FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Ch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

**Ken MacDonald** · Thursday, 9th November, 2017, 02:22 PM

Re: FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Ch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Originally posted by Nigel Hanrahan View Post

It's official, GM Susan Polgar noted today, that the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between the 26th and 30th December 2017.

https://www.themaven.net/chessdailyn...DHzaxcQ?full=1

The FIDE announcement can be found over here. There is a very, very impressive list of GMs and Super GMs playing in the event.

...............................................................

I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest that ChessTalk will have NO threads tut-tuting about the status of women in Saudi Arabia, no tirade lamenting the "shameful" practice of forcing the use of the burqa, etc., etc., and no calls to boycott that country or call for its expulsion from FIDE as was the case in a thread here recently regarding the Iranian republic.

After all, Saudi Arabia is so nice and buys billions of dollars in weapons from Canada - even if they're used against Yemeni and other civilians - is a military ally of NATO, and so on.

And just look how well funded the event is! No, there is no cause for complaint! lol. Just play chess!

Reverse psychology?

**Kerry Liles** · Thursday, 9th November, 2017, 02:59 PM

Re: FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Ch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Hikaru Nakamura‏ posted this on Twitter:

@GMHikaru
To organize a chess tournament in a country where basic human rights aren't valued is horrible.
Chess is a game where all different sorts of people can come together,
not a game in which people are divided because of their religion or country of origin.

http://www.fide.com/component/conten...ouncement.html …

11:59 AM - 9 Nov 2017

**Nigel Hanrahan** · Thursday, 9th November, 2017, 07:29 PM

Saudi Arabia in the news

For some background, I should just add that political events around Saudi Arabia are coming fast and furious. Enough to make even a seasoned observer be more inclined to watch and wait.

The Lebanese PM, for example, recently flew to Saudi Arabia to announce his resignation. Odd, you say? Not when it's know that he's essentially a Saudi asset. And the Saudis are furious over recent rapproachment between Iran and Lebanon, what with successes in finishing off the Saudi-sponsored ISIS jihadists in Syria and Iraq. Not that the Western MSM is saying very much at all about that. The press conference with the Lebanese PM was a tirade of well-choreographed denunciations of the Iranian Republic and could have been held in Tel Aviv. Too bad for the terrorists. Iran was on the right side on that one. The House of Saud is telling its nationals to leave Lebanon immediately, says commentator Pepe Escobar.

But that is not all. It looks like the Saudi King is about to announce that his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will take power in the Kingdom. For those of you who think Iran and Saudi Arabia are much the same, I can assure you that the Iranians actually have ... elections.

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article...n-coming-days/

When it comes to Saudi "liberals", you can judge by the following...

In September, the Saudi government announced that it would ease restrictions on female spectators in sports stadiums and starting June 2018 all women in the country would be allowed to drive. Women in Saudi Arabia have been barred from driving since the late 1970s.

This is the Crown Prince's doing, according to the article.

And, of course, there is the brutal war on Yemen in which, despite the truckloads of money and weapons from Western countries (like Canada), the Saudis have failed at. They have killed many civilians, however, and there are epidemics and fammine in Yemen, horrific ones, but that doesn't get the media attention that other conflicts get. The Saudis are our "ally" after all.

Democracy Now notes that there have been a score of arrests of high profile individuals.

Saudi authorities arrested scores of prominent officials over the weekend, including 10 princes, four ministers and dozens of former ministers, in a massive shakeup by King Salman aimed at consolidating power for his son, Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, the main architect of the kingdom’s war in Yemen. Among those arrested was Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, one of the world’s richest people, with an estimated net worth of at least $17 billion. Talal has investments in many well-known U.S. companies, like Apple, Twitter, Citigroup—and Rupert Murdoch’s media empire, News Corp. The arrests, on unspecified “corruption” charges, came just hours after the crown prince convened a new anti-corruption committee with wide-ranging powers to detain and arrest anyone accused and to search their homes and seize their assets.

Mind you, business is still business.

Meanwhile, the White House said President Trump called King Salman to offer thanks for the kingdom’s purchases of billions of dollars in U.S. weaponry, while praising what it called the kingdom’s “modernization drive.”

https://www.democracynow.org/2017/11...n_consolidates

So there is a great deal going on. By the time the FIDE event takes place things could be very, very different in the Kingdom. I suppose the publicity associated with a high profile and prestigious chess tournament can't hurt.

**Wayne Komer** · Thursday, 16th November, 2017, 11:49 AM

Re: FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Ch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Ch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

November 16, 2017

From haaretz.com:

Top Israeli chess players won’t be able to compete in a major tournament for three years after the World Chess Federation agreed to host the event in Saudi Arabia in return for a $1.5 million fee.

Saudi Arabia is one of a number of Arab or Muslim countries that normally do not allow entry to Israelis.

In fact, the move by the World Chess Federation sparked fury around the world with 150 players expected to boycott the event in Riyadh next month. Many non-Israelis are staying away to protest the Saudis’ human rights record or customs like a requirement that women wear a head scarf or similar garb.

As one of the strongest chess nations, with three players in the top 50, Israel has the most to lose from the decision, which also means entrants from Qatar and Iran, bitter rivals of the Saudis, won’t be able to go.

This week the Association of Chess Professionals condemned the decision to stage the World Rapid and Blitz Championships in Saudi Arabia.

“This kind of event cannot and should not take place in a country that does not guarantee an entry to the representatives all federations, and has gender and religion discriminatory laws,” the association said in a statement.

The association’s president, Emil Sutovsky, an Israeli grandmaster, blamed a lack of transparency at the top of the world federation, where the decision to award Saudi Arabia the tournament was made by a handful of people.

He noted that the world federation stood to gain four times the normal annual fee from Saudi Arabia, which the federation agreed could host the event for three years. This is because organizers in Riyadh have increased the prize money for the tournament to $2 million, of which the world federation gets a quarter, or $500,000 a year.

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-1.823015

__________

From The Telegraph:

Holding chess championship in Saudi Arabia is a ‘horrible’ move, top players say

See:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017...e-top-players/

The above article finishes off with these two sentences:

On Saturday Fide announced on its website that English Grandmaster Nigel Short, another fervent critic of the organisation, was the first to sign up for the Saudi Arabia event.

World champion Magnus Carlsen, the winner in 2014, is also expected to attend after finishing runner-up to the Russian Sergey Karjakin last year in Doha, Qatar.

**Egidijus Zeromskis** · Thursday, 16th November, 2017, 12:33 PM

Re: FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Ch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Originally posted by Wayne Komer View Post

Top Israeli chess players won’t be able to compete in a major tournament for three years

Why three years?

**Kerry Liles** · Thursday, 16th November, 2017, 12:55 PM

Re: FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Ch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Originally posted by Egidijus Zeromskis View Post

Why three years?

I think the statement means that Israeli players cannot compete in that one specific tournament for 3 years because THAT tournament was awarded to Saudi Arabia for the next 3 years.
A rather unfortunate way to state things in the first sentence (but to be fair, that is likely what any sort of headline would likely say too!).

As a Canadian I don't understand why we have *anything* to do with Saudi Arabia - their record on fundamental human rights is horrendous and backward and pathetic.
Of course, I realize it is all about oil and money but we should have nothing to do with them.

**Egidijus Zeromskis** · Thursday, 16th November, 2017, 01:33 PM

Re: FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Ch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Originally posted by Kerry Liles View Post

I think the statement means that Israeli players cannot compete in that one specific tournament for 3 years because THAT tournament was awarded to Saudi Arabia for the next 3 years.

I see. I've not read yet that it was awarded for 3 years to the same place.

**Kerry Liles** · Thursday, 16th November, 2017, 01:51 PM

Re: FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Ch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Originally posted by Egidijus Zeromskis View Post

I see. I've not read yet that it was awarded for 3 years to the same place.

From Wayne's post:

He noted that the world federation stood to gain four times the normal annual fee from Saudi Arabia, which the federation agreed could host the event for three years. This is because organizers in Riyadh have increased the prize money for the tournament to $2 million, of which the world federation gets a quarter, or $500,000 a year.

**Nigel Hanrahan** · Thursday, 16th November, 2017, 03:09 PM

oh, the irony

Originally posted by Kerry Liles View Post

As a Canadian I don't understand why we have *anything* to do with Saudi Arabia - their record on fundamental human rights is horrendous and backward and pathetic.
Of course, I realize it is all about oil and money but we should have nothing to do with them.

It is also about Canadian weapons sales to the Kingdom. Both the Harper and Trudeau regimes approved the sale of billions of dollars in armored vehicles, rifles, and expert Canadian training. In addition, the Saudis are a key military ally of NATO, and therefore of Canada, and share that organization's virulent hostility to the Iranian Republic, the Syrian Arab Republic, Hezbollah (one of the largest factions in the Lebanese Parliament), and general NATO goals in the Middle East. Having noted that, Saudi Arabia is rampaging in Yemen, killing thousands by famine, cholera, bombing, and blockade, and looks to want a war with Lebanon as well. 3 or 4 years from now could look very, very different in the Kingdom.

It's rather ironic that both Israelis AND Iranians won't be able to attend the event, when the latter are often boycotting contests and events with the former. Politics makes strange bedfellows.

Another comment of note is from IM Lela Javkhishvili who, quite rightly, pointed out that all the noisy proponents of human rights and so on are dead silent when it comes to top women players getting properly paid for their appearance and participation in top chess events.

Originally posted by IM Lela Javkhishvili

"I didn't see some of those players protesting against ridiculous and somehow insulting prizes in the recent ACP Women’s Rapid and Blitz European Championship, where almost nobody got conditions and where for example 5th place wouldn't even cover travel expenses. For me it's not less insulting than to wear a hijab for four days. And where in those cases are the voices of "principled" chess players and "human rights defenders?"

Again, it is ironic that possibly the most misogynist country in the world is providing the funding for a top women's chess event when the "enlightened" Europeans can't be bothered.

**Nigel Hanrahan** · Thursday, 16th November, 2017, 03:30 PM

Canada and Saudi Arabia - arms trade

For a much more thorough analysis of Canadian arms sales to Saudi Arabia, and what could be done about it, see the recent article by Thomas Woodley.

Canada must learn from past arms sales folly.

With each passing day, Canada's sale to Saudi Arabia of $15 billion of light armoured vehicles looks more and more indefensible. A damning Globe and Mail survey in September confirmed what the media and political opponents had been saying for years: 64 per cent of Canadians "opposed" or "somewhat opposed" the sale of arms to a country notorious for its human rights abuses.

Most Canadians know intuitively the deal was wrong despite government claims that Canada's export controls are among the most stringent in the world. Canadians opposed this deal despite being repeatedly reminded that thousands of well-paying jobs in London Ontario would be lost if Canada reneged. While ex-Foreign Minister Stéphane Dion couldn't make the connection between light armoured vehicles being used by the Saudis to violently suppress minority Shia protestors, Canadians being surveyed could.

There is further discussion of the International Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), its strengths and weaknesses, and why Canada should go "all in" under that treaty.

**Nigel Hanrahan** · Friday, 17th November, 2017, 01:53 PM

Lt. General Eisenkot: Saudi Arabia is ... moderate!

It turns out that Saudi Arabia is ... a moderate country!

Israel Agrees to Share Intel on Iran with Saudis

Speaking to the Saudi Elaph Journal, Israeli Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot, spoke of a new level to the budding public relationship between his country and Saudi Arabia. Getting beyond the initial shock of the first instance of an Israeli chief of staff appearing in Saudi media, the substance of what Eisenkot said were also terrible.

According to Eisenkot, Israel is now “ready to exchange experiences with moderate Arab countries and exchange intelligence to confront Iran.” The biggest player apparently considered to be among these “moderate countries.” Eisenkot also went on to say that Israel is “highly regarded by the moderate countries in the region.”

Eisenkot said as much when he was asked if Israel had already shared intelligence with the Saudis. While not disclosing if this is already the case, he did say “We are ready to share information if necessary. There are many common interests between us.”

Well, there you go. If Israeli Lt. General Eisenkot - the Chief-of-Staff of the Israeli military - said Saudi Arabia is a moderate country, who are we to argue? lol. Perhaps some Israelis will get their passports sorted out and be allowed to play? Just as long as the Iranians aren't allowed, right?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The same story in Saudi News (in Arabic).

read more in Haaretz

RT: Israel ready to share intelligence on Iran with Saudi Arabia – IDF chief

**Nigel Hanrahan** · Tuesday, 21st November, 2017, 02:03 PM

The irresistable rise of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman (MBS)

This is part 1 - "On the irresistable rise of MBS" - which is to be followed by a [more juicy] 2nd piece.

In a two-part analysis of the recent and ongoing revolutionary developments in Saudi Arabia instigated and executed by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman (MBS), Asia Times editor Uwe Parpart and roving correspondent Pepe Escobar recount the details and background of the recent MBS power grab and attempt to ascertain whether it will last. In a matter of days, MBS may ascend to the throne, leaving to his father, King Salman, the ceremonial role of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The November 4/5 MBS power play was a prelude. What does it portend? Who masterminded it and drove it? Who will benefit? What does it mean for the world’s most volatile region?

**Wayne Komer** · Saturday, 25th November, 2017, 12:25 PM

Re: FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Ch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Ch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

November 25, 2017

From the FIDE site:

World no.1 Magnus Carlsen to Play in King Salman World Rapid and Blitz Championships

Athens, Greece, November 25, 2017 — Magnus Carlsen (Norway), the highest-rated chess player in the world and World Champion in classical chess, will take part in the King Salman World Rapid and Blitz Championships that takes place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between 26th and 30th December 2017. The incumbent World Rapid and Blitz Champions — Sergey Karjakin (Russia) and Vassily Ivanchuk (Ukraine), along with over 180 top grandmasters have confirmed their participation, making the King Salman World Rapid and Blitz Championships the strongest open events of the year.

Notable entries include World ranked no.2 Levon Aronian of Armenia and world no.3 Shakhriyar Mamedyarov of Azerbaijan, former World Champion Viswanathan Anand of India and a record-breaking level of grandmasters from over 40 countries.

FIDE and the General Sports Authority are pleased to announce that the venue will be the iconic Apex Convention Centre, in KAPSARC (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Centre) as the playing venue. The 70,000m² KAPSARC campus incorporates five buildings: the Energy Knowledge Centre; the Energy Computer Centre; a Conference Centre with exhibition hall and 300-seat auditorium; a Research Library with archives for 100,000 volumes; and the Musalla, an inspirational place for prayer within the campus.

Given the extremely short time from confirmation of the event to the opening ceremony, FIDE and the organisers have been working very hard to ensure that all participants will enjoy excellent hospitality and benefit from organization of the highest standard in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

FIDE is also pleased to extend the registration deadline until November 30th, 2017 to accommodate players who require more time to make travel arrangements and on account of a small delay in announcing the official hotels.

Official Schedule

December 24 Arrival of players and officials
December 25 5:30 PM Transfer to venue
6:00 PM Technical Meeting
7:00 PM Opening ceremony
December 26 3:15 PM 1st day of Rapid (rounds 1-5)
December 27 3:15 PM 2nd day of Rapid (rounds 6-10)
December 28 2:00 PM 3rd day of Rapid (rounds 11-15)
8:30 PM Award Ceremony
December 29 3:15 PM 1st day of Blitz
December 30 2:00 PM 2nd day of Blitz
8:30 PM Award and Closing ceremony
December 31 Departure

The games and official ceremonies will be broadcasted online with expert Grandmaster commentary and made available to all media partners.

The four events offer a record total prize fund of US$2,000,000 with the Open events having individual prize funds of US$750,000 each and the women event having a prize fund of US$ 250,000 each. 30 prizes shall be offered in each event.

All players rated at least 2600 for the Open and 2300 for the Women, in any of the FIDE rating lists (Standard, Blitz or Rapid) from September 2017 to October 2017 are eligible to register to play in the King Salman World Blitz & Rapid Championships 2017. FIDE has already announced that female participants will not have to wear hijab or abaya during the games, a first for any sporting event in Saudi Arabia.

http://www.fide.com/component/conten...pionships.html

**Nigel Hanrahan** · Saturday, 25th November, 2017, 02:04 PM

Israelis invited and ... the NYT thinks Saudi Arabia is great!

Originally posted by GM Susan Polgar

A number of Israeli chess players will participate in the World Chess Championship, which will be held next month in Saudi Arabia, the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported on Sunday.

from TheMaven.net - Saudi Arabia will host Israeli players

from YemenExtra - Saudi Arabia will host Israeli players

That settles it, then. The Crown Prince is a great guy! So what if he's blockading and starving 17 million Yemenis and killing thousands? Since when did Western people give a shit about Yemenis anyway? So what if he's imprisoning his rivals for the Kingship and hanging them upside down to get them to see "reason" ? That means he's a reformer! So what if his country is involved in subversion in many countries in the region, such as Qatar, Lebanon, and Syria? Canada already has sanctions against Syria, so we don't like them anyway! Aren't they friends with the Russians? So what if Saudi Arabia is stoking hatred towards Shi'a Muslims? On with the show.

No word yet on whether the Iranians have also been invited. lol.

And look! Thomas Friedman of the NYT has written a "loving" article about the Crown Prince.

Saudi Arabia's Arab Spring at Last: The crown prince has big plans for his society

bwa ha ha ha. Just don't go to any meetings that he "invites" you to - especially late at night! Oh, and for balance ....

Friedman's Love Letter to a War Criminal

There is practically nothing in the long profile that might displease its subject, whose assurances are taken as proof that he is the zealous “reformer” that his cheerleaders say that he is. Friedman tells us that he couldn’t find anyone with a bad word to say about MBS’ purges, as if anyone there would feel free to do so after the dramatic mass arrests that the crown prince has orchestrated.

Undoubtedly, a pile of glowing articles about the "reform-minded" and "misunderstood" Crown Prince will follow. Check your local paper for details.

FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Ch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Ch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

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