Qatar is struggling on the brink of the World Cup
With not much time left until the World Cup begins in Qatar, the country’s officials are under intense pressure from human rights organizations, political figures, and even athletes. This pressure has intensified in recent weeks and seems likely to increase in the coming days.
One of the most significant aspects of Qatar’s political and social behavior in preparing to host the World Cup has been the extensive effort to divert international public attention from the situation of migrant workers in the country. These workers have borne the burden of constructing the stadiums and facilities, and reports about the deaths of many of them and the dire overall conditions of their lives and work have been shocking.
Now, the Qatari government has found a strange and ruthless solution to whitewash its situation. Qatari authorities have begun evacuating the migrant workers’ accommodations to drive them out of the areas where tourist attractions and hotels for fans from around the world will be located in central Doha. Asian and African migrant workers have been removed from accommodations that were already in very poor condition, and many are unable to find shelter. Some wander the sidewalks.