Ewok

This is one recent data point on why I avoid giving any dollars to any company that is owned or HQ in the ME. I would not voluntarily fly on any of their airlines and I would never vacation in that part of the world. They have a lot of money now but that oil supply is going to dry up eventually, which is why they are trying to branch out and take on other industries, like tourism and aviation.

I hope AA gives them the most strongly worded "Thanks, but no thanks" response.

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ShyGuy

When I see stuff like this, it's no different than when some foreigner uses a case like Ferguson's police shooting to say that's why he's not visiting America. No one is forcing you to fly the ME carriers. But for those who of us who have families in 3rd world countries in which no US or European carriers fly to, we have no choice but use ME airlines. Sorry.

Anyway, what's wrong if QR buys a 10% stake in AA? How does that change anything as far as employees and their well being at AA? Certainly can't be any worse than when it was called "AMR Corp" and Carty's golden parachute days.

Ewok

I just felt like I had to put my $.02 in on the ME and share an article that some may not have seen to get the conversation started for some general background info on Qatar. If I had to travel to a part of the world (non-vol) that was only serviced by the ME3, I would have to do it as well.

This attempt to buy into AA might not change the day to day operations, but it's just as much a political move as much as an economic move. Qatar has been trying to play all the angles of the many conflicts in the region, both economically and politically. They have been called out by their neighbors for playing too far to one side, and now Qatar is finding itself cut off from the majority of the air routes in and out of their country. The big 3 US carriers are also rolling out their add campaign against the ME3, how they have affected the European carriers and now they are increasing their routes into the US. It's a very complicated situation with economic implications for the entire world, and especially the US airline industry. Luckily the AA BOD will have a little time to take a look at the entire situation to figure out what's best for the longterm survival of AA, it's employees and the US airline industry.