http://www.cbssports.com/tennis/story/11382013

What a lousy thing to do. Her visa to the United Arab Emirates was actually denied. Not only a slap in the face to her personally, but to the WTA, she was scheduled to play Anna Chakvetadze tomorrow in the first round.

I hope the players and the tour drop the event from their schedule. Unlike getting booed for pulling out of a match just minutes before its start, this is a REAL reason to boycott a tournament. If the WTA is contractually obligated to this venue for future years, I hope the players seriously consider not playing it. If not, I hope the WTA can find an alternate venue for next year.

The only reason this is surprising is that she played the event in the UAE last year.

But in the overall picture, is this really a surprise? It's not to me, A Nice Jewish Boy myself . Much as a boycott gets a headline, it's unlikely to do anything substantive. People find all kinds of reasons to display this kind of behavior, and have since men started walking the earth. And it'll keep on happening long after all of us alive now are gone. No amount of boycotting, legislation, political correctness or anything else will stop it. Ever.

That was in Doha, Qatar actually, but yeah another normally apolitical Gulf state. And yes, it's a bit bizarre for that to have been heralded as a breakthrough and then have this happen. It's not as though Peer didn't have enough to deal with given her rankings slide from loss of form, and the silly protests surrounding her participation in Auckland last month - but, as with the latter, I'm guessing this new hardship springs out of the Gaza imbroglio. Which, of course, Peer personally authorised and masterminded.

It's silly but like vm1 says, no real surprise. Dubai's gravy train has rolled to a screeching halt with the financial crisis anyhow and all the glitz and expatriates are departing back to whence they came. Easy come, easy go.

While I agree this kind of behavior will continue from countries trying to unfairly punish athletes from other countries, and that nothing can stop the behavior itself, the tour and players can hit them where it hurts...in the wallet and in the press.

It's still a slap in the face to the tour. How the tour can put up with a venue that disallows (directly or indirectly) its own players to play is beyond me.

If not a boycott, I hope the players speak up - whether at their press conferences or even at the trophy presentation. And sorry, I have to make the joke....I wonder if the men's tournament will be renamed the Dubai Dudi-Free. Too soon?

I love the nice Jewish boys I know.

And the tough-ass Palestinian girls.

Dubai is a disgrace. This is just the tip of the climate-controlled indoor iceberg.

Tennis players are playthings of the megarich that most of us proles or just-plain-rich happen to admire as well. If I was watching tennis looking for political agreement with the players -- certainly with Shahar, who served her required military duty and participated in media coverage of it, for a relevant start -- I'd be terminally frustrated.

Players should boycott. Individually. And collectively if they want to assert some kind of autonomy. Will they do anything, besides weak gestures of lip service? I don't see much unity in the WTA, let alone the broader WTA/ATP schism.

When I first heard about this, I was outraged. I said that all of the ladies should boycott the UAE because the WTA is a sorority at the end of the day, and should present a united front. I should've done more reading up on this. The following was posted on another board, and if correct then I may have to side with UAE on this one. Well, not side with them, but better understand that its a blanket policy for everyone, regardless of their status or celebrity.

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"NO ISRAELI NATIONALS are allowed entry permits to Dubai, except if they have dual nationality. No-one, whether they are sportspeople, millionnaires, or bricklayers.

Why should this rule be changed just because someone happens to be a wealthy well-known tennis player? Why should an exception be made that would not apply to any other ordinary person?

The Dubai authorities, by applying the same rule for everyone, are deliberately AVOIDING mixing sport with politics.

The only people mixing sport with politics are the ones who feel that a tennis player should be granted special one-off privilege to enter a country that would apply to no-one else of her nationality.

It's sad for Shahar, obviously, but if sport and politics ARE to be kept separate, then she must abide by the same rules that govern everyone else."
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Now, if that is true, then I can't be outraged with the UAE on this one. If that was a pre-established rule that NO ONE is allowed in, then they are simply following their standards. No exception should be allowed simply because Shahar is a tennis player. One thing I will say as an American is that I'm not going to take what is something that the US wouldn't do, and say that its wrong for another country to do. I have often supported Israel's right to defend themselves, but they went a bit far with their latest round of attacks. The US needs to stop defending every freaking thing that Israel does as well. To the point though...if thats the case in terms of UAE policy, then Peer should not be an exception. As the aforementioned stated on the other tennis board, it is sad for Shahar and I do feel for her, but the UAE is simply staying consistent with their policy. So, if what the above stated is true, then my outrage is now tempered with the fact that this is not a precedent for Shahar, but simply the rule being followed for everyone, regardless if they are a tennis player. It still doesn't mean I would be against the WTA dropping Dubai totally from the calendar but many people aren't going to want to get mixed up in the politics of something like this. Tennis is a global sport and I'm sure we can find something that every country supports or doesn't support that we can come up with a reason for saying that an event shouldn't be played there.

The UAE likely would've made an exception in this case had the Israel-Palestine war in Gaza not taken place so recently. The volatility of the situation at this time would've made the whole event difficult to secure, given the exacerbated sentiments against Israel.

So, then, does that mean we should have never given women or blacks the right to vote? After all, those too were "pre-established rules" that applied to all women, all blacks. No discernment was made with regard to the status of any women or blacks of the time - the ban applied universally. Based on your reasoning above, I guess you'd agree then that those "pre-established rules" should never have been, or even needed to be, repealed, since those were the established standards of the time which everyone followed simply because because they were "pre-established rules". Right?

There are several problems here:

The tournament organizers apparently had an agreement with the WTA that no one would be not allowed to play if they qualify. If this rule not allowing Israelis into UAE existed, they must have thought they could get an execption. The tournament organizers told the WTA this.

The WTA HAS to take a stand on this. This is not debatable. They can not just follow the money around, which I've never really been comfotable with, at the expense of their players. The WTA is the players union after all. The ATP may be in a similar quandry. But this is not debatable in my mind.

I'm not sure they should have cancelled this tournament for this year, although I hope it was considered. However, even if they are contracted with Dubai for this tournament in the future, they have to cancel any future events here. And if the same thing happens in Doha, they need to do it there too.

And I am so glad to hear Venus speak out on this. I don't have the link, but she has spoke out in support of Shahar.

Yes, that's the correct point. Sure, countries have a right to choose who they let into the country, but if you're going to hold a WTA tournament in a country, that tournament has to be open to all WTA players. If there are rules in place of this sort, then the tournament has to be able to get exceptions for players, as they did for Peer in Doha last year, or as they got for Arthur Ashe in Johannesburg in 1973.

Ummmm no. Are we talking about the US or are we talking about the UAE? Did we not comprehend that I don't agree with the UAE on this, but realized they are not trying to mix politics with sports? Clearly not. It is something I ultimately feel isn't fair, but understanding the conflict that exists over there, I couldn't find myself being outraged that if the UAE wouldn't allow my Israeli friend to visit the country, that they would make an exception for an Israeli who happens to be a tennis player. I was looking at it from a security standpoint as well. Those countries and their conflicts have been going on for so long. It has been absolutely crazy. Shahar has been protested in many places, and who is to say some crazy suicide bomber won't kill a ton of people while trying to kill her. I have mixed feelings with countries wanting to deny visas to visitors from countries they view as enemy nations or rogue regimes. But, it is done all over the world, including in the US. I would've preferred that it was done on an invidivual basis, and not something that is a blanket policy, like the US does.

This seems to be something that the Dubai tournament itself is in conflict with UAE policy. Of course I have a problem in this case because this is an open competition, and when Dubai signed on to host it, I'm sure there were rules that stated they couldn't discriminate based on nationality, race, or religion. This affects a player's ranking point, prize money, and overall livelihood. Props to Shahar for even wanting to play there. But, if the UAE is not willing to allow Shahar into the tournament, then the WTA has to uphold equality for all tournaments. This is something that has to be a blanket rule for the WTA. I think the WTA clearly has to make a decision that is going to involve stripping the Dubai tournament of its elite status on the WTA calendar if the UAE continues to uphold this policy. I think most in the world would be in support of the WTA's decision if they diid this. If they simply go with the flow, the WTA is just going to look like some money hungry bastards who are abandoning their priinciples and players for the almighty dollar. Again, don't agree with it but better understand where the UAE is coming from by making no exceptions based on status. Just move the tournament somewhere else and hit Dubai where it hurts the most, in their pockets.



Here are Venus' comments regarding the denial of Shahar's visa.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/16/sports/t...&ref=sports

I have also heard Mauresmo, Safina, and Ivanovic make statements in support of Peer.

Terp, thanks for that link. I'm glad the players spoke up. The WTA really has no choice but to abandon Dubai at this point. They can't just continue an event that keeps its players from playing. The last paragraph of that article was great:



Just last month, Peer faced a small, noisy protest of Israel’s Gaza incursion during a tournament in Auckland, New Zealand. There is always going to be international conflict, and athletes in the middle. But they can’t be abandoned there when there is a choice. Tennis should finish its business in the gulf this month, and say bye-bye, Dubai.



Agree, 100%.

While I see how it can be written in terms of scenario, it's hard for me to liken Peer and Arthur Ashe.

One frustrating fallacy is that the UAE is doing anything for Palestine with this kind of action, or that it really has any true interest in supporting Palestinian people.

People who live in Gaza aren't just suicide bombers. And acts of terrorism are repeatedly answered and then some with military might, dozenfold and thousandfold. And then you have the day to day -- I have friends with large families in Gaza who visit and return enraged and despairing from their daily dehumanizing experiences at checkpoints. If we're going to make comparisons with racial discrimination and oppression in the US, that might be another place to start.

It's wrong for this to have happened. Peer was discriminated against, plain and simple.

Co sign.

Shahar and Larry Scott (CEO of the WTA) Address The Visa Denial.

Dubai Explanation: Fan boycott feared in Dubai

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Fan boycott feared in Dubai

Tue, 17 Feb 12:52:00 2009

Local fans would have boycotted the Dubai women's championships if Israeli player Shahar Peer had been allowed to compete this week, according to organisers.

"Public sentiment remains high in the Middle East and it is believed that Ms Peer's presence would have antagonised our fans who have watched live television coverage of recent attacks in Gaza," a statement read by tournament director Salah Tahlak said.

"Ms Peer personally witnessed protests against her at another tournament in New Zealand only a few weeks ago.

"Concern was raised about her well being and her presence triggering similar protests. Given public sentiment, the entire tournament could have been boycotted by protesters.

"We do not wish to politicise sports, but we have to be sensitive to recent events in the region and not alienate or put at risk the players and the many tennis fans of different nationalities that we have here in the UAE."
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Dubai Explanation: Fear that fans would boycott tournament

^^

As I said earlier in this thread, there is a legit security issue as with this situation. Dubai is populated by Muslims from all over the world, and they are none too happy about recent events in Gaza. I hope the WTA doesn't sanction the UAE for this, given the volatility in the region...

I also looked at it from a security standpoint, something many seemed to just not consider in their argument about this situation. Shahar being a proud representative of Israeli makes her even more of a target for some nut, and therefore puts the lives of the players and anyone else at the tournament at risk. Again I point out though...she is just another unfortunate casualty in a conflict that seems as though will never end.

Whether it's a blanket denial of entry for any and all Israeli citizens.... or a threat of boycott by Dubai fans..... or a threat of security were Peer to play...... any or all of these conditions means one simple condition.... Dubai should NOT host an international OPEN tennis competition.

If they have a policy of israeli denial.... they should not host.

If the fans willl boycott the tourney... They should not host.


If they can not guarantee the safety of the players and the tournament.... They should not host.

I am very disappointed that The Tennis Channel has now become part of the problem of mixing politics with sports. Boycotting coverage only hurts the fans and the sport. The Tennis Channel’s rational that she was not allowed to participate in the event is misleading. Ms Peer had already been accepted into the tournament and was already in the main draw. The problem was that her Visa into the country was denied. Of course most people will say that that the tournament and the country are the same, but this is not necessarily the case. Tournament officials want the best field of athletes for their event. In the past they have demonstrated this by allowing Israelis to participate in their events. Unfortunately other members of the government in charge of defense found that granting her a Visa might endanger her and its populace. (lets not forget Monica Selers) I am sure that a lot of you will find their excuse lame…but unless you have witnessed first hand the hostilities and sometimes shear hatred of the Middle East participants I believe the government made what they believe to be the best decision. Just imagine if she was hurt during this tournament. The fall out would be unimaginable. So lets be a little fair with Dubai…….

What a bummer the final won't be on Tennis Channel. I was looking forward to watching it! This is getting way complicated and dramatic, just put the f**king thing on TV if they are playing, really.

The WTA should not conduct a tournament in a country that will deny entry of a player because of that player's country of origin. I get that there are security issues, and respect that they are taking them into consideration. In fact, that's a basic, necessary level of concern and precaution. But....in the end....to deny one player entry because she's from Israel, while it's the country's choice, is fundamentally inconsistent with the tour.

It's a very, very slippery slope. Because, as volatile as Israel/Palestine is, it is not the only incendiary subject in that part of the world. Might Dubai deny a visa to a Danish player, because cartoons published in Danish newspapers supposedly insulted Mohammad, which led to riots in several Muslim countries? Might Dubai deny Mirza a visa because as a Muslim woman she dresses "immodestly" and might be subject to threats and attacks? Dubai might....and as a country they have the right to deny entry. But the WTA should not accept that and continue to hold tournaments there.

I'm sure there were security concerns and Dubai felt as a country it did the right thing. But in the need to "do the right thing," Dubai's also proven it's not a viable country to hold an international sporting event.

No Surprise Here.

My word...some of the comments in the commentary section of that article are

The American policy on granting visas to citizens of various countries (e.g. Cuba, Iran, North Korea) is not all that different than the UAE policy regarding Israel. Other nations have similar policies regarding granting visas to citizens of certain countries. One does expect these countries to make exceptions when it comes to international sporting events. However, at this time, even in the most liberal Arab or Muslim country, tensions are peaking; the governments have to make tough decisions in order to protect their citizens. I don't think it would be fair to make a harsh judgement against the UAE at this time..

I have to wonder if a country had a policy that didn't grant visas to blacks, thereby keeping Venus and Serena (the tours biggest draws), would the WTA have been more willing to boycott? And if the outcry from folks here on Outsports and in the American media would have been far greater? Also, would UAE refuse a visa to an American Jew or is it juts because she's from Israel and if there are people from certain countries that Israel would refuse visas?

While it's a lovely sentiment to think all nations should be open to all people, it isn't really very realistic. We all know there are some crazy people out there. Imagine if Peer had been allowed to play and something happened such as terrorism?

Look at the melee at the Australian Open when Djokovic and Delic played. And tennis has a lousy record on security going back to Monica Seles and all the way up to the most recent streaking incident at Venus and Serena's doubles match. Most people, the Williams' included, seemed to laugh it off. But if it's that easy for a NAKED MAN to walk onto a tennis court with two of the world's top players playing, I have to think a Jewish-hating terrorist could do some real damage.

Just to clarify: this is a policy about Israel, not the Jewish faith. No one would be denied a visa to the UAE just because s/he were Jewish. Furthermore, an Israeli of Arab-Muslim background (they do exist) would be denied the UAE visa because of the citizenship....

So, they're letting Ram play:

http://www.cbssports.com/tennis/story/11399370

I wonder what they're going to do for Peer after not letting her in. Will the WTA give her some points and/or cash for the event she couldn't play in. I also wonder what the WTA will do for next year.

I guess the security situation improved awfully quickly!

As to the Jewish vs Israeli thing, Buccoman, your first contention is true, but I wouldn't be too confident of the second. Several Arab members of the Knesset visited Dubai in 2007. They can make exceptions when they choose to. Granted, there are compelling reasons to make exceptions for foreign politicians, but I still suspect they'd be more likely to make an exception for an Arab Israeli.

Andy Roddick has pulled out of Dubai next week because he disagrees with Peer not getting a visa.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/tenn...0910/index.html

This issue is not only happening with sports tournaments (tennis, golf), but also other international events, such as the Dubai Literature Festival. With many of these gulf states wanting to showcase themselves on the world stage, their own policies towards Jews, Israelis, gays, etc. are being spotlighted and high-profile participants are pulling out. Will the Middle East states become like apartheid South Africa and face the scorn of the world while they are trying to attract it for international events?

Scotsman: Dubai's welcome to world hits cultural hitch

Some nations in the region that CAN showcase themselves on the world stage have made these kinds of reprehensible restrictions -- and then some.

In terms of analogy, I don't see how the UAE can be likened to South Africa. Or if they are, then Israel should be as well. The situations seem distinct.

Venus's recent statements are excellent. Kinda. Personally I wish she had not played Dubai. And that the tour had joined her. Or at least been truly invested in joining her in making the kind of statements she's made.

Again, just speaking from my pov, I appreciate Roddick's candor. But his logic is more than amiss. The ATP doesn't have someone like Venus in its top ranks. Thus far he's been the closest thing to it.

Venus spoke up...but I felt like she had to. This is outrageous that people are still judged by their religion, nationality, whatever. But Andy Ram WASN'T denied a visa? What's up with that??

Dunno for sure, but it probably had to do with red tape. By the time it was discovered by the rest of the world that Peer wasn't going to be permitted to play, the Women's event there was almost ready to start. The Men's event was still more than a week away from starting. They probably had more time to get all the bureaucratic paperwork in order so they could issue him a Visa; there could have been almost no time to prepare one for her. They probably had no idea this much noise would be made about it, so I'll assume it's not a discriminatory thing. It probably had to do with what was possible in the time frame they had to work with.

I'm glad the WTA (kind of) laid down the law ... but to be honest, I would have been much happier if they had just pulled the event out of Dubai altogether. Still, the players in the WTA could drop Dubai from their respective schedules next year in protest, that would be a happy ending as far as I'm concerned.

again... if the government of Dubai and the organizers of the tourney (the dubai gov't again) can NOT guarantee a players safety... then they should NOT be allowed to host an event. Period.

What do you think would happen if the organizers of the US open said, "we'll have the event. But we can't guarantee there won't be a bombing."?