How can an entity – any entity – be made? Entities are made when there is clarity of objectives. They are also made when major situations harden people and show who is good and who is not.
The Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani had clarity of objectives from the moment he took over the rein of this country. He knew that Qatar ought to carve out a niche for itself, one that derived from its originality so that it could become a country that has its own important position in the world, one that is well heard at all international forums.
This was what really happened. Qatar now has its own standing in all fields and forums whether it shows up at the event or not. The new Qatar reflects the spirit of the Father Emir and his aspirations. It has become a reflection of his courageous personality, which is also a mere extension of the rule of Al Thani over decades. The lesson does not come to an end here. It actually started and ended at Qatar’s file for hosting the World Cup 2022.
Nobody could deny the joy that overwhelmed all Arab countries – not only Qatar – when Joseph Blatter announced that Qatar would host the World Cup in 2022. A few days later, however, things changed as rumours started to swirl. Countries started attacking Qatar by circulating negative news about its World Cup bid. Few countries stood by Qatar in this crisis. Arab media was also so quick to publicise rumours about the country everywhere.
The fact was that Qatar brought honour to all Arab countries with its ability to win the competition for hosting the international sporting event. Qatar – a small country – stood strong in these fierce currents, but it did this alone. The country continued to do this until FIFA said Qatar had the right to host the competition.
Everybody failed to bring Qatar to its knees. Nobody could undermine its resolve. This is the lesson and this is Qatar.
History should record all these events, while Qatari citizens need to learn the lesson. They need to learn that unity and self-reliance are what would do at the end of the day.
In the name of every Qatari citizen and in the name of everybody who loves Qatar, I stand in respect for the strong resolve of our leadership and its historic role. I also stand in respect for the people involved in the organisation of the World Cup 2022. These people play a very important role in defending justice and the dignity of every Qatari citizen. This is our lesson for this week.
