Qatar walks the Middle East tightrope

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Wes Martin, a retired U.S. Army colonel, served as the first Senior Antiterrorism/Force Protection Officer for all Coalition Forces in Iraq

One hundred years ago T.E. Lawrence (of Arabia) observed that Middle East civilizations have a way of doing things that are not understood by Western nations. Having lived and worked with Arabs, Kurds and Persians I found their ways were not wrong, just different. Unfortunately, rather than trying to understand this reality, westerners typically find it more convenient to criticize Middle East decision making processes and actions. This is especially true with western political and military leaders, as well as with so-called “regional experts” whose Middle East experiences have primarily stayed safe inside secure perimeters.

One nation and its leaders frequently and wrongfully criticized is Qatar. It is one of the most modern nations in the entire Middle East. This is impressive considering Qatar is directly across the Persian Gulf from Iran and southeast of Iraq. Even more impressive is that it has dedicated the last 20 years to becoming the regional host for all nations. Qatar has become the go-to peacemaker, breaking deadlocks between other nations. When the United States needed Hamas leadership to move away from the Gaza Strip, and be available for negotiations, Qatar became the host both times. Qatar also continues to be called upon for liaison with Afghanistan’s Taliban.

Overcoming Sunni-Shiite differences that plague other Islamic nations, Qatar had developed a successful relationship with Iran. This mutual cooperation has been critical. Qatar and Iran both tap into the world’s largest gas field, which rests under and on both sides of the Persian Gulf. Constructed on finding common denominators in peace, Qatar is now finding itself being dragged into the current hostilities involving Israel and the United States against Iran.

Stationed on Qatari soil, al Udeid Air Base is America’s forward operations center in the Middle East. It is able to support 100 aircraft and house 10,000 troops. While U.S. forces provide their own protection at and within the perimeter, it is Qatari military and police forces who ensure no ground threats develop outside the perimeter. This is made easier as Qatar’s civilian population is also pro-American.

During the June 2025 Israeli-Iranian conflict, Tehran launched a dozen missiles toward Qatar and al Udeid. Joint American and Qatari interdiction operations minimized the threat.

It was not realized until after it commenced in March 2026 that Iran’s strategy for long-term survival was to create regional chaos. The Strait of Hormuz, through which over 20% of the world’s oil is shipped, was subjected to both air attacks and explosive mines emplaced by Iran. Missiles and drones were launched in all north, west and south directions. Turkey, Iraq, Israel, Qatar and Saudi Arabia were struck. Iran applied the overwhelm with volume strategy against allied defense systems.

Because of al Udeid Air Base and the country’s close relationship with the United States, Qatar has taken the biggest hits from Iran. On March 14, 17% of Qatar’s liquid national gas exportation capability was lost when two of its 14 processing systems were destroyed by Iranian missiles. It will be a minimum of three years, providing no more facilities are damaged, for Qatar to return to full export capability. Meanwhile, Qatar will suffer a $20 billion annual loss.

Dedicated to national and allied security, Qatari F-15 pilots destroyed two Iranian bombers flying below radar at 80 feet and within two minutes from striking al Udeid. The success of this mission was a combination of Qatari pilots trained in America, flying American planes, and their country standing firm with the United States.

This alliance must not be destroyed or even undermined by officials or media outlets failing to recognize both the complexities of the Middle East and Qatar’s role in the future of regional and global security. Some of the biggest detractors are President Donald Trump’s own Make America Great Again political support base. American isolationism following World War I greatly contributed to the beginning of World War II. That mistake cannot be repeated in the Middle East and especially with Qatar.

At least one person in Trump’s circle understands the importance of continuing and improving relations with Qatar. At the recent Doha Forum, Donald Trump Jr. praised the Qatari government for its work in the Israeli-Hamas ceasefire agreements. Don Jr. also praised Qatar as the type of partner the United States needs. He recognized Qatar as a nation that prioritizes the achievement of peace and final resolution over avoiding “public affairs headaches.”

Through “Qatar Vision 2030,” the country is striving to achieve a more stable and prosperous future for the country and the region. This in turn will be better for the world. Staying firm as America’s ally despite all the missile and drone strikes it has endured from Iran should thoroughly convince everyone that the attacks from Western leaders and media are totally unwarranted and counterproductive.