We know what the comedians got out of the Riyadh comedy festival. What about the Saudi regime? | Jonathan Liew

The backlash against comedians Louis CK, Dave Chappelle, and Jimmy Carr is intensifying due to their participation in a festival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a country notorious for severe human rights abuses. Critics are outraged, highlighting the stark contrast between the comedians' performances and the grim realities of life in Saudi Arabia, where punishments for crimes can be brutal. This situation raises important questions about the ethics of artists performing in countries with such records, and whether the financial gain is worth the moral implications.

Cristiano Ronaldo has made history by becoming the first footballer to join the billionaire club, as reported by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which estimates his net worth at $1.4 billion. This milestone is significant not only for Ronaldo but also for the sport, showcasing the immense financial opportunities available to top athletes. His recent $400 million deal with Saudi club Al-Nassr has undoubtedly contributed to this achievement, highlighting the growing influence of football in global markets.

The article explores the troubling relationship between Saudi Arabia and Twitter, highlighting how the kingdom's investment has bolstered its influence in Silicon Valley while simultaneously enabling the suppression of dissent at home. This connection raises concerns about the implications for free speech and the role of social media in authoritarian regimes, especially as figures like Elon Musk take the helm of such platforms.

In an exciting start to the AFC World Cup qualifiers, Saudi Arabia triumphed over Indonesia with a close score of 3-2, showcasing their strong football prowess. Meanwhile, Qatar and Oman played to a goalless draw, highlighting the competitive nature of the tournament. These matches are crucial as teams vie for a spot in the prestigious World Cup, making every goal and point count.

Cristiano Ronaldo has made history by becoming the first billionaire in football, a milestone that highlights his immense success both on and off the pitch. His wealth surged after signing a lucrative $400 million deal in Saudi Arabia, showcasing the growing financial power of football and the opportunities it presents for players. This achievement not only cements Ronaldo's legacy as one of the greatest athletes but also reflects the changing landscape of sports economics.

Omid Djalili shares his experience performing at the Riyadh comedy festival, a decision he made after years of rejecting offers due to Saudi Arabia's human rights issues. He believes that art, particularly comedy, can drive progress and foster change in the region. Djalili acknowledges the criticism he faced but emphasizes the importance of supporting the evolving cultural landscape in Saudi Arabia, where signs of change are becoming more visible.

The AFC World Cup qualifier match between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia is generating excitement as fans eagerly await the live commentary and team news updates. This match is crucial for both teams as they vie for a spot in the 2026 World Cup, making it a significant event in the football calendar.

Indonesia is set to face Saudi Arabia in an important AFC World Cup qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being cohosted by Saudi Arabia and Qatar. This match is significant as it represents a crucial step for both teams in their quest to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament.

In the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, questions are being raised about the advantages given to Qatar and Saudi Arabia, who will host matches and enjoy more rest than their rivals. Oman coach Carlos Queiroz is among those voicing concerns over the AFC's decisions. As six Asian nations compete for two coveted World Cup spots, the dynamics of home advantage could significantly impact the outcomes, making this a crucial moment in the qualification process.

Regina's city council has taken a proactive step by applying for provincial disaster relief after significant flooding in September. This move is crucial as it aims to secure funding and support for recovery efforts, helping the community rebuild and restore normalcy. By designating Regina as eligible for the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program, the city is ensuring that residents affected by the flooding receive the necessary assistance to recover.

The Home Office has announced the removal of nineteen more migrants to France under its 'one in, one out' scheme. This latest operation involved larger groups compared to previous flights, highlighting a shift in the government's approach to managing migration. This matters as it reflects ongoing efforts to address immigration challenges and the complexities involved in international agreements.

The international football friendly between England and Wales is underway at Wembley, with kick-off at 7.45pm BST. This match is significant as it showcases the competitive spirit between the two neighboring nations, providing fans with an exciting preview of their teams' performances ahead of future tournaments. Stay tuned for live updates and scores as the game progresses.

Fyodor Lukyanov argues that Western Europe needs to stop blaming external forces, like Moscow, for its challenges and instead confront its own decline. He emphasizes that the era of Western moralizing has ended, and the global landscape is now multipolar. This perspective is significant as it reflects a shift in international relations, urging Western nations to reassess their strategies and acknowledge the changing dynamics of power.

Dominion Voting Systems, known for its role in the 2020 election controversies, has been sold to Scott Leiendecker and will now operate under the name Liberty Vote. This transition comes after Dominion secured a significant $787.5 million defamation settlement with Fox News, highlighting the company's resilience in the face of false claims. The sale marks a new chapter for Dominion, allowing it to move forward and potentially restore its reputation in the voting technology sector, which is crucial for maintaining public trust in electoral processes.

In a recent update on Australian politics, the head of the Australian Submarine Agency has justified a significant increase in a consultancy contract related to the Aukus agreement, stating that the $12 million payment represents good value for money. This development comes at a critical time as Qantas faces a looming deadline regarding a data ransom situation. The implications of these events are substantial, affecting national security and corporate governance in Australia.