Trump Executive Order Pledges US Defense of Qatar After Israeli Airstrike
In a move solidifying the US-Qatar security partnership, President Donald Trump has issued an executive order pledging to defend Qatar in the event of an external attack. The order comes in the wake of a controversial Israeli airstrike on Doha targeting Hamas leaders last month, an event that has raised questions about US security guarantees in the region.
Details of the Executive Order
The executive order, signed on September 29th, states that the United States will consider any armed attack on Qatar's territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure as a threat to its own peace and security. The order pledges that Washington will take "all lawful and appropriate measures," including potential military action, to defend Qatar.
The immediate catalyst appears to be the unprecedented Israeli airstrike on Doha in early September. The attack, which targeted Hamas leaders discussing a US-brokered peace deal for Gaza, sparked outrage across the Gulf and prompted questions about the reliability of US security assurances. Qatar, host to the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest American military facility in the Middle East, relies heavily on Washington for its defense.
Geopolitical Implications
Trump's move aims to reassure Qatar and other Gulf states while reaffirming the US role as the region's primary security guarantor. The order authorizes the Secretary of War to conduct joint contingency planning with Qatar in preparation for future threats. This commitment comes amid concerns over regional stability, including a previous Iranian missile strike near the Al Udeid base in June, which was in retaliation for US operations against Tehran’s nuclear program.
Qatar has welcomed the executive order, calling it a crucial step in strengthening the defense partnership between the two nations. Doha emphasized the importance of collaborating with the US and other international partners to promote regional peace through diplomatic means. The order was preceded by a phone call between Trump and Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, during which they discussed efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza. Trump also facilitated a call between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Qatari leaders, in which Netanyahu expressed regret over the airstrike.
Reactions and Strategic Context
While the order has been well-received in Qatar, its legal force remains a subject of debate. While US treaties typically require Senate approval, presidents often bypass Congress in international matters. Qatar's strategic value to the US has grown in recent years. In 2022, the Biden administration designated the country a major non-NATO ally, largely due to its role in facilitating the American withdrawal from Afghanistan. Doha has also cultivated strong ties with Trump personally, supporting his business ventures and gifting him a Boeing 747 aircraft, which he has suggested as a replacement for Air Force One.
Reports suggest that Qatar had offered to persuade Hamas to accept a demilitarization deal based on Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza in the lead-up to the executive order. This offer has been seen as a potential breakthrough in Washington and may have contributed to securing the new security commitment.
Diverging Opinions and Concerns
The order has drawn varied reactions, with some questioning its necessity and potential implications. Laura Loomer, a right-wing figure, expressed concerns about defending Qatar. The Wall Street Journal's editorial board also raised concerns about the lack of public debate surrounding the decision. The pledge to defend Qatar goes beyond Biden’s 2022 order designating Qatar as a major non-NATO ally. In contrast, Saudi Arabia has sought similar guarantees but has entered a mutual defense pact with Pakistan.
Concerns have been raised regarding Trump's acceptance of a luxury Boeing 747 jetliner as a gift from Qatar, with scrutiny over legal and ethical considerations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Doha after the Israeli strike and stated that an enhanced defense cooperation agreement with Qatar was being finalized.
