Further to my first book (My Views), which contained a collection of selected articles published in 2011, I hereby introduce my selected articles published in two newspapers -- The Peninsula and Al Sharq -- in 2012. With this, I hope to shed more light on the issues discussed and add to the works available on the subjects in the country. I also hope to enrich the cultural and intellectual scene in Qatar that we look forward to carry its mission to the entire Arab world and other counties.

I am a firm believer in the power of the printed word. Time may erode its general relevance but as document of time itself, it will always remain relevant. A journalist, a writer can always turn to his writings instead of digging through not-always-reliable memory as years pass by. That led me to the idea of putting the opinion pieces I have written over time in The Peninsula, and which were translated into Arabic and published in Al-Sharq, in abook form.

It is fitting that an individual who believed so strongly in the free exchange of ideas should be commemorated by a lecture series. Chet Huntley understood that journalism has more to do with asking questions than getting answers and more to do with starting conversations than finishing them. The lectures in this series are valuable for the questions they ask and for the conversations they may inspire. They demonstrate that journalism is as varied as those who practice it. They also embody the great idea that, in addressing our common problems, everyone should be allowed to have their say. Chet Huntley's greatness as a journalist came in large part from the fact that he was truly a man of the people, and throughout his career he strove to protect everyone's right to free expression.