Gas and oil have been good to Qatar. In one year’s time, the nation’s budget surplus doubled to $26 billion from oil and gas imports, according to figures released Thursday by the Qatar Central Bank. The figures compare the July-August-September period over the past couple years.
Part of Qatar’s profits have gone to help Libyan and Syrian rebel fighters, the Associated Press reports.
The nation has also given $2.5 billion to boost Italy’s economy — in part, by funding fashion houses — and has extended similar investment offers to Greece, the AP reports. One of the nation’s favored investments?
Western luxury companies, like Tiffany & Co, where it has pumped unspecified amounts of cash, AP reports.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.