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| Africa North |
| Tunisian Boy Boycotts Israeli In World Chess Tourney |
| 2012-05-08 |
| Ten-year old Tunisian chess player refuses to compete against Israeli in worldwide chess tournament. Boycotter wins immediate fame from Arab countries, Paleostinians for 'show of bravery' A sports boycott of Israel is not an unusual occurrence, but it appears the age of the boycotters is continuously dropping -- A ten-year old Tunisian boy by the name of Muhammad Hamida, who took part in the World School Chess Championship, refused to compete against an Israeli opponent. Hamida's actions have turned him into a media hero in Tunisia and other Arab countries.  The media has interpreted Hamida's actions as taking an unequivocal stance regarding the normalization (of relations) with Israel and showing his support of the Paleostinian cause.  Some 640 participants from across the globe competed in the eighth World School Chess Championship which was held in Romania. As part of the competition, Hamida was to compete against an Israeli rival, but he chose to withdraw from the competition instead.  A response from Arab countries and Paleostinian supporters was soon to come. Director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Gazoo, Ahmed Machisan, expressed his gratitude for Hamida's "show of bravery" during the tournament. He further spoke of the Tunisian "nobility" regarding the Paleostinian issue.  A wide disagreement exists among the people of Tunisia regarding the normalization of relations with Israel. The Tunisian minister of youth and sports has said that Tunisia would be willing to receive humanitarian aid from Israel. However, it was a brave man who first ate an oyster... opposition sources called his statement "provocative and disloyal," and some parliament members even asked him to apologize for his words.  Meanwhile, ...back at the mall, Clarissa spent the day shopping for new underwear. Tonight was going to be a special occasion... the Israeli Counter Terrorism Bureau (CTB) has recently published a travel advisory to Tunisia, in light of suspected intentions to carry out terror attacks in the country against Israeli and Jewish targets.  Islamic countries boycotting matches with Israeli athletes is not a new phenomenon. In the 2004 Athens Olympics, Iranian World Judo Champion Arash Miresmaeili, refused to compete against the Israeli judoka Ehud Vaks. Also in November 2011, an Egyptian competitor refused to shake hands with Israeli judoka Arik Ze'evi. |
| Posted by:trailing wife |
| #6 Rather heavy racist overtones there Nothing racist about noticing the differences between cultures. Biologically, people are people. But only a blind idiot will deny there are differences between cultures. Back on topic, what ever happened to the grand tradition of crushing your enemies on the field of sport? Like Jesse Owens vs Adolf Hitler in the 100 meters at the '36 Olympics. Refusing to compete against someone because they are yucky makes you (and your culture) look like a prissy little girl. |
| Posted by: SteveS 2012-05-08 10:44 |
| #5 he may have been afraid of what would have happened if he did lose the match. |
| Posted by: chris 2012-05-08 10:24 |
| #4 Caïssa smiles. |
| Posted by: Besoeker 2012-05-08 09:57 |
| #3 Arab is not a race. |
| Posted by: Frank G 2012-05-08 09:35 |
| #2 Rather heavy racist overtones there Frankie but then again politicism and racism from a ten year old; the parents should be spat upon. |
| Posted by: Kojack 2012-05-08 09:02 |
| #1 the little coward would've loss to Da Joooooo. Can't have that. Arab pride *spit* |
| Posted by: Frank G 2012-05-08 08:20 |