In early 2024, the US and Qatar extended the use of the Al Udeid Air Base, America’s largest military base in the Persian Gulf. This cooperation seemed strong until April when Iran launched a large-scale missile attack on Israel. In response Qatar blocks US military use of airspace, according to a report from Iranian media. This decision was surprising since Qatar hosts leaders of Hamas, an Iran-backed group labeled as terrorists by the US.
An interview from 2012 with Qatar’s former Prime Minister Hamid bin Jassim (HBJ) resurfaced, highlighting Qatar’s policy against military actions targeting Iran. HBJ clearly stated that Qatar would not allow any hostile actions against Iran from its territory.
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This policy casts doubt on the effectiveness of the Al Udeid base, especially since the US sees Iran as a major threat. Rich Goldberg, a former National Security Council member, said that having a base near a significant threat is pointless if it cannot be used against that threat.
When questioned about this policy, the US State Department and CENTCOM referred inquiries to each other, showing the delicate nature of the situation. The issue became more pressing after Iran-backed Hamas attacked Israeli regions, killing over 1,200 people, including 30 Americans. Qatar’s stance potentially weakened the US response to other threats, such as an Iran-backed militia attack in Iraq that killed three US soldiers.
Qatar’s close relationship with Iran, partly due to shared interests in the South Pars gas field, has strengthened over the years. Allegations of Qatar funding Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have also surfaced, leading to criticism from US and Israeli security experts.
Ezra A. Cohen, a former US Defense official, criticized Qatar on social media, suggesting it is holding the US hostage. Journalist Caroline Glick pointed out that despite Qatar’s ties to terrorism, the Biden administration designated it a major non-NATO ally.
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Calls are growing in the US for a reevaluation of the alliance with Qatar, with suggestions to relocate the Al Udeid base to a country not involved in funding terrorist groups. Yigal Carmon, president of MEMRI, labeled Qatar as a significant enabler of both Sunni and Shiite terrorist movements, questioning its role as a mediator in the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Despite multiple inquiries, Qatar’s ambassador to the US did not respond to requests for comments. This situation highlights the complex and often strained relations between the US, Qatar, and their regional policies.