roddick is pulling out for his principles, then I think this is admirable. A player is under no obligation to attend and he is certainly giving up the opportunity to earn a good deal of $$$
i wish all parties involved could show the guts to step up to the plate and draw conclusions that were productive and collaborative so that we could somehow all gain from this debacle..
and yet somehow it seems to be sinking deeper and deeper.. and yet i understand the constraints..
(a) dubai will not apologise to peer
(b) its hard for dubai to waive an israeli flag
(c) jews/israel will struggle to swallow this one without responding
(d) its going to be hard to turn this around as a positive for tennis
(e) dubai is now exposed pants down to criticism and shall probably be closely watched by other international sporting associations..
somehow we need to sail between this ice bergs..
Anyone who support our enemy is our enemy.
Like always the Israelis are always the victims! If it was the case of an Arab or a Muslim sports person he/she wouldn't get this type of attention.
What many fail to understand is DUBAI doesn't issue visas! It is the UAE!
It is not something new, it is just like the case of any other country who gives hard time UAE citizens visas or even dennies.
So get over it. If the UAE doesn't want to grant TOM or JACK or Sameer, an Israeli or any other nationality a visa it is up to them.
FULL STOP ON THE LINE.
what dubai did was outrageous, the israeli player should follow suit and boycott the tournament too..
shouldn't he? i really think he should. i'd be so disappointed in him if he doesn't.
p.s. my capslock and shift keys are not working, in case you haven't noticed.
Proud emirati: "Anyone who support our enemy is our enemy."
So the UAE just paid a 300,000$ USD fine, 40 something of which will go towards Shahar Peer. Thereby supporting the enemy!
dxbiangirl:"So get over it. If the UAE doesn't want to grant TOM or JACK or Sameer, an Israeli or any other nationality a visa it is up to them."
Just as every other country has the right to not issue visas to people from the UAE, now no one from the UAE would complain now would they?
Sam: It will be interesting to see if this goes ahead given that the UK has just decided that all South Africans now need a visa to enter the UK after so many years of them being able to enter visaless.
dxbiagirl
honestly? i dont think most of us feel victimised.. i think many understand the complexity of the situation and appreciate that things may not always be as we wish for them..
the jews of the world however have certainly rallied.. and so have the elite tennis players.. which says something about shahar peer personally - if you ask me..
samuraisam, two absurd comparisons.
Lirun..> Come sail away! come sail away! come sail away with me!!!!!
God you just made me feel so old.
Yes, we needed some silliness in this thread.
BTW, the 1st post was mine.
- A Blessing In Tragedy
the jews of the world however have certainly rallied.. and so have the elite tennis players.. which says something about shahar peer personally - if you ask me..
Or it tells you how much guilt the west STILL feels for a few things that went on in the 40's
What we all need is to listen to this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1sf5yqZX-k
We need Islamic songs like these.
I completely agree with the decision to deny Peer a visa, and am disappointed that the UAE decided to grant Ram a visa...
Very simply: for as long as Emarati (and other Arab) citizens are denied entry into Israel, then Israelis should be denied entry into the UAE. No ifs, ands or buts about it.
I've shared my views on my blog for those who wish to read.
Mean while Israel kicks 88 Palestinian families from Jerusalem.
"Very simply: for as long as Emarati (and other Arab) citizens are denied entry into Israel, then Israelis should be denied entry into the UAE. No ifs, ands or buts about it."
You're not barred from visiting Israel -- although I'd like to see you explain the Israeli stamp in your passport on the way back into most Arab countries...
You're not barred from visiting Israel -- although I'd like to see you explain the Israeli stamp in your passport on the way back into most Arab countries...
Good response.
Checkmate.
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=57038
note - israel also demolished a synagogue built without a permit in hebron.. yes we do remove illegal structures and yes this often includes jews..
many people in this country jewish and arab illegally acquire land.. many will even boast about it..
Anon @ 00:46:
A Lebanese resident can definitely NOT enter Israel with his/her passport. And the stamp is not an issue as Israeli authorities will usually stamp a separate piece of paper when the person is a resident of or fequent traveller to Arab countires.
17:57 Dubai Sunshine:
False, which is why you have not provided any evidence for your claim.
From the Israeli point of view it is not illegal for Lebanese - or any other - citizens to visit Israel. They have to apply in another country, somewhere where there is an Israeli consulate.
I know of one person, a holder of two passports who did it - and she declared her Lebanese passport to the Israelis so they knew of her Lebanese citizenship.
I also know of a Canadian who resided in Lebanon and visited Israel via Jordan. He was given extra hussle at the border when he declared his place of residence, but was permitted to enter.
Finally, I know several Lebanese Christians who would love to visit Israel, but can't. They are too scared that they would be arrested on return.
Lirun, can u remove this fake mask ur wearing? Instead of throwing some nice words for consumption and yet do the opposite?
Me and you know that those Palestinians will not get a building permit for political reasons so Israel use this excuse to rub it on their faces. We all know that Israel want to change the demography of Jerusalem to erase its Islamic Christian identity.
At least earn my respect by admitting that.
proud emirati
i dont aspire to earn your respect through tapered comments.. i speak my mind.. and for all its flaws this is the most i can do..
yes there are a myriad of nationalistic aspirations held by people that reside in israel/palestine.. some of these people on both sides wish the other to be gone.. many dont..
Samuraisam,
Based on the article you've used to back your comment up, this is a different case!
Here Abdul Aziz al Ghurair is asking for a "reciprocal treatment!" and this is only fair,
since the UAE doesn't give brits hard time to enter the UAE.
This is simply their procedure and they way they go about things.
But hey that will never happen because they are making money out of our applications and others who are paying extra for a VIP fast isa procedure ;)
Do you see me complaining, or making a fuss about it? No. I know I am welcomed to other parts of the world with open arms...
oh, so u deny that there is a systematic non violent ethnic cleansing in Jerusalem.
You proved to be unworthy, thanx.
i cant read where i denied something.. i suggest if you want to have a discussion on demographic forces of israel you visit me on my blog rather than impose it on this post..
you are most welcome to explore my views there..
ahlan u sahlan - anjad
Been to Lahore lately, Roddick?
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