Just to be clear, NPR is the best news outlet in the United States. Period. And I'd be happy for anyone to contribute something they think is better.
That being said, here's what's going on in Qatar these days:
The tiny Persian Gulf state of Qatar has deep pockets and a big microphone in the form of its news network, Al Jazeera. In recent months, those assets have been used to propel the Arab Spring forward. Qatar has supported rebel movements in Libya and Syria, and is promoting a "Marshall Fund" for Oman, Morocco and Jordan. The country's emir has close, personal relationships with the emerging Islamist leaders from Casablanca to Cairo — and meanwhile provides a home to the largest U.S. military base outside the United States.
Make sure to click the link and listen to the NPR streaming audio version of it too. Qatar--led by the Emir--is doing a really great job keeping the small Gulf powerhouse in the center of things. He uses many of the same political tactics as Walid Jumblatt in Lebanon: side with everyone and make sure to comedown on the last needed 5% on everything.
