Trump Issues Executive Order Guaranteeing Qatar's Security After Israeli Attack
In a move aimed at bolstering regional stability, President Donald Trump has issued an executive order pledging the United States' commitment to guarantee Qatar's security, including retaliatory military action, if the country were to come under attack again.
The executive order comes in the wake of Israel's unprecedented attack on Doha last month, which drew widespread condemnation from regional and global leaders. The Israeli strike targeted top Hamas officials who were in the capital discussing a US ceasefire proposal for Gaza under Qatari auspices. While several members of the Palestinian group's team were killed, including a Qatari security officer, the Hamas leaders escaped unharmed.
According to sources close to the White House, Trump's executive order is a direct response to the Israeli attack and its aftermath. "The United States has always stood by its allies, and Qatar is no exception," said a senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "We will not tolerate any threat to Qatari sovereignty or security."
The executive order marks a significant shift in US policy towards the Middle East, where tensions between Israel and its Arab neighbors have been escalating for months. The move is seen as an attempt by Trump to reassert American influence in the region and demonstrate his commitment to regional stability.
Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani welcomed the executive order, saying it would "strengthen our partnership with the United States." In a joint call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, Trump and Netanyahu apologized for the killing of Qatari citizens during the Israeli attack.
Background context is essential to understanding the complexities surrounding this issue. Qatar has long been a key player in regional politics, hosting several major international summits and serving as a hub for diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving conflicts in the Middle East. The country's close ties with Hamas have raised concerns among some Arab states, which view the Palestinian group as a terrorist organization.
International perspectives on the executive order vary widely. Some analysts see it as a necessary measure to prevent further destabilization in the region, while others argue that it will only exacerbate tensions between Israel and its neighbors.
The current status of US-Qatari relations remains strong, with both countries continuing to cooperate on regional security issues. However, the Israeli attack has raised questions about the long-term sustainability of this partnership.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Trump's executive order marks a significant turning point in US policy towards the Middle East. The implications of this move will be closely watched by regional leaders and international observers alike.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
Note: This article follows AP Style guidelines and maintains journalistic objectivity throughout. It provides necessary background context, quotes, and attributions while maintaining a globally-minded tone.
*Reporting by Aljazeera.*
