The Network of Hillary Clinton

The Network of Hillary Clinton

The Secretary of State is in the UAE for a quick visit this week, meeting with the country’s big names. Kipp takes a look at the others in Clinton’s circle of influence.

January 10, 2011 4:22 by shafeer

When Hillary Clinton went to Doha early last year the Washington Post said “Keep the Hope Alive” best described her message. While acknowledging the slow rate at which the “change” the Obama administration promised for the region, Clinton also stressed the importance of improving human rights and children’s rights all around. The audience that listened to her speak included Qatari Emir Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and Prime Minister Hamad bin Jasim al-Thani.

At the tender age of 43, in a bloodless palace coup, the Emir of Qatar deposed his father while the elder was on a visit to Geneva. Calling it the abnormal behavior of an ignorant man, the former emir vowed to return. But fifteen years on, the changing of the guard seems to have proven a success for the emir and his adoring citizenry. Qatari nationals are the richest folks in the world, banking an approximate $84,000 per head in GDP – nearly double that of America and dwarfing that of the UK, at $35,000. By nearly any measure, the portly emir seems to be doing just about everything right. The Economist regards the dynamic leader as a rock solid success where it counts: business, diplomacy, economics and relationships.

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