What does Trump's security guarantee to Qatar mean for the Middle East?

 What does Trump's security guarantee to Qatar mean for the Middle East?

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order this week pledging to take all necessary measures to defend the Gulf state of Qatar and the US military stationed there.

The order states that Washington will consider any attack on Qatar a threat to the US and will take “all legal and appropriate measures, including diplomatic, economic and, if necessary, military measures, to defend US and Qatari interests and restore peace and stability.”

The US president’s order is being called an extraordinary security agreement between the US and its Arab ally Qatar, which is modeled on the Western alliance NATO and is likely to be envied by Qatar’s regional neighbours.

The most notable thing here is that just a few years ago, Qatar was facing an economic and diplomatic boycott by its neighbours and has now become a diplomatic hub in the Middle East. It is also currently playing the role of a mediator between Hamas and Israel.

Hamas has its political offices in Doha and is considering Trump's proposed 20-point peace plan there. It is Qatar that hosts the largest US air base in the region, Al-Udeid.

Earlier, the ruling Al-Thani family of Qatar was furious over Israel's attack on Hamas in Doha and now the US has guaranteed their security.

The same year, Iran also attacked Qatar and its target was a US air base. This attack was carried out by Iran in retaliation for attacks on its nuclear facilities.

There is also anxiety in the Gulf Arab states after the attacks on Qatar and it was understood that despite the US partnership and the presence of its air base, they are not safe.

 

But the timing of Trump's move raises many questions, and it will also raise questions in Washington.

The move would affect a region already in turmoil, and at a time when Hamas is considering Trump's proposed deal for the future of Gaza.

Former US ambassador to Israel Don Shapiro says Trump has given Qatar an extraordinary gift, and without any guarantees in return.

"Trump's security guarantee to Qatar makes no sense," he said. "If he doesn't get a yes from Hamas or if they say no, they won't deport them."

The Israeli newspaper Haaretz explained the move to Israel as follows: “Trump has granted immunity to the Hamas leadership in Qatar, even after Netanyahu had already warned that they were not safe anywhere.”

However, Gulf analysts say Trump’s security guarantee is crucial for the volatile region, which is also concerned about Israel’s use of force along its borders. There is also speculation about whether the Gulf region can rely on American security.

 

'Apparently, the withdrawal of the Israeli army will be in accordance with Netanyahu's wishes'

 

Faras Maksud, of the Eurasia Group, says Trump’s executive order “in a way” sought to provide security assurances to Qatar and its Gulf allies.

He says Saudi Arabia wants similar guarantees.

“I think it’s in America’s interest to keep these countries on our side,” says Maksud.

The security guarantee given to Qatar is also broad and it was told that it would receive US military support in the event of an attack.

This is similar to NATO’s Article Five, which states that all members will respond jointly to an attack on one member.

But this move was taken through an executive order and Congress was completely ignored. However, under the War Powers Act, any president must obtain congressional approval before deciding to deploy US forces anywhere.

This means that Trump’s move is legally flawed and may be withdrawn under a new president in the future. Democrats in Congress will also be divided over the move.

Trump's own supporters are also seen challenging his executive order, calling it against his "America First" agenda.

Laura Loomer, a close Trump aide with right-wing views, has suggested that Qatar is more of a threat to the United States than an ally.

Then there is the question of the Trump family's personal and business ties to Qatar. His opponents will say that the US president is pursuing personal interests through foreign policy.

In April this year, the Trump Organization, led by Donald Trump's sons Eric and Donald Jr., signed a deal to build a luxury golf resort in Qatar.

Qatar has previously gifted the United States a 747 aircraft, which Trump uses as an alternative to Air Force One.

However, the White House and Qatari officials deny any conflict of interest.

Tony Cork, of the group Accountable US, says Trump has blurred the line between his policy and business dealings.

“It seems Trump wants American taxpayers to pay for the military security of his luxury golf course in Qatar, so he can please his business partners who are linked to the Qatari government,” he says.

Trump also visited Doha in May this year, where he not only met with the region’s wealthiest people but also held business talks.

However, the White House strongly denies any conflict of interest.

Deputy press secretary Anna Kelly told the BBC in a statement: “President Trump’s assets are held in the name of a trust run by his children. There is no conflict of interest.”