Algeria Soccer

Officials from B'nai B'rith have suggested there was an increasing anti-Semitic tone in newspaper commentary and political cartoons as well as public displays of anti Semitism at major sporting events. They cited the example of a soccer game. Some participants at the game wore swastikas and other Nazi emblems; they also displayed a banner with an anti-Semitic epithet. ... [Read More]

US Department Of State Post Report

Moroccans are sports-oriented, and spectator sports include soccer, tennis, basketball, and polo.  Pick-up soccer games take place on every stretch of beach, in parks and on empty lots, and there are leagues and city teams that play regularly.   Morocco hosts Davis Cup tennis regularly in Casablanca and tickets are both easy to get and very affordable  -- about $8.00.    ...

In 2003, the student body from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade numbered 340, with 9 Americans among them.  Twenty-one other nationalities were represented among the student body.  Secondary education is rigorous and designed to prepare the student for college, with heavy emphasis on English, history, mathematics and the applied sciences.  A full range of athletic activities is offered, including track and field, swimming, soccer, volleyball, basketball, table tennis and tennis.  But perhaps in the extracurricular field, AST is most well known for its dramatic productions which for over 30 years have earned a reputation for excellence and innovative techniques.  Typically, these works involve virtually the whole secondary student body who work up to three months to rehearse and stage the productions, with immense contributions from professional members of the artistic community who donate their time and talents to areas of particular expertise such as direct ... [Read More]

Department of State Washington File: Transcript: Iraq, Interim Government Established by U.N., Ricciardone Says

As we meet, the Iraqis are swelling with patriotic pride, as their Olympic soccer team has defied the odds and inspired the world. Iraqi athletes will return home confident of their welcome as heroes -- and not, as under Saddam Hussein, to certain torture -- as "losing" athletes -- administered by the dictator's own son. ... [Read More]

Background Notes: OAS

Background Notes: OASPA/PCSource: Office of Public Communication, Bureau of Public AffairsDate: Sep 15, 19919/15/91Category: Country DataRegion: South America, Central America, Caribbean, North AmericaSubject: Travel, History, International Organizations, Trade/Economics, OAS, Human Rights, Terrorism, Narcotics, Democratization, Environment[TEXT]September 1991Official Name: Organization of American StatesPROFILEHeadquarters: Washington, DC.Established: April 14, 1890, as the "Internat ... [Read More]

US Department Of State Post Report

Men and women use sandals for casual wear, and women wear them to the office. All shoes wear out quickly in Mauritania's sandy streets and yards. Bring all sports shoes to post. Tennis shoes wear out quickly on hard-surfaced courts. Softball cleats may not be necessary in sand, but cleats help rugby and soccer players. ...

Comfortable clothing for any type of sport or recreational activity in Nouakchott should be brought in quantity. Swimwear, tennis, jogging, basketball, soccer, rugby, and aerobic clothing all wear out much more quickly here from excessive perspiration, dust, and consequent washing. Hats and caps are necessary for any outdoor activity. Sweatbands and plenty of cotton socks are helpful. MenLast Updated:  1/4/2004 8:53 AM  ... [Read More]

Introduction

Widespread use of torture by the Government of Syria resulted in at least 8 deaths during the year. Arbitrary arrest and detention, prolonged pre-trial detention without trial, fundamentally unfair trials in the security courts, and deteriorating prison conditions all persisted. Throughout the year, the security services conducted mass arrests of Kurds in Hassakeh province, Aleppo, Damascus, and other areas. On March 12, security forces in Qamishli, in the northeastern Hassakeh province, opened fire on a crowd at a soccer match after clashes between Arab and Kurdish fans erupted. In the days of rioting that followed, dozens were killed, as many as 2,000 Kurds were detained, and nearly 300 Kurds remained in custody and were awaiting trial before the State Security Court and Military Court at year’s end. The Government also continued to withhold information on the welfare and whereabouts of persons who have been held incommunicado for years. ... [Read More]

Introduction

"Red Card Against Child Labor". African governments, the ILO, and the Federation for International Football Associations teamed up with airlines, popular African soccer players, music personalities, and television and radio stations throughout Africa to launch a continent-wide anti-child labor campaign during the Africa Cup of Nations Soccer tournament. Television and radio stations broadcast songs and public service announcements throughout the month-long tournament. In this campaign, airlines gave "red cards" to fans traveling to these matches indicating their support to "eject" or end the worst forms of child labor. This campaign is being replicated for other regions of the world and will be included in the next World Cup tournament. Some African countries, such as Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana, continue to use these anti-child labor broadcasting spots during national and local soccer matches. ... [Read More]

American Citizen Services

April 10, 2003 COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Tunisia is a presidential republic with a developing economy. Tourist facilities are widely available in the tourist areas. The workweek is Monday to Friday, with government offices open on Saturday mornings. Most stores are closed on Sunday, except in resort areas, where many remain open. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport is required. A visa is not required for a stay of up to four months. For longer visits, Americans are required to obtain a residence permit. A residence permit may be requested and obtained from the central police station of the district of residence. Americans born in the Middle East or with Arabic names have experienced delays in clearing immigration at airports upon arrival. American c ... [Read More]

Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

Iraq sent 24 athletes among a 40-member delegation to the Olympics in Athens (August 13-29), ten times the size of the four-athlete team sent to the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. The athletes competed in soccer, swimming, track and field, taekwondo, boxing and weightlifting. Iraq also sent a delegation to the Athens Paralympics, (September 17-28) to compete in fencing, weightlifting, and track and field. ... [Read More]

Tunisia

There have been several incidents of soccer-inspired violence in Tunisia in which unhappy fans became unruly and damaged property and vehicles in the vicinity of stadiums.  The U.S. Embassy recommends that Americans avoid the games.  It is helpful to be aware of when/where soccer games are scheduled, and unless attending the game, to avoid the area of the stadium one hour before kickoff and one hour after the conclusion of the game.  It is prudent for those who live by a stadium to park their vehicles in garages or carports rather than leaving them on the street. ... [Read More]