Trump signs order EO considering any attack on Qatar as security threat to US--Israel’s Strike on Qatar Shakes US Credibility in the Gulf

Trump signs order EO considering any attack on Qatar as security threat to US--Israel’s Strike on Qatar Shakes US Credibility in the Gulf

    Wednesday, October 01, 2025   No comments

The United States has long positioned itself as the primary security guarantor for Gulf states, but that image has been severely shaken following Israel’s unprecedented strike on Doha earlier this month. Despite Qatar’s role as host to the largest US military installation in the Middle East, and despite decades of close security cooperation, Israel—a close American ally—was able to carry out an attack on Qatari soil with no immediate US response.

The incident rattled regional leaders and raised difficult questions: if Washington cannot—or will not—restrain Israel from striking a partner it formally protects, how reliable can its security assurances really be?

In an effort to repair the damage, President Donald Trump this week signed an executive order declaring that “any armed attack on the territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure of the State of Qatar” will be treated as a direct threat to the peace and security of the United States. The order commits Washington to take all “lawful and appropriate measures”—including diplomatic, economic, and if necessary, military action—to defend both American and Qatari interests.

The timing was no accident. The decree came just three weeks after Israel’s air strikes targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar, an operation that provoked outrage in Doha and embarrassment in Washington. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has since issued a rare apology to Qatar, the episode left a lingering sense that US security guarantees may be more fragile than Gulf states had assumed.

At stake is not just the bilateral relationship with Qatar, but the broader credibility of the United States as the cornerstone of Gulf security. For years, Washington’s promise of protection has been central to its influence in the region, countering both Iranian power and the growing appeal of alternative security partners such as China and Russia. The failure to prevent or deter the Israeli strike cut to the heart of that credibility.

Complicating matters further is the ongoing war in Gaza. Qatar has played a key mediating role in negotiations, including talks aimed at securing a ceasefire and addressing the humanitarian crisis. If Washington, working through Doha, can help deliver a viable and lasting deal, it could partially repair the trust eroded by Israel’s attack. Such success would reaffirm the US as not only a military protector, but also as a diplomatic broker capable of shaping outcomes in the region.

But the risks are equally stark. If a Gaza deal collapses or fails to halt the bloodshed, the damage to Washington’s standing could be irreparable. Gulf leaders may conclude that the United States lacks both the will and the leverage to restrain its own allies, let alone manage conflicts across the Middle East.

The executive order signed by Trump is therefore more than a symbolic gesture toward Qatar. It is a test of whether American promises still carry weight in a region where credibility is everything—and where one misstep can reshape alliances for decades to come.

Media reaction and analysis:

Israeli Media noted the changed posture and connected it to the Gaza plan. Israel's Channel 12 correspondent and Axios reporter Barak Ravid says the US will 'dramatically upgrade' its commitment to Qatar's security:

• "As part of the initiative to end the war in Gaza and as compensation to Qatar for the Israeli strike in Doha, President Trump signed a presidential decree on Monday that dramatically upgrades the US commitment to Qatar’s security. This marks an unprecedented security agreement between the US and an Arab state."
•  "According to the presidential decree, published today, 'The United States will regard any armed attack on the territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure of the State of Qatar as a threat to the peace and security of the United States.'
•  "The decree further states: 'In the event of such an attack, the United States will take all lawful and appropriate measures, including diplomatic, economic, and, if necessary, military, to protect the interests of the United States and the State of Qatar and to restore peace and stability.'

Saudi-Pakistan Defense Pact Reshapes Middle Eastern Geopolitics

Saudi-Pakistan Defense Pact Reshapes Middle Eastern Geopolitics

    Wednesday, September 17, 2025   No comments

In a move that has sent seismic waves across the international community, Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan have formally signed a mutual defense pact. The announcement, coming in the immediate aftermath of a devastating Israeli attack on Qatar, signals a dramatic and potentially dangerous realignment of power in a region already on a knife's edge.

This agreement, far more than a simple reaffirmation of longstanding ties, represents a fundamental shift in the strategic calculus of the Middle East and South Asia, with implications for global security, energy markets, and the future of conflict in the region.

From Strategic Partnership to Ironclad Guarantee

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan share a deep, decades-long relationship built on a foundation of economic support, religious solidarity, and security cooperation. Riyadh has long been a financial benefactor to Islamabad, while Pakistan has provided the Kingdom with military trainers and troops for its defense. However, this new pact elevates that relationship to an entirely new level.

The core tenet of the agreement, as stated by the Pakistani prime minister’s office, is that "any aggression against either country will be treated as aggression against both." This transforms a friendly understanding into a legally binding, ironclad security guarantee. For Saudi Arabia, a nation rich in wealth and oil but with a relatively small population, this pact effectively places it under the umbrella of Pakistan's formidable military—the world’s sixth-largest—and, most significantly, its nuclear arsenal.

The Qatar Catalyst: A Region on the Brink

The timing of the announcement is impossible to ignore. The pact was finalized during emergency talks in Riyadh between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, held just days after Israel's unprecedented attack on Qatar.

This context is crucial. The strike on Qatar, a nation that also hosts a major U.S. military base, demonstrated a terrifying escalation in the ongoing regional proxy wars. For Saudi Arabia, a longstanding rival of Qatar, the attack was likely seen not just as an strike against a neighbor, but as a harbinger of unchecked aggression that could one day be directed at Riyadh itself. The message from the Saudi leadership is clear: the traditional security architecture, heavily reliant on the United States, is no longer seen as dependable. They are seeking new, more immediate guarantees for their survival.

By aligning directly with a nuclear-armed power, Saudi Arabia is sending a powerful deterrent message to all regional adversaries, primarily Israel and Iran: an attack on the Kingdom will now carry an incalculable and existential risk.

Iran's Calculated Response: Diplomatic Outreach in a Shifting Landscape

This development comes as Iran's security leadership has initiated a regional outreach, seeking to capitalize on the chaos to advance its own vision for a new security architecture. In a highly significant move, Ali Larijani, a senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader and former Parliament Speaker, was dispatched to Saudi Arabia.

Larijani’s mission is multifaceted:

• Testing the Waters: Iran is likely probing Saudi Arabia's commitment to its new partnership with Pakistan and gauging its level of anxiety post-Qatar.

• Offering an Alternative: Tehran is positioning itself as a necessary partner for regional stability, arguing that a collective security agreement that includes Iran is preferable to a polarized arms race.

• Exploiting Divisions: Iran may see an opportunity to drive a wedge between Saudi Arabia and its traditional allies by presenting itself as a more reliable, or at least inevitable, neighbor in a post-American era.

The Larijani mission underscores that while the Saudi-Pakistan pact is a Sunni-centric bloc, Iran is not remaining idle. It is responding with its own diplomatic offensive, recognizing that the regional order is up for grabs.

The Nuclear Question: A Delicate Balance

The most profound element of the pact is Pakistan’s status as a nuclear power. This agreement implicitly, though not explicitly, introduces a nuclear dimension into the heart of Middle Eastern security.

• Deterrence or Provocation? From Saudi Arabia's perspective, this is the ultimate deterrent. It hopes the mere existence of this pact will prevent any future aggression. However, from the perspective of Israel and Iran, it represents a massive escalation, potentially forcing them to recalibrate their own military and strategic doctrines.

• The "Sunni Shield" Narrative: The pact solidifies a powerful bloc of Sunni Muslim nations, with Pakistan’s bomb acting as a counterweight to Shiite Iran’s nuclear ambitions and Israel’s presumed nuclear capabilities. This risks hardening the sectarian and geopolitical fault lines in the region, moving from a cold war to a much more volatile standoff.

Global Repercussions and Shifting Alliances

The ramifications of this defense pact extend far beyond the Middle East:

1. A Challenge to U.S. Influence: This is a stark indication of Riyadh’s desire to diversify its security partnerships away from Washington. While not a full break, it shows Saudi Arabia is willing to build an independent security infrastructure, reducing its reliance on the U.S. military umbrella.

2. A Dilemma for Washington: The United States now faces a complex challenge. Pakistan is a major non-NATO ally, while Saudi Arabia remains a critical energy partner. However, a mutual defense pact that could potentially draw a nuclear-armed Pakistan into a Middle Eastern conflict is a nightmare scenario for U.S. strategists.
   

3. 
   India's Strategic Anxiety: For India, Pakistan’s arch-rival, this is deeply troubling news. It formalizes the military alliance between its two adversaries—Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s close ally, China. India must now consider the possibility that a future crisis with Pakistan could, in the worst case, involve a much broader coalition or divert Pakistani resources and attention westward.

4. Iran's Isolation and Response: For Iran, the pact is the consolidation of a hostile, US-backed, and now nuclear-linked alliance on its flanks. The Larijani mission shows its strategy is two-fold: resist this consolidation through diplomacy while likely accelerating its own military and nuclear programs as an ultimate guarantee.  Being aware of what Iran represents for Shia Muslims, and recognizing that Pakistan has a large Shia Muslim community, steps are being taken to signal that this pact is not intended to threaten Iran or exclude Shia Muslims. To this end, on September 18, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia called his Iranian counterpart, not details of the call was made available. And on September 19, the Saudi Minister of Defense called his Iranian counterpart to inform "Iran of the details of the Saudi-Pakistani mutual defense treaty, and provided a document with information." Iran's DM thanked the Saudi Defense Ministry for its briefing, and offered its good wishes for the success of this alliance and Islamic nations in general, stating that "we will always support initiatives that seek to strengthen the mutual cooperation between Islamic nations." said Iran's Minister of Defense Aziz Nasirzadeh.
   

A New, More Dangerous Era

The Saudi-Pakistan mutual defense pact is not merely a signed document; it is a symptom of a world order fracturing and reorganizing itself. It is born from a moment of extreme crisis and has triggered a swift and calculated response from Iran, as seen in the Larijani mission.

While intended to create stability through deterrence, the pact risks creating a more brittle and dangerous landscape. By explicitly tying the fate of the Arabian Peninsula to the nuclear calculus of South Asia, it has created a tripwire that, if ever crossed, could escalate a regional conflict into a global catastrophe overnight. The world is now witnessing a high-stakes diplomatic chess game where the moves are bold, the players are nervous, and the consequences are unimaginable. The world will be watching this new axis of power with bated breath and profound concern.

Arab-Islamic Summit in Qatar Condemns Israeli Aggression, Warns Normalization is "Undermined"

Arab-Islamic Summit in Qatar Condemns Israeli Aggression, Warns Normalization is "Undermined"

    Sunday, September 14, 2025   No comments

Doha, Qatar – A pivotal joint summit of Arab and Islamic nations convened in Doha on Monday under a cloud of heightened urgency, with a draft declaration explicitly condemning recent Israeli aggression against Qatar and warning that Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza has effectively "undermined" all efforts to normalize relations in the region.

The emergency meeting, bringing together leaders and top diplomats, was called in response to what participants describe as an escalating crisis. The discussions are heavily influenced by a recently updated draft communique, seen by Reuters, which delivers a stark assessment of the current situation.

A Direct Threat to Regional Peace

The draft document leaves little room for ambiguity. It states that the recent "Israeli aggression against Qatar," coupled with a continuous series of violations, "constitutes a direct threat to all efforts aimed at normalizing relations with the entity."

It further elaborates that this aggression, along with Israel’s persistent hostile acts—including "genocide, ethnic cleansing, starvation, siege, settlement, and expansionist policies—threatens the prospects for peace and coexistence in the region."

This language represents a significant hardening of stance from many nations, some of whom had been cautiously pursuing closer ties with Israel through the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords. The draft declaration asserts that these Israeli policies "undo all that has been achieved in terms of normalizing relations, whether what has already been accomplished or what is in preparation."

Hamas Calls for Boycott and Isolation

The summit’s agenda was further shaped by a memorandum from Hamas, addressed directly to the foreign ministers gathered in Doha and to international organizations. The Palestinian group highlighted two critical events: the recent attempted assassination of its negotiating delegation in the Qatari capital and the failure of efforts to stop the "genocide" in the Gaza Strip.

In light of these events, Hamas called upon the assembled Arab and Islamic states to take decisive action by imposing a comprehensive political and economic boycott on Israel and working to isolate it on both the regional and international stages.

Context: A Region Under Fire

The summit occurs amidst what the draft describes as an Israeli assault not only on Qatar but on the entire region. The primary focus, however, remains the relentless war on Gaza, which has continued for months, resulting in a devastating toll of hundreds of thousands of martyrs, wounded, detainees, and missing persons.

The meeting in Doha thus transcends a mere diplomatic gathering; it is a response to a profound crisis. The strong language in the draft communique signals a potential strategic shift, moving away from the path of normalization and toward a unified front of condemnation and a demand for accountability, placing the future of regional relations firmly in jeopardy.

Opening remarks by Qatari PM Mohammad bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani at the ministerial meeting in Doha

Ahead of the regional emergency summit on Monday, the Qatari Prime Minister who also met with President Trump earlier said the following (summary of his opening remarks):

“We express our appreciation to the Arab states who condemned this Israeli barbaric attack and their support to the lawful measures we will take to safeguard our sovereignty.”

“Attacking Qatar’s sovereignty is a violation of the UN Charter, namely Article 4, which prohibits the use of force against countries and sovereignty. It is also a flagrant violation of international norms and humanitarian principles. It cannot be an isolated incident that goes unpunished. It must be met with fierce and firm measures.”

 “The inhumane Israeli government has crossed all the red lines. It continues to undermine and destabilize any state in the world and sabotage political efforts that conflict with its agenda or expose its propaganda. That is why we cannot remain silent in the face of this barbaric attack.”

“If we remain silent, we will be faced with an unlimited and countless series of aggressions that will end in total destruction, and no country will be spared.”

“It is time for the international community to abandon double standards and hold Israel accountable for all the crimes it has perpetrated. Israel must know that the continued genocidal war against the Palestinian people, aiming at forcibly transferring them from their homeland, cannot succeed no matter what false justification is provided.”

“The Israeli government continues to reject proposal after proposal, intentionally widening the circle of war and placing the region’s peoples, including their own, at grave risk. This region cannot enjoy peace, stability, or security, nor its peoples justice, without the Palestinians restoring their rights and establishing their independent state on the 1967 borders.”

 “We in the State of Qatar reiterate that moderation as a means for amicable settlement is not merely an obligation but an ethical responsibility deeply rooted in our philosophy. Just and lasting peace is our strategic choice.”

“Israeli barbaric practices and arrogance will not prevent us from continuing to cooperate with our partners in Egypt to bring this unjust, unlawful war to an end.”

 “It is no secret that last Thursday we stood before the Security Council to condemn the Israeli attack on Qatar, and we appreciate the solidarity expressed by states worldwide, as well as the statement issued by the Council.”

“Today, we must take harsh measures to put an end to Israel’s arrogance and its continued violations of international law and countless crimes carried out under the cover of the international community.”

“It is with pleasure that I welcome you to your second homeland, the State of Qatar, and express our full appreciation for your participation in this emergency Arab and Islamic summit convened following the treacherous Israeli aggression of September 9.”

Amidst Summit, U.S. Diplomatic Visit to Israel Sends Mixed Signals

As Arab and Islamic leaders gathered in Doha, a parallel diplomatic mission unfolded in Israel, highlighting the complex international dimensions of the crisis. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio embarked on a visit to Israel, a move intensely analyzed for its timing and message amidst the fallout from the attack on Qatar and the ongoing war in Gaza.

Israeli analyses, as reported, described the visit as a critical test for U.S.-Israel relations, questioning the level of security coordination and the limits of public American support for Israeli operations. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu portrayed the visit as "proof of the strength of the relationship with the United States," commentators suggested a more nuanced reality.

According to Israeli political analysts, Secretary Rubio’s mission conveyed a "mix of reassurance and pressure":

On Gaza: The visit aimed to discuss post-war arrangements, revealing a continuing gap between Israel’s vision of complete security control and the U.S. preference for solutions that open the door to broader regional deals.

On the Qatar Attack: The visit underscored Washington's embarrassment. While reaffirming strong ties, reports indicated dissatisfaction within the Trump administration with the operation, exposing the limits of U.S. support when Israeli actions directly conflict with American interests, such as the stability of a key Gulf mediator like Qatar.

On Palestinian Statehood: The visit confirmed the U.S. commitment to thwarting international efforts to recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly. However, analysts warned that American support alone may not be enough to stem the growing European momentum. 

Media review: Israeli Airstrike on Qatar Shakes Gulf States' Confidence in US Protection, Report Says

Media review: Israeli Airstrike on Qatar Shakes Gulf States' Confidence in US Protection, Report Says

    Friday, September 12, 2025   No comments

A recent Israeli military strike on Qatar’s capital has triggered a significant crisis of confidence among Gulf Arab states, casting serious doubt on the reliability of American security guarantees, according to a report by The Washington Post.

The attack, which targeted Doha, has reportedly fueled deep-seated anger and a sense of insecurity across the Persian Gulf. Analysts suggest that Israel’s apparent ease in carrying out the strike led many regional powers to a stark conclusion: if a U.S. partner like Qatar can be attacked, then no neighboring American ally is truly safe.

At the core of the growing disillusionment is the perception that the United States was either unable or unwilling to restrain its close ally, Israel, even when its actions directly threatened another American partner. This has fundamentally shaken the long-standing pillar of Gulf security, which has heavily relied on U.S. military and diplomatic backing for decades.

One researcher from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) noted that the uniquely close relationship between Washington and Jerusalem made this strike "qualitatively different" from previous conflicts. Rather than acting as a deterrent, the U.S. response was perceived as weak, often limited to "pro-forma expressions of dissatisfaction" without imposing any concrete, deterrent measures to stop what is seen as "Israel’s unrestricted military aggression in the region."

The strike has "reinforced the feeling that Washington is an unreliable security partner," the analyst stated.

This incident is not an isolated event but the latest in a years-long erosion of trust. The Post highlights that Gulf confidence in American protection has been declining through both Democratic and Republican administrations. This trend is driven by a perceived U.S. "strategic pivot" towards Asia and the diminished strategic importance of Middle Eastern oil to Washington.

Furthermore, the attack on Doha has undermined a previously held belief among some Gulf leaders that a close personal relationship with a U.S. president could directly influence policy. Hopes that such a bond with former President Donald Trump would shape American actions were decisively dashed by the bombing of Qatar.

The event signals a potential strategic inflection point, forcing Gulf nations to seriously reconsider the foundation of their security architecture and question the dependability of a partnership that has been a cornerstone of regional stability for over half a century.

Israeli Airstrike in Doha Sparks Global Condemnation and Regional Upheaval

Israeli Airstrike in Doha Sparks Global Condemnation and Regional Upheaval

    Wednesday, September 10, 2025   No comments

DOHA, QATAR – In a dramatic and unprecedented escalation that has sent shockwaves across the Middle East and the world, Israel launched a military strike on the capital of Qatar yesterday, targeting and killing senior leaders of the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The attack, which violated the airspace of multiple sovereign nations, has been universally condemned as a severe breach of international law and has critically damaged diplomatic efforts to end the war in Gaza, potentially signaling a major realignment of global power in the region.

The operation, codenamed "Summit of Fire" by the Israeli military, saw warplanes travel approximately 1,800 kilometers to reach Doha. According to reports from Arab media outlets, the Israeli Air Force breached the airspace of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Syria to reach its target. Once over the Qatari capital, the jets fired missiles at a residential compound housing members of Hamas's political bureau, who were in the country for talks. A Qatari security official was also reported killed in the attack.

The timing of the strike is seen by many observers as highly significant. It came just one day after the US President publicly issued a new proposal for a Gaza ceasefire deal, urging Hamas to accept it or "face consequences." With top Hamas leadership gathered in Doha—a key mediator throughout the conflict—to discuss the very proposal, the Israeli attack has led to widespread accusations that the diplomatic effort was a trap designed to eliminate the group's leadership in one fell swoop.

"This, as many observers noted, suggested that it might have been a trap to kill all Hamas top leadership, and that destroys US credibility as an honest broker of deals for peace," a point echoed by numerous diplomatic sources. The incident has placed the United States in a deeply awkward position, raising serious questions about its foreknowledge and role in the event.

Further intensifying the crisis is the glaring question of the massive US military presence in Qatar. Al-Udeid Air Base, the largest US military installation in the Middle East, houses advanced defense systems. The failure of these systems to intercept the Israeli aircraft or to provide Qatar with an early warning has sparked a crisis of confidence in Doha.

"The US not to use those defense resources to defend Qatar or at least warn it, suggests that US presence in Qatar is useless and does not provide any protection to Qatar," a consensus view emerging in the region. This perception was seemingly acknowledged by the US administration itself, with the President announcing he had ordered the State Department to finalize a new strategic defense deal with Qatar, an move interpreted as damage control for a severely weakened alliance.

The strategic ramifications are immediate. Global powers Russia and China were swift and forceful in their condemnation. They warned of a dangerous escalation and accused Israel of deliberately sabotaging peace negotiations. Analysts suggest that Qatar, now questioning the value of its US security umbrella, may rapidly pivot towards Moscow and Beijing for advanced defense systems, a move that would fundamentally alter the security architecture of the Gulf and could spell the end of the US military footprint in Qatar.

The attack also strains relations within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which promises collective security to its members. By violating the airspace of fellow GCC member Saudi Arabia to attack another member state, Israel has placed these US-allied nations in a difficult position, forcing them to confront a blatant violation of their sovereignty.

Global Outcry and Condemnation

The international response was swift and severe:

• United Nations: Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack "without ambiguity," calling it a "flagrant violation of the sovereignty of Qatar" and a blow to mediation efforts.

• Russia: Its foreign ministry stated the attack aimed to "undermine international efforts to reach a peaceful settlement in the Middle East."

• China: Expressed "strong dissatisfaction with the deliberate sabotage of the Gaza ceasefire negotiations" and urged major countries to play a "constructive role in easing regional tensions."

• European Union: Denounced the strike as a "violation of international law" and a "serious threat that could further escalate violence in the region."

• Turkey: President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan decried the "reckless Netanyahu government" for its actions.

• Organization of Islamic Cooperation: Denounced the aggression "in the strongest terms."

Qatar issued a furious statement, vowing it "would not tolerate this reckless Israeli behavior" and emphasizing that the "criminal assault is a violation of all international laws and a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents."

The strike marks a dangerous new chapter in the Gaza conflict, moving the battlefield into the heart of a mediator's capital and risking a much broader regional war. It has not only targeted Hamas leadership but has also severely damaged America's standing as a security partner and honest broker, potentially creating a vacuum that rivals Russia and China are poised to fill.

  

Building Bridges Amid Turbulence: The Fourth Arab-Iranian Dialogue Conference in Doha

Building Bridges Amid Turbulence: The Fourth Arab-Iranian Dialogue Conference in Doha

    Saturday, May 10, 2025   No comments

The Fourth Arab-Iranian Dialogue Conference commenced on May 10 in Doha, Qatar, under the theme “Strong Relations and Shared Interests.” Organized jointly by the Al Jazeera Center for Studies and Iran’s Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, this event brings together senior officials, diplomats, and experts from both Arab countries and Iran. The primary goal is to promote mutual understanding, regional cooperation, and a strategic framework for enduring peace and economic collaboration in an increasingly fragile geopolitical landscape.

This year's conference, held from May 10 to 12, reflects a consistent effort to sustain dialogue between Arab states and Iran. Previous sessions addressed regional crises, security and economic solutions, and collaborative frameworks. Now, the focus has shifted to deepening cooperation and building trust. As emphasized in the opening remarks by Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani, Chairman of Al Jazeera Media Network, the event is taking place amid complex regional dynamics. It calls for intellectual rigor and strategic thinking to find innovative approaches for resolving conflicts and fostering stability.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reinforced this sentiment by underscoring Iran’s commitment to peaceful nuclear energy and regional harmony. He highlighted that Iran sees the acquisition of nuclear weapons as forbidden and remains engaged in good-faith negotiations with global powers. Araghchi stressed the principle of good neighborliness and reiterated Iran’s dedication to regional reconciliation through dialogue, not confrontation. He proposed institutionalizing the dialogue platform to sustain intellectual and diplomatic communication.

Former Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi, now head of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, added that regional prosperity depends on a shared commitment to peace. He outlined a vision of joint development, particularly in the energy sector, spanning both traditional and renewable sources. Kharrazi also addressed urgent humanitarian concerns, especially the crisis in Gaza, describing Israel’s actions as expansionist and destabilizing. He called for unified diplomatic efforts among regional powers, legal accountability for war crimes, and collaborative humanitarian initiatives, including support for displaced populations and post-war reconstruction.

The conference does not occur in a vacuum. It unfolds against a backdrop of profound regional instability—from enduring conflicts in Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen to the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza. These ongoing challenges have made clear the limitations of unilateral approaches and underscored the necessity for structured, inclusive dialogue. The Doha conference emerges as a critical step toward a cooperative regional architecture rooted in shared interests and historical interconnectedness.

In essence, the Fourth Arab-Iranian Dialogue Conference is more than a diplomatic gathering—it is a response to escalating crises and a testament to the power of dialogue during times of division. While significant obstacles remain, this initiative signals a collective willingness to prioritize cooperation over conflict and to seek sustainable paths toward peace and prosperity in the Middle East.

Qatari Emir, in Tehran, met Iranian officials: Importance of dialogue to resolve regional conflicts maintain regional stability

Qatari Emir, in Tehran, met Iranian officials: Importance of dialogue to resolve regional conflicts maintain regional stability

    Wednesday, February 19, 2025   No comments

Although the public statements seemed to emphasize the importance of the ceasefire in Gaza and need to rebuild Gaza and prevent its people from forced displacement, one must read between the lines to understand the role of Qatar in bridging the gap between Iranian leaders and the new leaders in Syria as being their top priority. The reason being Qatari deep connections to the armed group, HTS, which now control most of Syria. It is likely that Qatar will play a role in "normalizing the relationship to the extent that the Shia minority in Syria and the religious site revered by Shia Muslims are respected and protect. In return, Syrian leaders can expect Iran's help in helping speed up the rebuilding of state institutions that would be able to preserve Syria's territorial integrity. The coming days will determine how successful the Qataris in achieving this balancing act.

 

The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, confirmed - in a press conference with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian - that he is visiting Tehran at a time when the region is witnessing challenges that require consultation and coordination, stressing that the best way to resolve conflicts is through constructive dialogue.

The Emir of Qatar said that he held talks with the Iranian President that included many areas of cooperation, stressing the importance of exploring potential opportunities for cooperation.

He explained that the recent visit of the Iranian President to the State of Qatar contributed to developing relations between the two countries, adding that dialogues and understandings support stability in the region and enhance the prosperity of its countries and peoples.

The Emir of Qatar stressed - in the joint press conference - the need to adhere to the ceasefire in Gaza and continue the flow of aid, and he also spoke with President Pezeshkian about the importance of the success of the comprehensive political process in Syria.

Maintaining Stability

In turn, the Iranian president said that he held consultations with the Emir of Qatar on the current developments in the region.

Pezeshkian thanked Doha for its efforts in the ceasefire negotiations in Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners, stressing that during this meeting he emphasized the unity of Syrian territory and the right of the Syrian people to self-determination.

The Iranian president said that he believes that the countries of the region can work to achieve stability and security in the region, adding that strengthening and expanding relations in all fields with the countries of the region is one of Tehran's basic policies.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad arrived in the capital Tehran on Wednesday on a visit accompanied by Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and an official delegation.

The Emir of Qatar met with President Pezeshkian and senior Iranian officials to discuss bilateral relations, regional developments, and ways to maintain the security and stability of the region, according to the Qatar News Agency (QNA).

The Qatari agency stated that this visit "is of great interest in light of the current circumstances and developments in the region, and what they require in terms of intensifying consultations at the highest levels, and coordinating visions and positions towards various challenges."

Iran's President Pezeshkian in a press conference with the Emir of Qatar in Tehran: We respect Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity

There is a convergence of views between Iran and our friend Qatar on regional issues.. The Islamic Republic believes that the countries of the region are capable of achieving security and stability in the region.. We respect the sovereignty of Syria and stressed the necessity of the participation of all segments of the Syrian people in determining its fate.. We appreciate Qatar's efforts in mediating to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.. We believe that all governments and peoples must do their utmost to defend the rights of the Palestinian people

Are the fighting in the north and the resisting in the south signs of disintegration of Syria?

Are the fighting in the north and the resisting in the south signs of disintegration of Syria?

    Wednesday, January 08, 2025   No comments

Weeks since the fall of the Baath regime in Syria, one main armed faction, the most organized and powerful group—HTS, took control of the country. The group’s leader has been acting as the country’s leader and governments that supported the armed rebellion are accepting his role as the de facto leader. However, instead of starting a process of reconciliation, the new rulers are placing themselves in a positions that would allow them to control the future of the country. This approach appears to be pushing other groups to do the same: hold tight to whatever power they secured in the past 14 years and leverage such power to secure a significant role in the future. This trend may result in the breakdown of Syrian into at least three regions, similar to what happened in Libya. These are some of the signs that point to that possibility.

Violent clashes between Turkey-supported "National Army" and US-supported "SDF"

Newsmedia correspondents in Syria reported on Wednesday that a Turkish drone targeted a SDF vehicle in the countryside of Ayn al-Arab "Kobani" in the eastern countryside of Aleppo.

The report detailed that the vicinity of the Qarqozak Bridge, located south of the city of Ayn al-Arab "Kobani", was subjected to Turkish artillery shelling, while the factions of the "National Army", affiliated with Turkey, bombed the SDF sites at the bridge with missiles. A Turkish drone targeted a SDF rocket launcher in the village of Sakul in the countryside of Manbij, east of Aleppo.

In the same context, the media center of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) confirmed that "Turkish warplanes bombed Tishrin Dam and its surroundings with a number of raids, coinciding with attacks carried out by the mercenary factions affiliated with Turkey on villages north of Tishrin Dam and southeast of Manbij, where violent clashes are taking place between the forces of the Manbij Military Council and the mercenaries."

In Kobani, Turkish drones bombed a civilian car in the village of "Kirk-Girik", in addition to artillery shelling on the village of "Aslanki" south of the city.

According to the center, the danger of the Tishrin Dam collapsing is increasing, as the Turkish state bears any disaster that may befall the dam and other Syrian regions as a result of the Turkish air and artillery attacks that reached their peak during the morning hours today, and which continue until now.

The center confirmed that "the forces of the Manbij Military Council destroyed two vehicles loaded with Dushka weapons belonging to the mercenaries of the Turkish occupation north of Tishrin Dam during the ongoing clashes there."

The Turkish drone targeted a "Qasd" car in an airstrike in the vicinity of the city of Al-Malikiyah, northeast of Al-Hasakah, in the far northeast of Syria.

In Southern Syria, armed groups' leaders say they are not convinced to hand over weapons

The spokesman for the Southern Operations Room, which controls Daraa province, Nassim Abu Ara, said that the room’s fighters are not convinced by the idea of dissolving the armed groups announced by the new Syrian administration on December 25 of last year, when the new rulers confirmed that they had reached an agreement with the armed groups regarding their dissolution and integration under the Ministry of Defense.

In an interview with Agence France-Presse, Abu Ara confirmed that the fighters are hesitant to disarm and disband their ranks as ordered by the new rulers, noting that he and those with him are "an organized force in the south, possessing heavy weapons and equipment, and led by officers who defected from the army of the former regime," suggesting that they be merged as a military body with the Ministry of Defense. Abu Ara added that the "Southern Operations Room" led by local leader Ahmed al-Awda includes thousands of men who have no Islamic affiliation, and sources close to the group indicated that al-Awda enjoys good relations with Russia, as well as Jordan and the Emirates.

Has US threat to force Qatar to expel Hamas out of Doha collapsed the Ceasefire negotiations?

Has US threat to force Qatar to expel Hamas out of Doha collapsed the Ceasefire negotiations?

    Sunday, March 31, 2024   No comments

Although the US has warned the leaders of Qatar as early as October that they will need to reconsider the presence of the leaders of Hamas in Doha, the US wanted to use their presence there to strike deals that it wanted. However, with the negotiations for a ceasefire going nowhere, the US administrations wanted to leverage Qatar hosting of Hamas leaders to force them to accept a proposal the Biden administration formulated. 

CNN reported recently that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken “delivered a stern message to Qatar earlier this month: Tell Hamas that they must deliver on a hostage and ceasefire deal that would halt the war in Gaza or risk getting kicked out of the Qatari capital of Doha.” That threat appears to have failed to achieve its goal and worse, it may have backfired.

First, Hamas leaders are now saying that there is no negotiation because their last counteroffer was not responded to by Israel in a way that will allow them to go on negotiating. Hamas and other Palestinian factions insist that there will be a deal only when a permanent ceasefire is approved and guaranteed by the mediators, when aid is delivered to all the people in Gaza, and when Israel forces leave Gaza, when people who lost their homes are sheltered. 

Second, Hamas and other Palestinian resistance leaders took the threat of being kicked out of Doha, the same way they way forced out Turkey, and offered a demonstration of what will happen if they are forced out of Doha: they will settle in Iran. Iran seems to be willing to not only host Hamas leaders, but to host them in a formal manner—something no other host nation has done for Hamas since their days in Syria pre-2012.

Just after the conclusion of the Persian new year celebrations, leaders of Hamas and Islamic Jihad were received by the highest officials of the Iranian government, including a couple meetings with the supreme leader. The message is clear: you can kick us out of Qatar and when you do, we will find home in a country that recognizes us as official representatives of the Palestinian peoples. That means, if Israel or the US wants to negotiate with Hamas, they will have to find someone else other than Qatar or Egypt to mediate. China and Russia willingness to receive Hamas leaders as official representatives of the Palestinian people make Iran's move less problematic.

Based on events on the ground, Hamas leaders having to leave another country to find refuge in Iran will only make Arab countries, like Qatar and Jordan look week. The daily denotations that are growing by the day in Jordan are a good indication of this trend.

Pro-Palestinian protesters in Jordan, March 30, 2024.

Aljazeera coverage of demontrations denouncin "the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip"

Aljazeera coverage of demontrations denouncin "the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip"

    Monday, March 25, 2024   No comments

Aljazeera provided detailed coverage of people protesting the war in Gaza, but did not provide any comments as to why none of these events is happening in Qatar and other Gulf States.

On Saturday, Aljazeera reported that protesters around the world took to the streets to denounce the "the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip", and provided a list of countries and cities where such demonstrations took place. 

Arab and foreign cities witnessed demonstrations to denounce the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip, and the participants called for a ceasefire.

The demonstrators called on the international community to take urgent action to stop the Israeli war on Gaza and send humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.

Britain

Thousands of Britons demonstrated in more than 30 cities in solidarity with the Palestinian cause and in support of Palestinian rights, led by the capital, London, from which 11 demonstrations were launched alone.

The demonstrators chanted slogans demanding an immediate end to the Israeli war and genocide in the Gaza Strip, the entry of aid to its besieged residents, and holding Israel accountable for its crimes.

Germany

The German capital, Berlin, witnessed a protest march denouncing what they described as genocide committed by Israel in Gaza.

In the march called for by the Unified Palestinian Committee in Berlin, the protesters denounced Israel's use of starvation as a weapon against civilians. The demonstrators also denounced the German government's support of Israel with weapons.

Austria

In the Austrian capital, Vienna, dozens demonstrated in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

On Maria Hilfer Street, an important street in Vienna, the demonstrators carried Palestinian flags and banners reading “Immediate ceasefire,” “No to genocide,” and “Free Palestine.”

Sweden

In the Swedish capital, Stockholm, a massive demonstration took place in support of Palestine and Gaza.

The demonstrators demanded an end to the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip and the entry of humanitarian aid to the residents of the Strip who are suffering from famine.

Finland

Dozens organized a human chain in the Finnish capital, Helsinki, in support of Gaza and denouncing the ongoing occupation massacres against the Palestinian people.

The protesters raised Palestinian flags and demanded an immediate end to the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip and the entry of humanitarian aid.

Italy

In northern Italy, hundreds demonstrated in the city of Milan in solidarity with Gaza and denouncing the occupation's massacres against the Palestinian people.

South Korea

In East Asia, dozens of activists demonstrated in the city of Seoul, South Korea, to denounce the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip.

The demonstrators raised Palestinian flags and chanted slogans against the international position regarding the war in Gaza and the continued massacres.

Tunisia

In the Arab world, Tunisians demonstrated on Habib Bourguiba Street in the capital, Tunis, in solidarity with the Palestinian people and in protest against the continued Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.

The demonstrators demanded an end to the massacres and violations against the residents of Gaza. They denounced the international silence regarding the crimes of the Israeli occupation, and the continued closure of border crossings, preventing the passage of food and health aid to the people of the Gaza Strip.

Morocco

In turn, several Moroccan cities, including Oujda, El Jadida, Meknes, and Tangier, organized vigils to demand an end to starving the residents of the Gaza Strip and to lift the siege imposed on them.

The demonstrators called on Arab and Islamic countries to take urgent action to stop the Israeli war and send humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, denouncing at the same time the inability of the international community to stop the war in Gaza.

Yemen

In Yemen, the Ansar Allah Houthi group said that more than 148 squares in the governorates it controls witnessed, on the second Friday of the month of Ramadan, massive demonstrations in support of the people of the Gaza Strip, which has been subjected to an Israeli war that has been going on for months.

The Houthi Al-Masirah satellite channel reported in a news item on its website that the capital, Sanaa, witnessed a massive million-man demonstration in solidarity with the Palestinian people who are being subjected to genocide in the Gaza Strip.

The demonstrators stressed the necessity of continuing Yemeni military operations in support of the Al-Aqsa Flood Battle until the aggression stops and the siege on the Palestinian people is lifted.

Qatar in talks with Algeria to invest in petrochemical projects in the North African Country

Qatar in talks with Algeria to invest in petrochemical projects in the North African Country

    Thursday, August 24, 2023   No comments

According to an Elkhabar Daily report published on 18 August, Qatar is currently in talks with the Algerian government to construct a chemical power plant for Algiers in a bid to kick-start a potential partnership with state-run petroleum corporation Sonatrach.

Qatari news agency Doha News disclosed that Algerian Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, met with the Qatari ambassador Abdul Aziz Ali Al-Nama in Algiers on 17 August to discuss the construction project details.

Arkab revealed to Elkhabar Daily that "Sonatrach is ready to work with Power International to achieve that project, which is part of Algeria's strategy to develop the industrial sector."

This recent development comes after Algeria implemented reformed hydrocarbon regulations designed to entice investors, improve processing mechanisms, and establish a longitudinal vision for the North African country that will boost the national economy and increase employment.

The report further disclosed that the next meeting between Qatar and Sonatrach will be organized in September. In addition, Qatar's ambassador to Algiers emphasized that numerous Doha-based companies are highly interested in investing in integral projects in Algeria, specifically in the sectors of exploration, manufacturing, research, and the petrochemical industry.

Sonatrach generates nearly $2 billion in sales annually and employs around 3,000 people. Sonatrach's petrochemical programs have also led several petrochemical construction projects, as well as consolidating partnerships with Turkiye, TotalEnergies, and a UK-Chinese consortium.

Since 2022, Qatar has sought to bolster relations with countries residing outside of the West Asian region in an attempt to diversify its economy and to alleviate the impact of the global energy crisis instigated by the imposition of western sanctions against Russia.

Last week, Qatar began its construction of 500,000 residential units in the northwestern Nigerian state of Kaduna as part of its Mega Economic City project.

Furthermore, Qatar and India reached the final stages of their Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) agreement earlier this month, which would see Doha providing New Delhi with 1 million metric tonnes of LNG per year.

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