DOHA: To mark one year of unjust siege imposed against Qatar by Saudi-led quartet, The Peninsula newspaper has published a special 126-page book “365 Days of Dignity and Pride” which shows with the help of facts and figures how Qatar has defeated the blockade and shattered hopes of architects of crisis.
Divided into 35 chapters, the book deals with various subjects and throws lights on different sectors like economy, diplomacy, sports, health, education etc. With hundreds of colourful pictures, authentic information and brief write-ups, the book merits itself to be a good read.
Dr. Khalid Al-Shafi, Editor-in-Chief of The Peninsula, writes in book’s editorial, “A victorious year for Qatar”, that the year of the siege was full of challenges and victories, giving the country and its people an opportunity to explore themselves and their potential. “That is why we decided to publish this book titled ‘Qatar Year of Glory and Dignity’ on the occasion of the anniversary of the siege observing the most important events witnessed throughout the year of dignity and steadfastness,” he further writes.
The beginning chapters of the book carry three speeches of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani delivered on July 21, 2017 in his address to the nation, at the UN General Assembly session on September 19, 2017 and at the opening session of the Advisory Council on November 14, 2017.
“Inspiring the nation: A diplomatic success” is the chapter covering tours and diplomatic contacts of H H the Amir with various world leaders in post siege scenario and the success of Qatar’s diplomacy in international arena.
The book also highlights efforts of H H Sheikha Moza in promotion of education and research during the last one year. “Qatar’s tireless efforts to promote education and research especially through global initiatives reached heights during the past one year despite the ongoing unjust blockade imposed on the country,” says the chapter “Sheikha Moza: Promoting education and research”.
It is pertinent to mention that Qatar achieved a milestone in addressing a global challenge through Education Above All Foundation’s Educate A Child program by succeeding in its objective of helping 10 million of the most marginalized out of school children to receive quality, primary education.
Apart from extracts from the interview of Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani he gave to Qatar TV on November 22, 2017 in one chapter of the book, another chapter “FM proves his mettle as an undefeatable diplomat” extensively covers the diplomatic endeavors and successes of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
“In the last 365 days, all state institutions and functionaries under wise leadership and guidance of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani performed an outstanding role to foil the conspiracies of the blockading countries but the role of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheik Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani will ever be remembered in golden words.” The book has another dedicated chapter on the efforts and achievements of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah, and how he took strategic ties of Qatar with various countries to a new level during last one year under siege.
The book also praises laudable role played by National Human Rights Committee after imposition of siege and how it successfully showed the world human rights violations committed by the blockading countries during the last one year. A chapter “QNHRC: At the forefront of protecting people’s rights” also records number and nature of human rights violations emerged from the blockade of Qatar.
It also gives the reader an insight into professional approach adopted by Qatari media and Qatar Media Corporation in beating media blitz against Qatar by adhering to universal principles of factual reporting and ethical journalism. Qatar’s economic growth and resilience have been discussed in chapter “Economy forges ahead on all fronts” while another chapter “Hamad Port and new shipping routes give a fillip to trade” shows how Qatar’s transport and aviation sector proved its robustness and resilience during the year-long unjust siege.
How Qatar Airways defeated all restrictions imposed by the blockading countries and continue delivering beyond expectations has been discussed in chapter “Qatar Airways: Flying high” while Hamad International Airport’s last year’s achievements have also been included in the treatise.
The book sheds light on the milestones achieved by Qatar Rail during unjust siege as well as launched or completed development projects of the Public Works Authority (Ashghal).
Two exclusive interview of Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and Turkish Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci, conducted by Dr. Al-Shafi, Editor-in-Chief of The Peninsula, in November 2017 are also part of the book.
Regarding sports, chapter “Qatar’s football diplomacy wins over erring neighbours” highlights how Qatar saved 2017 Gulf Cup from the effects of blockade by agreeing to move the high-profile tournament to Kuwait to show solidarity with Arab world.
The last part of the book bears a meticulously-arranged timeline of all major happenings, developments and events occurred since June 5, 20017 till the completion of one year of siege.
