“Iraq will have to find a place for itself in the midst of regional geoeconomic and geopolitical rivalries, as competing trade connectivity projects are being put forward. These include China’s BRI, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, and Iran’s trade ambitions.”
Browsing: Qatar
Qatar leveraged the 2017 blockade by Saudi Arabia and the UAE to intensify lobbying, defend Al Udeid Air Base, secure arms sales, preserve its major non-NATO ally status, and strengthen military cooperation, successfully defeating congressional efforts that threatened U.S.–Qatar defense relations.
The order elevates Qatar’s status above all other Arab allies, offering a formal defense pledge likely aimed at rewarding its mediation role, deterring further Israeli attacks, and reassuring Gulf partners of U.S. commitment in a shifting security landscape.