The President's Pact to Protect Qatar Could Alter or Stabilize a Volatile Area

Placeholder Qatar-US Relations Getty Images

The US President recently executed an executive order pledging to utilize all resources - encompassing the American armed forces - to protect the Gulf state of Qatar.

The order declares that Washington will regard any armed attack on the tiny oil and gas wealthy nation as a threat to the America itself and will "employ every legal and suitable action - such as diplomatic, economic, and, if necessary, military - to defend the priorities of the US and of the State of Qatar and to bring back tranquility and security".

The decree represents an extraordinary security pact between the United States and a key Middle Eastern partner, almost mirroring features of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization pact. It will be the envy of its neighboring countries.

It's all the more notable taking into account how Qatar has shifted in just a few years from being the focus of an financial and political embargo by its adjacent countries to now becoming the area's diplomatic hub - most recently in its function as intermediary between Tel Aviv and the Palestinian group.

Hamas has its diplomatic bureaus in Doha and is presently reviewing Donald Trump's detailed conflict resolution initiative revealed at the White House on earlier this week. Qatar's primary city is also host to the region's biggest United States aerial facility, the strategic airbase.

This decision to codify American defense for Qatar is subsequent to the fury shown by the Qatari leadership last month after aerial bombardments on their land struck Palestinian officials, leaving multiple subordinate figures of the group killed along with a Qatari security official.

Qatar was also attacked by Tehran in recent months in retaliation for American strikes against its atomic facilities.

The state is at the core of expanding anxiety among Gulf Arab states that partnering with the America and hosting its armed forces installations is not giving them the security they had assumed.

CCTV captures instant of aerial bombardment on group commanders in Qatar's main city

Qatar's foreign ministry warmly greeted the presidential directive saying it constituted "an important step in strengthening the mutual close defense partnership".

But the President's action raises major questions over its timing and motivation, and it is expected to be challenged in the US capital.

It lays down a standard influencing the delicate and volatile Middle East relations just as Gaza's ruling faction reviews the President's plan for the destiny of the Palestinian territory.

Former US ambassador to the Israeli state an experienced negotiator indicated Donald Trump was granting Qatar an extraordinary benefit before appearing to get commitments from Doha in reciprocation.

"This protection agreement to Qatar makes no sense without they secure a positive response from the Palestinian group, or remove them if they refuse," stated the former diplomat.

The Tel Aviv-based media a leading daily concluded what is likely to be the understanding in the Israeli state: "Trump granted immunity to the group's commanders when based in Qatar, regardless of Benjamin Netanyahu's admonition that they would not be safe wherever they go."

But Middle East experts say the President's assurance is vital to stabilize a jittery area, unsettled by Israel's growing military action beyond its borders alongside more extensive worries about the trustworthiness of the US security umbrella in the Persian Gulf.

A regional analyst from the consulting firm remarked this decision went "partially" to comfort Qatar and other Middle Eastern partners, noting that he anticipated the Kingdom to request a similar assurance. "In my opinion it's significantly in the US interest to keep them onside," the expert informed news organizations.

The range of the defense assurance for Qatar is extensive, encompassing United States defense assistance in the situation it is assaulted. In that regard it is similar to the alliance's collective defense clause necessitating a unified action for an hostile action against any individual ally.

But being released as an executive order from the American government, it avoids Congress, which under the military authorization law should be advised by the chief executive before committing US forces.

That indicates the order might not possess judicial authority and could potentially be rewritten or discarded under a subsequent administration. It is also probable to face examination from opposition party members in the House and Senate.

The move is also being challenged by sections of his core constituents who see it as contrary to his "domestic focus" policy.

An influential commentator, an significant nationalist campaigner close to the President, proposed Qatar was rather a danger than friend to the US.

The supportive commentator a conservative voice said the decree disrupted the United States' established relationships in the area, asking: "In case the leadership of Hamas in Qatar is targeted by the Israeli government, are we entering conflict with the Jewish nation?"

Additionally the question of the first family's personal and business links to Qatar, which his opponents say amount to a conflict of interest in his foreign policy dealings with the ultra-wealthy Middle Eastern nation.

The commercial enterprise, managed by his offspring Eric and Donald Jr, finalized a arrangement in {April|spring|

Lori Chandler
Lori Chandler

A passionate gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering slot games and casino trends across the UK.