You're exactly right ludahai.
But some folks here are willing to excuse this abysmal behavior on the part of UAE simply because an Ms. Peer is Israeli.
If this woman was from Spain, Mr. EU wouldn't be so forgiving.
Hypocrite and asshole.
Listen, there is no excuse for such behaviour I agree, but it is their freaking right, just as it is Israel's right to imprison dissidents, ban jews critical of the Israeli state from entering Israel. That TOO is there no excuse for and yet you and others are not up in uproar over that?
You accuse me and others for being hypocrites and assholes? How about looking in the mirror... Is it not a bit hypocritical to post this story, and yet not the other situations when people have been denied visa to enter a country? Is it not hypocritical to post a story who's intent was clearly to stir up sympathy for the poor Israeli against the mean old Arab country, and yet claim that religion and race has nothing to do about it? Again, why is it you find this story so important over random person being denied entry to any country on the planet?
Also if she was from Spain, UK, France, Germany or whatever EU country, then yes the EU would be critical which is their right. But the EU knows, just as everyone but a few people on these boards, that not giving a visa on whatever grounds, is a a daily occurrence all over the world. Like it or not, we do not allow people into countries based on who they are, and where they are from.. big freaking deal. You do know that the EU has most likely denied visa's to people from the UAE too right?
I saw the interview on CNN of the WTA President. It is always funny how a man that claims that sports should be non-political goes on international TV and makes it political. On top of that, he admitted that they had known of the possibility for over a year and had been working on the issue. Now that the UAE has said no, which is their right, then all of a sudden he and his people make a story out of it? He even admitted that it was far from the first time someone on the WTA and ATP tour were denied visa to a country where there was a tournament.. so I ask again.. WHY is this case suddenly a "BIG" thing?
Could it be just another propaganda attack in the never ending war between Israel and the Arab world? Another pathetic attempt to claim "anti-Semitism" because the person "wronged" comes from Israel? You can deny it as much as you want, but that is how it has come off, even though you never used the words.
So let me summarize.. Yes it is wrong for the UAE to say no to this player, but it is their right to do so, just like every other country does it on a daily basis.