So while the Internets are blowing up over Qatar being tapped to host the 2022 World Cup, let's take a second to look at three reasons why this might not be a bad idea:

1. Money. Qatar has pledged to spend over $50 billion dollars to prepare the country for the event, which is a good thing given that they do not at present have anything close to the infrastructure necessary to host the tournament. And that money is more or less guaranteed, as the country's economy is based on oil and natural gas (neither of which seem poised for a drop in price any time soon) and its ruling family clearly has the will to run the thing, as they've made international sports a focus (they're hosting the Asian Cup in 2011 and hosted a WTA event for much of the previous decade).

2. Regional and international goodwill. This was apparently a large part of the Qatari presentation to FIFA. They pitched the hosting as a way to bring the wider world and the Middle East together, to help dispel stereotypes and serve as a bridge to better understanding. It also helps that Qatar is, by local standards, moderate. And, once the tournament is over, Qatar says it will disassemble the stadia they've built for it and send them to developing nations. Who, I'm sure, will have the resources necessary to run the under-field air conditioning systems.

3. Better viewing hours. Qatar offers the best viewing experience for Europe, with the bulk of the continent only being two hours earlier. It's also, theoretically, going to be a better experience for those of us in the Americas, or at least better than what we went through when South Korea and Japan co-hosted. An 8 pm start in Doha airs on the East Coast at noon, which isn't too bad. And you have to figure that there are going to be plenty of 8 pm starts.

Of course, there are also three (at least) reasons why this is a terrible idea:

1. Lack of almost everything besides money. It's a good thing that Qatar has 12 years to prepare for the Cup, as they have to build all but one of the stadia needed for it, and probably invent some technology to help handle local conditions as well. They're also short on hotels, decent local soccer leagues and international success. The national team is currently ranked 113th in the world, nestled between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Thailand, two countries that may be about as ready to host the World Cup.

2. Mother Nature. The average high temperature for Qatar in June is 106 degrees. In July? 115. The average lows don't drop below 80. One description of the summers there mention alternating periods of dryness and humidity. Don't know how humid it gets, but one of those average June days with 50 percent humidity feels like 137 degrees. I don't think they'll be dumb enough to schedule games at the height of the day, but you get a sense of what players and fans will be up against.

And then there's also the chance of dust storms and the general lack of drinking water to worry about. Hopefully the winds stay down and the desalinization plants stay up.

3. Tough neighborhood. For all the feel good Kumbaya talk, the Middle East is still, with reason, considered a difficult place for outsiders. The laws are restrictive, customs are significantly different, and there is a not insignificant percentage of people who want to kill you if you pray less than five times a day and drink the occasional beer. As much as Qatar is comfortable with the west, hosting this event does present a juicy target to those who are not so comfortable with the west.

And what if Israel qualifies for the tournament? It's not inconceivable. They are currently 55th in the world rankings, which is among the lower-ranked teams in Europe, they've been putting together mid-table finishes in qualifying events. Some better talent and a favorable group and we could have an interesting situation on our hands. Qatar is cozy with Hamas and Iran, and cut ties with Israel over the Gaza conflict. A lot can change in 12 years... except when Israel is involved.

If nothing else, the 2022 World Cup will not lack for storylines.