I'm in Qatar for the Doha Forum on "Democracy, Development and Free Trade".These forums, involving politicians and academics from around the world were started by the Emir in 2001.
Two immediate impressions: first, there is a powerful sense coming through in the discussions that we are moving into a multi-polar world. Yes, the USA is going to remain the world's strongest military and economic power for some time yet, but it's clear that the Middle East is now looking in a big way to China and to Asia generally for trade and investment. China is now (an Oxford academic told us) the biggest trading partner for both the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Second, there are some interesting and creative ideas being discussed about the Israel/Palestine conflict. This evening, Israel's Foreign Minister, Tzipi Livni, will address the Forum. The very fact that she has been invited is significant and welcome.
