“Dwarf with an ogre’s appetite”[1]

It is well known that Media, journalists and other experts in Paris, are key players in the French democratic process; thus contribute to the construction of the Qatari partner image introduced to the French public. The aggressiveness of Qatar, not only in France, seems to have aroused in them a “national” notion, and increased their vigilance against Franco-Qatari relations, which they begin to suspiciously judge. Opinion Experts, newspaper articles, and reports on the “Qatari risk” are abundantly multiplying in France.

Two books recently published in Paris, will help fuel the controversy surrounding Franco-Qatari relations over future stage: journalist Nicolas Beau’s book, entitled “The Ugly Qatar”, Editions Fayard, 2013; and great reporters Christian Chesnot and Georges Malbrunot’s  book, entitled ‘Qatar: les secrets du coffre-fort’ (Qatar: the secrets of the Vault), Michel Lafon Editions, 2013.Qatar, according to Michel Lafon publishing house is: “a dwarf perpetually hungry,only slightly larger than Corsica, thanks to its huge gas reserves, can afford all on the planet: sports clubs, large parts of European industry, palaces, and the 2022 World Cup… What are the real causes of this “bulimia”?”

After a long investigation in “Al-Jazeera country” to discover the reasons behind their liberation from Iraq where they were held hostage in 2004, Christian Chesnot and Georges Malbrunot, remove the veil from this confusing country coulisses.In their booktheyexplore thepower gamein Doha,the emirate’s external policies, and Franco-Qatari relations, showinghow thispowergets tocreate anunarmedempire by purchasingthe world as refers a banker working with Doha “The True

Story of Qatar… is that of a nouveau riche … I would say nouvelle richness, where power is concerted in three or four people. This is certainly a unique case in the world. What to do with 40 or 50 billion? This is the question the magic trio (Emir- HBJ[2]-Moza) is posing every year.”[3]

From oil and gas reserves (estimated to sustain200 to 300 years) to sumptuous palaces of the Emir Sheikh Hamad;  passing by AlJazeera influential Information resources through Qatar weight in secret negotiations with “Western Islamic states” −power articulations are revealed. We learn that “Qatar, failing to expand its borders to consolidate its power, has chosen to create an empire, without weapons (only Al Udeid Air Base),a war by purchasingthe world!”But who saidWorld is for sale!

The book also discloses how Qatar tried to buy a Russian veto in the UN[4], and the mysteries  of its investment in France, and how it controversially went from the “book checks diplomacy” to arming Libyan and Syrian terroristic groups. This book is a journey into the surreal world of an empire of pocket; making us wonder why it is seeking to infiltrate international institutions such as UNESCO and the Arab League. Is Qatar rolling for Islamists or does it, by its frantic infiltration, ensure its safety as its reputation?

Regarding their political investments,Qataris have supported the Muslim Brotherhood, the overthrow of Gaddafi in Libya ” 6 of the 12  Qatari 2000 Mirage are engaged by the side of NATO’s operations in Libya, throwing bombs, accomplishing combat missions. Qatari pilots are having their first War overseas.’They were the sole to land without countermeasures in response to the commands of their two C-17 American Globe-masters’ a French soldier declares.[5]” They have also backed up armed opposition in Syria “In fact, Americans have never known exactly the weapons recipients’  identity, that Qatar was  delivering on behalf of the Occidentals  in Libya. Since then, some of the weapons went to north Mali… other were sent to Syria in favor of rebels.” They have also played a role in Tunisia and Egypt uprisings. Nothing can stop Qatar’s ambitions towards influence, according to Chesnot and Malbrunot,”Qatar: les secrets du coffre-fort”.

In his interview with ‘Ouest France’ about the book[6], French writer and journalist, Christian Chesnot, indicates how Qataris bought ‘Centre Kléber’, the largest conference center in Paris, which Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thany has (coup de foudre) fell in love with. Paying 400 million euros while its price in the real estate market is estimated at 350 million euros. An economic strategy followed by Qatar, based on higher prices proposals of about 30% to 40% than the market prices, and funded from its financial strength that allows it to take over everything.

Chesnot adds that the book is devoting an important part for the Qatari’s role in the ongoing events in Syria. As the French journalists reveal the Qatar’s Emir obsession with this file, considering the matter a personal battle, meaning if President Al-Assad survives Shaykh Hamad will pay the price, so he is employing all his treasury energy to gain the game[7]. The authors are literally recapulating one of Qatar’s Emir cousins’ words “If the Syrian crisis prolongs, it will shake the internal balance in Doha.”Therefore, Qatar is arming and financing opposition groups, but not necessarily the most democratic or moderate ones. Moreover, some of those groups are supported by organizations recorded under U.S. list of terrorist organizations.

The French journalist goes on to say: Qatari officials declare when asked about their role in supporting Islamic groups, “We want to be up to date with historical changes.  Today, wind is blowing with Muslim Brotherhood, who has achieved victory in the elections”, in reference to the rise of Islamists in Tunisia and Egypt.

The outstanding reporter in Radio France, Christian Chesnot, reveals that a large number of American, Russian, and French diplomats have been interviewed to obtain details incorporated in ” Qatar: les secrets du coffre-fort.”

“The objective of writing is not to attack, propaganda, or show this country’s miracle”, according to Chesnot, “but to explain aspects related to Qatar issue, since the financial capacity and over wealth of this country, led to questioning  its purchase of companies, and weapons.”
From Al-Jazeera podium, Chesnot declared that this channel, as authorities sponsoring it, has lost its neutrality and its motto “AL-Raii& Al-Raii Al-Akhar” (Pro & Counter opinion) in favor of unilateral promotion.

For his part, writer and political analyst specialized in Arab affairs, Georges Malbrunot- a French intelligence services close contact – mentioned the growing criticism of the ruler of Qatar and his wife, particularly his policies contrasting with tribal customs and traditions prevailing in Qatar culture. He also pointed out that there is turmoil and fear in Qatar, accusing Prince Hamad of wasting the country’s wealth for the benefit of U.S. companies.

Lama Alhassanieh