Type of government
Qatar is one of the few states in the world that preserved a unique type of government - an absolute monarchy. Organized opposition, as well as any activities of political parties is prohibited in the state of Qatar.
Under the Constitution of Qatar, the fullness of legislative and executive power belongs to the head of the state - the Emir, who is elected from among male family members of the Al Thani royal family (over 3,000 people.). The monarch possesses extremely broad powers. He represents the state in its foreign relations, performs the functions of the supreme commander of the armed forces of Qatar, appoints and dismisses civil and military officials, forms Defense Council. Emir has the authority to issue a decree that may overrule any decision of the court.
The Council of Ministers is an executive authority which is designed to assist Emir in the implementation of his executive functions. Emir can directly lead the government as a Prime Minister. Emir appoints ministers on the recommendation of the Prime Minister and, at his own discretion, may at any time remove them from their posts. Ministers bear collective political responsibility, as well as individual responsibility for the execution of their duties.
In 1972, Emir formed the Advisory Council (Majlis al-Shura) comprising of 35 members appointed by Emir. If deemed necessary, the Monarch has the right to appoint unlimited number of additional members of the council. In accordance with the Constitution, Emir approves and promulgates laws after discussions with the Consultative Council. The Advisory Council also discusses general policy of its main areas of inquiry, and has the right to address any minister on matters within the jurisdiction of his respective ministry.
U.S –Qatar relations
The United States established diplomatic relations with Qatar in 1973 by opening of its embassy in Doha. However, relations with Qatar entered into an active phase only after 1991 Persian Gulf War, when Qatar permitted the coalition forces to operate from its territory. In 1992, Qatar and United States signed a defense cooperation agreement that marked the beginning of productive cooperation in the sphere of military affairs. The agreement has significantly contributed to broad defense cooperation between states, particularly including cooperative defense exercises, equipment pre-positioning, as well as base access agreements. In 2013, a new defense cooperation agreement was signed. In order to reinforce its domestic security forces, in 2012 Qatar purchased a series of weapon systems, particularly U.S. advanced transport and attack helicopters, as well as items for air and missile defense. Military cooperation between the countries has gradually deepened after the construction of the Al Udeid air base, which currently serves as logistics and command hub for the U.S Central Command, particularly facilitating counterterrorism operations of U.S in Afghanistan.
Apart from extensive military and counterterrorism cooperation, United States and Qatar established close economic ties. United States is Qatar`s largest foreign investor. Estimated 120 U.S. companies are currently operating in the country. United States have significantly contributed to the development of oil and gas sector, mainly by providing Qatar with major technological equipment. Aircraft, machinery, vehicles, and agricultural products are the main export articles of United States to Qatar. Qatar, on the other hand, exports liquefied natural gas, aluminum, and sulfur.
Despite close military and defense cooperation and official support of United States counterterrorism policy in Iraq and Afghanistan, Qatar preserves close ties with Hamas. There are also allegations that Qatari officials provide material support to a number of terrorist organizations operating in the Middle East region. United States have repeatedly expressed concern about Qatar`s controversial position regarding the question of counterterrorism. According to the State Department report released in 2013, Qatar remained inconsistent in the monitoring of contributions that are made by the private individuals to foreign entities suspected of terrorism. Doha currently hosts a Hamas political chief Khaled Meshaal, along with Yusuf al Qaradawi, a well known religious cleric who supports the activities of Islamist groups operating in Syria and Egypt.
Arab-Israeli Conflict
In regard to the Arab-Israeli Conflict, Qatar expresses the position similar to other Arab states i.e., the recognition of independent and sovereign Palestinian State. In his speech, Emir Tamim stated that Qatar expresses its solidarity with the struggle of Palestinian people for its independence. He noted that just peace in Arab-Israeli conflict can only be achieved in the event of Israeli`s withdrawal from Arab lands occupied in 1967 and the establishment of independent Palestinian State. Apart from the diplomatic support, Qatar has provided Palestine with millions of dollars invested in construction projects in Gaza Strip. United States government has been increasingly critical of the Qatar`s material assistance and political support of Hamas. In response to the criticism, Qatar stated that their support of Hamas is motivated by the desire to settle the existing conflict by engaging of all sides into a peace resolution process.
The political position of Qatar in regard to the Arab-Israeli conflict should be considered in conjunction with its overall foreign policy, as well as with religious peculiarities of the region. During Arab Spring, Qatar actively supported rebel movements in Libya, Egypt, and Syria. It seems that this support was motivated by the apparent religious fraternity between Qatar and rebellious groups in these countries. Sunni Muslim population of Qatar, for the most part, belongs to a radical, Wahhabi sect of Islam, while rebels themselves had Islamist terrorist organizations on their side (Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Al-Nusra in Syria). Hamas, being widely recognized as one of the most influential terrorist organizations also belongs to a Sunni Islamist body of Islam.
Thus, the policy of Qatar in regard to the Arab-Israeli conflict is based on two major factors. The first factor lies in the importance of joint approach of Arab League countries to the problem of Palestine`s independence. The commitment to the recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state is a common stand that unites all Arab countries. The reputation of Qatar among the Arab Leagues countries would significantly deteriorate, if it had different position in regard to the Arab-Israeli conflict than it has now. The second factor concerns religious solidarity between Hamas and the royal family of Qatar, both belonging to the Sunni branch of Islam. This solidarity is particularly important considering the increasing tensions and, in many instances, open armed conflicts between the adherents of different fractions and branches of Islam.
As we can see, U.S.-Qatar bilateral relations are full of controversies. Undoubtedly, the cooperation between the states is mutually beneficial. While maintaining Qatar`s defense and security, United States exercises military control over the Persian Gulf Region. The economic relations also prove to be advantageous for both parties. At the same time, the position of Qatar in regard to Arab-Israeli conflict, along with its active support of Islamist terrorist organizations such as Hamas or Muslim Brotherhood, casts a shadow on the relations of the countries, especially in the context of the ongoing war on terror. Moreover, Qatar`s support of Palestine directly contradicts the position of U.S, who is a known advocate of Israel. However, it seems that U.S. in this case chooses to look on the bright side, focusing on the beneficial aspect of its relations with Qatar.
Works Cited
- Blanchard, Christopher. Qatar: Background and U.S Relations, Congressional Research Service, 2014.
- U.S Relations with Qatar, U.S Department of State. Retrieved from http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5437.htm.
