Qatar has prohibited the use of the Al-Udeid Air Base for attacks on other nations, emphasizing its commitment to sovereignty and peace in the region. Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman highlighted the strategic partnership with the United States, while addressing the humanitarian crises caused by ongoing conflicts involving Israel, Iran, and Hezbollah.
On Wednesday, Qatar affirmed its position regarding the Al-Udeid Air Base, the largest US military facility in the Middle East, stating that it will not permit any attacks or operations against other nations to be conducted from this site. In an interview with Qatar TV, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman emphasized, “The State of Qatar does not accept that attacks or wars be launched from Al-Udeid Base against countries in the region or beyond.” This facility hosts approximately 13,000 US troops, a notable presence as reported by Al Jazeera. Further, Bin Abdulrahman characterized the relationship between Qatar and the United States as a strategic partnership rooted in cooperation across various domains, while highlighting the sovereignty of both nations and their non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. Amid escalating regional tensions, particularly concerning Iran’s measures in response to a missile attack from Israel earlier in October, the Qatari Premier stated that ongoing mediation efforts regarding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip have encountered challenges, noting that “the agreement requires two parties”. Qatar has been actively engaged in communications with Lebanon to mitigate the war’s impact, which has led to the displacement of 1.2 million individuals within the country. He further remarked on the dire humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, stating, “Lebanon’s major crisis is the war that resulted in the displacement of 1.2 million Lebanese, not the presidency.” In the context of the recent conflict escalation, Israel has carried out extensive airstrikes in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, resulting in significant casualties and displacement.
The article discusses Qatar’s diplomatic stance regarding its military cooperation with the United States, particularly in relation to the Al-Udeid Air Base. With the base being a crucial operational hub for US military forces in the region, Qatar’s commitment to preventing its use for offensive actions underscores its desire to maintain a neutral and peace-oriented role in Middle Eastern geopolitics. The context also involves rising tensions stemming from recent conflicts involving Iran, Israel, Hezbollah, and Hamas, with Qatar’s efforts in mediating peace agreements in the region.
In summary, Qatar has taken a definitive stand to prohibit any military operations from the Al-Udeid Air Base against other nations, reinforcing its commitment to sovereignty and regional stability. The Prime Minister has articulated the strategic nature of Qatar’s alliance with the United States while addressing ongoing regional conflicts and the implications for humanitarian crises in Lebanon and Gaza.
Original Source: www.middleeastmonitor.com
