Genesis,

I never suggested I want press freedom in Qatar.

It's a tiny country where nothing happens. And as you say, give the press freedom and we'll all rue the consequences.

I don't actually mind that there are all of about 2 pages of Qatar news in the Qatar dailies. What little they do publish is total crap anyway, either because it's so trivial or because it's so dishonest.

Worrying about press freedom in a country so small as Qatar (geographically and politically) is like worrying about the freedom of operation for shoe sellers in Namibia. It might make for interesting conversation, but it really doesn't affect anyone.

This is the same country that can publish an article with the headline:
"Bridge plan is on track"

And after only a few sentences include the statement:
"The construction... was originally supposed to begin in May of 2008 ... I hope work will be able to start at the end of this year,” he added.

So, clearly not on track.

The journalists here are, on the whole, too stupid to grasp any issue where press freedom is likely to be important.