dictators

The Arab Spring may be making a return. A rebel uprising in Syria has now officially toppled the Assad regime.

The classic image of the dictator clinging to power, resisting the world’s entreaties to resign, and fending off internal attempts at ouster is that of an old man, stubborn and long past caring what others think.

FIFA appears to have cleared Russia and Qatar of any wrongdoing in their successful bids to host the 2018 and 2022 world cups. Its report recognises that mistakes were made but downplays the level of improper behaviour. A rotten apple was recognised here and there, sure, but nothing more. That was to be the official narrative. It was supposed to mark the end of allegations of wrongdoing and improper conduct by football’s governing body.