Published by
Al-Araby
Al-Araby
Once criticized as a deviation from the Gulf mainstream by its rivals, Qatar’s foreign policy approach appears to have paid off, with President Joe Bidendesignating Doha a non-NATO ally and receiving the country’s emir at a time when Saudi Arabia and its allies remain personae non-gratae due to their role in the Khashoggi murder and the war in Yemen. For years, Qatar kept communications open with Iran, Hamas, and the Taliban, as well as Israel, as part of what its foreign ministry deems an “independent foreign policy” focused on pan-Islamic relations, international cooperation and mediation. D…