Global Peace Index rankings

Qatar is ranked 12th most peaceful out of about 160 nations in this year's Global Peace Index. For comparison, the US is number 88 and Israel is something like 150. Of course, not everything in Qatar is peachy. Al Jazeera reported on the Human Rights Watch report that condemned Qatar's (lack of) enforcement of laws protecting foreign workers, particularly those in construction. Of course, the fact that Al Jazeera was allowed to report news critical of the government that created it and provides much of its funding is another point in Qatar's favor!

Packing

We've started packing finally. Not that it will take us long, really, since we sold almost everything and we're limited to 880 lb.
I put a bunch of small items in a reusable microwave-meal tupperware-ish dish that I found in a cupboard, but when I put it in the box I noticed what the original meal had been: "Lloyd's Seasoned / Shredded Pork in Barbeque Sauce!" Needless to say, I got a different container.

Qatari dress code

For all those who have asked (some jokingly and some not) if my wife will have to wear a veil, hijab, or burka in Qatar, here's an ad campaign from a private organization in Doha explaining what is acceptable and what's not. For comparison, here are the dress standards the LDS Church encourages us to follow. Since she's already dressing this way, Qatar's laws shouldn't be an issue.