yes, we can say what we like. . . as long as it is overwhelmingly positive about Qatar. Oh, and never ever ever print the word wine. or beer. or pork. Or show a picture of a ladies bare shoulders. Sigh. Be critical or haaram and expect letters and general trouble.

If people really want to see better local reporting, the laws and licensing boards need to lighten up, and the local journalists need to take a collective breath and stop self-censoring ourselves.