The gas-rich and independent-minded micro-state of Qatar is trying hard to shed its image as a regional troublemaker, even as its policy goals remain largely unchanged.
Buoyed by an economic explosion since the turn of the century, the emirate has emerged as a key diplomatic force unafraid to challenge established regimes across the Middle East. Its support for a range of Islamist groups that share those objectives has long infuriated US policymakers, but early signs of a change of direction are beginning to emerge under the new emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
