Nothing wrong with this thread, so long as the discussion is civil.
I think Qatar's future is a great unknown. It has the potential to maintain a robust economy, serve as a bridge between the Europe and Asia (both culturally and economically), and affect political outcomes in the region.
Whether or not it reaches this potential will depend on its rulers. Qatar has few rulers, so it will come down to a handful of people. The great benefit/danger of monarchy is that if the ruler is great, then things are wonderful; if the ruler is horrible, then things couldn't be worse; there are not mellowing factors as in a democracy. I think, generally, Qatar's leadership is doing a good job, but that could change and with it Qatar's future.
Of course to a great extent, as a small country Qatar's destiny will be determined by its more powerful neighbors and partners--KSA, USA, Iran. For example, Qatar could never realistically remodel its government into something that was not cooperative with the strategic interests of KSA and the USA.
Nothing wrong with this thread, so long as the discussion is civil.
I think Qatar's future is a great unknown. It has the potential to maintain a robust economy, serve as a bridge between the Europe and Asia (both culturally and economically), and affect political outcomes in the region.
Whether or not it reaches this potential will depend on its rulers. Qatar has few rulers, so it will come down to a handful of people. The great benefit/danger of monarchy is that if the ruler is great, then things are wonderful; if the ruler is horrible, then things couldn't be worse; there are not mellowing factors as in a democracy. I think, generally, Qatar's leadership is doing a good job, but that could change and with it Qatar's future.
Of course to a great extent, as a small country Qatar's destiny will be determined by its more powerful neighbors and partners--KSA, USA, Iran. For example, Qatar could never realistically remodel its government into something that was not cooperative with the strategic interests of KSA and the USA.