In the region, Qatar has done much to foment revolutionary change, including the overthrow of Libya’s Moammar Gaddafi. Yet its agenda is not liberal but sectarian and Islamist. With several of its gulf neighbors, the emirate is fanning what has become a dangerous polarization between Sunnis and Shiites that could convulse much of the Middle East and prevent desperately needed economic and political modernization. While little is known about the new emir’s views or intentions, both Qataris and other Arabs must hope that he will employ his power and vast resources to promote democratic solutions both at home and abroad.
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