Well it looks like my husband and I (and our chidren) will be leaving Doha sooner than planned.
Al Jazeera International (or Al Jazeera English as we were forced to call it after objections from the Arabic news channel) was launched 13 months ago.
Since then two things have happened:
First, the channel has built itself a reputation as an authoritative news source on world issues, offering a different perspective from the likes of CNN and BBC. In a remarkably short time, it has become the point of reference on many international stories from many different countries around the globe. It has acquired a truly universal appeal and respect (with the exception of the Bush Administration, of course!). In short, it has often set the news agenda.
The second thing that has happened is that the people who have been responsible for this phenomenal innovation in the world of broadcasting have been treated like shit. Yes, you heard right - like shit!
In the beginning, they were encouraged, induced, seduced, implored, begged to come out to Doha to make this dream a possibility; they were welcomed with open arms.
That was then - this is now.
Now, they are being treated with disrespect, ingratitude, disdain, even downright contempt. They are lied to, ignored, cheated, abused, ridiculed.
This is all done, of course, to "persuade" them to leave. Don't worry Ibrahim, we will be!
Now that the operation is up and running, and looking just dandy, my husband and his dedicated colleagues can be dispensed with. No longer needed, aren't they, Ali?
After all, this international news channel stuff is easy pie, isn't it Abdullah?
You don't need us Westerners any more do you, Saleh?
You can run it all on your own, can't you Khalid?
So what have they done to encourage the professionals to leave?
Well, the list of grievances can wait until next time. Suffice to say that in any civilised country these measures would be illegal.
But then I did say in any civilised country, didn't I Wada?
More next time.