Madam, I refer to Fintan O'Toole's column "Freedom, with allies like these?" (Opinion, March 25th). On the subject of Qatar he quotes: "Traditional monarchy. . .no elections have been held since 1970, when there were partial elections. . .political parties: none". This is part of a list which Mr O'Toole calls a "coalition that includes these torturers, rapists and murderers". What a shameful comment to make.
Qatar's ruler, Sheikh Hamad, decreed in 1997 that women could vote and hold office. In 1999, municipal elections took place and for the first time Qatari women ran for office and voted freely. Further elections are expected soon to a new elected parliament. While Qatar is a state with strong Muslim traditions, it has none of the overt fundamentalism displayed by some.
Qataris are to a large extent a contented and very prosperous people. In fact, it is the monarch, Sheikh Hamad, who is pushing the pace of democratic reform and not the general populace.
I shudder to think what a Qatari would feel on reading Mr O'Toole's article. Remarks such as his are quite irresponsible, especially in these times. - Yours, etc.,
PHILIP LITTLE, Mellows Avenue, Arklow, Co Wicklow.