I worked bi-lateral issues in the USCENTCOM area for a DOD element over the past few years. The Qataris have been, in a word, flaky. They provide incredibly useful access to bases and airfields, and on the other hand can be difficult to work with. Some elements there distrust Iran but others resent the Saudis.
Additionally, they buy off Islamists so they both are left alone and placate internal radicals. It appears the their neighbors have finally tired of this balancing act.
Agree. Additional info http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-backroom/3558140/posts