TRC predicted in its 2005 forecast (see December 29, 2004 WAR Report) that the trucial coast states would face more extremist violence as militants fled crackdowns in Saudi Arabia and veteran Mujahideen began returning to the Arabian Peninsula from Iraq . Osama Bin Laden?s lengthy condemnation of Arabian Peninsula leaders on December 16, 2004 was also predicted to be an inspiration to militants in the area. Until now, however, Qatar largely has been immune to the kind of al-Qaeda -inspired violence that has plagued Saudi Arabia and has begun to spread into neighboring Kuwait and Bahrain (WAR Report).

Qatar had been deemed a relatively safe place for expatriates. A large US air presence is located in Qatar, and there have been discussions over building a permanent naval base there. Hotels, resorts, and seaside property are being erected with gusto in anticipation of attracting wealthier expatriate workers and tourists. Even Washington?s own Georgetown University has announced that it is planning to build a campus in Doha. The March 19, 2005 suicide bombing casts a shadow over all of those plans.