The World Cup kicked off last night. The soccer mad world is looking forward to moments of footballing brilliance that will last a lifetime.
In the history of the World Cup, no host has been scrutinized and pilloried like Qatar.
The liberal Western press has taken potshots of the hosts, questioning their suitability.
Every argument has been made. Qatar has been faulted for being a Muslim country that is intolerant to gay relations. The host has been accused of treating foreigners with disdain. Even endangering the lives of migrant workers hired to build their world-class stadiums.
Islam is a sound religion with tenets that rule the lives of its followers. Qatar should be free to live by the doctrine of Islam.
Granted that the World Cup is a global festival in which fun-loving devotees enjoy a month long carnival, even as they watch matches, this years host is a unique destination, which should help to remind the world of the very rich diversity that makes the whole.
As the games start, soccer enthusiasts around the world should enjoy the games and forget the strident noises from holier than thou advocates, who would like to impose their permissive values in a nation that does not share in their ethos.