(Can be multiple officials if that would be the norm and is appropriate.).
Length: 1000 words. I prefer 1.5 line spacing and 12 pitch.
Topic: Memo is either to advocate for Qatari mediation in a specific on-going or emerging issue, or to explain why it would not be appropriate or useful for Qatar to engage, despite the facts on the ground. Example: There are good and necessary reasons to resolve the Western Sahara issue — humanitarian, resource control, regional strategic issues etc etc. However, weight must be given to the importance of Qatari-Moroccan relations vs the likelihood of success. It has to be reasonable — Qatar mediating the sea lanes in the Arctic may not be reasonable (despite the importance of the new shipping lanes).
You need to succinctly lay out some combination of the following:
(a) what are the core issues/very basic history
(b) why they are of importance to Qatar (humanitarian, political/strategic, economic, reputational….whatever).
(c) what identity/narrative/historical issues drive the position of the parties and how Qatari mediation can effectively work within those perceptions toward resolution.
(d) what is the goal/end game?
(e) what resources would be needed – material, financial, political, allies to both secure an agreement/the end game, and sustain it.
…and whatever else you think leadership needs to know, needs to consider
Please provide to me either hard copy or by email of your proposed issue by lunch break on Wednesday.
Since you do not have time for deep research, two sources of reasonably objective history and analysis are the International Crisis Group (ICG.org) which has a library of their papers easily searched, and the ISD Case Study library – 270 case studies on diplomacy covering just about every diplomatic issue to confront the US since WWI. Admittedly, our case studies are very US-centric, while ICG tends to take a broader global perspective. You are, of course, free to use whatever sources you feel most relevant and appropriate. You may also draw in lessons from other modules, as appropriate.
You are free to use conventional footnotes if you like (although they would not be in a government memo). Footnotes do not count toward the 1000 words. At minimum, pls provide a bibliography of sources, which will also NOT count against word count. Only the text of the memo will count. If you can make your argument persuasively in 900, fine; if it takes 1100, also fine.