You have every right to maintain a healthy and appropriate measure of scepticsm, Emile, but I'd definitely also recommend you keep an open mind, and absolutely "never say never", in regards to these things, and in regards to any given Arab leader. After all, both Sadat and King Hussein ultimately proved sincere, and the results of their willingness to approach Israel, openly and realisticly, proved excellent. Personally, I plan to show every measure of support to this Qatari gentleman, and to any others who appear to be like him [unless I have specific reason to feel otherwise], for whatever potentially good and positive results this may potentially lead to. Israelis are "no fools !" in negotiations, you know, so what harm can it do to get people into free and fair discussions, and how do you know it won't be the Israelis who end up "gaining the advantage" there ? : ) And I certainly hope this Qatari gentleman has a whole bunch of people watching his back... I may wish to invite him to my kid's Bar Mitzvah, some day. : )
And did you hear that, as his last official act in office [Yeah, and like THAT (Jan., 2013) time could ever get here too soon : )], Obama will be signing an executive order, proclaiming that the process of America governmental decision making, formerly done through elected executives and representatives, selected by free and fair secret ballot elections of the qualified voting public, will henceforth be replaced by official enactment of the results of DailyKos/Research2000 polls, on “How elite progressive Americans would like to see America run.”
It’s being suggested that this be looked on as the logical culmination of Al Gore’s 1990s “Streamlining Government” project. : )