Friday, December 03, 2010

Arab governments talk to US officials like a (sleazy and pushy) man talk to a woman he is pursuing: this is Qatar

"ASD Vershbow raised Qatar's ties with Hamas, and told the COS that Hamas needs to be encouraged to rejoin the Palestinian Authority and the Peace Process. He added that there should be "no blank checks, no checks at all," for Hamas. ASD suggested that Qatar was in a position to influence Hamas; if Qatar helped bring about a change in Hamas's behavior, it could enhance the U.S.-Qatar strategic relationship. COS undertook to relay that message to the Amir and Crown Prince. While the COS underscored that Qatar wants a good relationship with the U.S., he noted there were times when USG decisions sent a different signal, such as the USG's decision on LAIRCM. COS al-Attiyah rhetorically asked, "Are we friends or not?" " (thanks Olivia)