Gulf States seek to shape image in US on pitch

Both Qatar and the UAE have been in the firing line for human rights violations and eyes to imrove their image in the US with help of football Gulf States seeking to polish images tarnished by allegations of violations of human rights and their critics are employing football in an effort to shape American perceptions.

At stake for countries like Qatar and the United Arab Emirates is more than just reputation; it is the ability to invest in strategic U.S. assets without being challenged on their trustworthiness as investors and allies, and the ability to wield soft power as a defense strategy in the absence of real hard power.

Both Qatar and the UAE have been in the firing line for their treatment of foreign workers who constitute a majority of their populations, but operate under a sponsorship or kafala system that puts them at the mercy of their employers. The two states, and particularly the UAE, have also been taken to task on issues such as freedom of expression, torture and due legal process in court cases against political dissidents. They have further been tarred by the derailing on security grounds eight years ago by the U.S. Congress of Dubai’s effort to take over management of six major American ports.

In trying to fend off criticism, Qatar is fighting a tougher battle than the UAE because of its hosting of the 2022 World Cup, support for Hamas, strategic relationship with the Muslim Brotherhood and aid to Islamist groups in Syria, even though the Gulf state played a key role in recent weeks mediating cease-fire talks between the Islamist group that controls the Gaza Strip and the Obama administration.

In the latest round of Congressional criticism on Qatar, Pennsylvania Democratic...