Hamas’s unconscionable October 7 attacks shocked and horrified decent people worldwide. But the boldness and brutality of this attack should have come as no surprise to policymakers, who have watched for years as countries in the region have offered material aid and sanctuary to the terrorist organization. With 31 Americans dead as a direct result of that attack and with still more held hostage, it may now be time for a fundamental rethinking of America’s relationships in the region.
The nation in question is Qatar. The Qataris have long asserted their role in the world as a contributor to peace and stability. But their actions tell a different story.
While playing the role of strategic partner in the region, the country has funneled nearly $2 billion to Hamas. This disconnect between rhetoric and reality underscores the need to reexamine Qatar’s foreign policy and its role in the broader geopolitical landscape. America’s security agencies and Congress must initiate a full comprehensive review of our relationship with Qatar, and serious decisions must be made regarding further economic, military and diplomatic cooperation between our countries.
First, we must consider revoking Qatar’s NATO major non-NATO ally (MNNA) status. Qatar’s supposed commitment to NATO’s shared values and objectives was pivotal in its negotiations to attain MNNA status. Non-Member Major Allies have the opportunity to enhance their military capabilities and exert political influence within NATO, advocating for their interests and contributing to alliance decisions. Qatar’s commitment to these values has always been dubious, given Qatar’s decades of financial support for America’s enemies. As we learn more about Qatar’s financial and material support for Hamas, they seem almost entirely farcical. The United States and NATO should reconsider Qatar’s NMMA status.
There are more drastic measures we might take to address Qatar’s problematic ties. The United States should examine the feasibility of moving our military base out of Qatar. We should not empower nations with American military bases when those nations sponsor terrorism. It is unfair to send America’s sons and daughters to be hosted by states sponsoring terrorism and then ask these brave young Americans to go fight conditions those hosts created.
Al Udeid Air Base is one of the largest U.S. military installations in the Middle East. The base provides a substantial 3,000-meter runway and comprehensive infrastructure for aircraft maintenance and support. Furthermore, it serves as a critical air refueling center for U.S. Central Command operations in the region. The United States, however, has assets throughout the region and undertakes substantial planning to re-examine and realign assets based on future priorities.
A feasibility assessment would be appropriate, given Qatar’s sponsorship of terrorism, to better understand the implications of potentially relocating or redistributing assets. The objective of such a move should include securing the same capabilities but doing so in a manner that frees us from being under the coercion of a hostile state playing a triple game with us.
The United States has several significant assets in the Middle East, which might be considered for a more robust role. Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates already plays a significant role in supporting U.S. military operations in the region. It hosts various aircraft and provides a range of logistical and operational support.
Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, although technically outside the Middle East region, has been historically crucial for U.S. military operations in the area. It has been used for air operations, intelligence activities and support missions. U.S. bases in Kuwait serve as a logistics and support hub for U.S. forces in the Middle East. Our naval base in Bahrain supports U.S. Navy operations. It is strategically located for maritime security and power projection.
Moving the U.S. base out of Qatar, particularly Al Udeid Air Base, would be a complex undertaking. Several considerations must be taken into account. Any relocation or redistribution must be undertaken with the understanding that we’ll maintain or enhance our operational capabilities. New locations would need to replicate the infrastructure, logistical support, and access to critical areas offered by Al Udeid, and diplomatically, the United States would need to navigate relations with the host country and consider the geopolitical implications of such a move. Establishing new bases or expanding existing ones would entail significant financial investments, but it’s a small price to pay to maintain regional stability.
Any consideration of moving or redistributing assets should prioritize maintaining operational effectiveness, diplomatic engagement and regional stability. The decision-making process should involve a thorough analysis of costs, benefits and potential security implications to ensure the continued protection of American interests. The mention of this possibility will get the undivided attention of the Qataris. It may not immediately affect their duplicitous behavior. However, it should be done.