The Secret Sauce to Qatar’s Success

This piece by Anthony Shadid on the ascendancy of Qatar is a must-read for anyone interested in the Arab world. It details the many reasons why tiny Qatar wields so much influence in the region and beyond. But to those who are wondering: Why Qatar? Why not another equally rich gulf country, here’s the key paragraph:

Unlike Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Qatar enjoys close ties with the Muslim Brotherhood, in its various incarnations in Libya, Syria and Egypt, as well as with figures like Rachid al-Ghannouchi, the Tunisian Islamist, all of whom are almost certain to play a crucial role in the next generation of Arab politics.

By balancing an embrace of Islamists with pragmatism, wealth, boldness, cunning and vision, the Emir of Qatar is taking his country in a risky direction, but one which is potentially very rewarding for his country.

Update: ..and Apparently, Qataris love to eat..