How tiny Qatar plays double game for big global gains
In august 2004, in the midst of a conflict in iraq, a group of twelve masked gunmen stopped the car carrying French reporters Georges Malbrunot and Christian Chesnot and took them hostage. Together with their Syrian driver, the French investigative journalists were making their way from Baghdad to Najaf. The driver was freed in November, but the four months that the French journalists were held captive by the mysterious Islamic army in iraq were to pass before qatar mediated their release.
That was among the initial hostage-taking incidents that qatar, which is currently a fully-fledged professional hostage negotiator, handled.
After their freedom was obtained, the tale of Georges Malbrunot and Christian Chesnot grows increasingly captivating. Although they were grateful to qatar for the talks, the two were keen to learn more about the little nation's overall position.
They produced something quite explosive.
After their freedom was obtained, the tale of Georges Malbrunot and Christian Chesnot grows increasingly captivating. Although they were grateful to qatar for the talks, the two were keen to learn more about the little nation's overall position.
They produced something quite explosive.
In their book "The qatar Papers," Malbrunot and Chesnot used data and on-the-ground inspections to demonstrate how qatar was sponsoring the Muslim Brotherhood, which its Arab neighbours saw as a terrorist organisation, as well as a plot to build 140 mosques, Islamic centres, and schools around Europe.
Malbrunot challenges Qatar's position as a hostage-taker as well.
What they propose is a double-dealing by the tiny, oil-rich Arab nation that has expanded its power over the world. qatar has risen to the top of many conversations with its complex game of smoke and mirrors.
Malbrunot challenges Qatar's position as a hostage-taker as well.
What they propose is a double-dealing by the tiny, oil-rich Arab nation that has expanded its power over the world. qatar has risen to the top of many conversations with its complex game of smoke and mirrors.