by B. R. GOWANI
since the 1820s,
Al Thanis have ruled Qatar
and the Qataris have also seen
the Ottoman and British rule
in 1971, Qatar became an independent nation
power struggle ensued, and
Emir Sheikh Khalifa Al Thani became the ruler
while he was in Switzerland in 1995
his son, Sheikh Hamad Al Thani
accused him of corruption and took over power
it was a bloodless coup
father moved to France
and son was the new Emir
Hamad has introduced some changes
but basically it’s a dynasty
supported by the US
in 2000, a coup attempt
by Emir Hamad’s cousin and others failed
Qatar has the highest GDP in the world
but the preference for money over free elections
was rejected by 37% to 63%
at the November 2010 Doha Debates
with funds provided by Emir Hamad
Al Jazeera satellite TV was launched in 1996
Al Jazeera has done a great work
by providing a platform to various groups
and supporting the common people’s issues
not only the Arab tyrants abhor Al Jazeera
it is equally hated by the US and Israel
that indicates that Al Jazeera is doing something right
what if tomorrow the Qataris
rush out onto the streets
demanding an abolition of monarchy
and holding of free and fair elections?
will Al Jazeera be allowed to cover the revolution?
NO
only if the monarch’s removal is quick
otherwise it will be Al Jazeera’s removal
B. R. Gowani can be reached at brgowani@hotmail.com