ISRAELI TENNIS PLAYER MAKES HISTORY IN QATAR

Israel's Tennis Player Peer Makes History in Gulf - Richard Eaton (AFP/Yahoo)
Israeli tennis player Shahar Peer, 20, made diplomatic history when she stepped on court at the Qatar Open on Monday.  Peer has suddenly acquired a global focus, received round-the-clock security, and apparently been given a promise that she would be treated "like the Emir's wife."

"I'm here to play tennis," she said. "But if this opens up a window for the younger generation, with Arabs and Israelis working together for peace, I'd be happy." The emirate is bidding for the 2016 Olympics, about which a decision will be made next year, so this is a way to suggest that politics won't tarnish any games there.

See also Peer Wins History-Making Match at Qatar Tourney - Douglas Robson (USA Today)