Qatar and the United States: A Diplomatic Friendship for the Modern Age
Bridging Misinformation, Fostering Stability, and Safeguarding America’s Interests.
The Interview That Rekindled the Conversation
Tucker Carlson’s recent sit-down with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani—Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar—set off the usual flurry of reactions. Some saw it for what it was: an illuminating conversation about geopolitics, diplomacy, and the U.S.-Qatar alliance. Others, as is customary, seized the opportunity to distort, misrepresent, and bemoan things they don’t fully understand.
Let’s be clear: if this interview made anything obvious, it’s that many so-called experts still don’t grasp the basic mechanics of diplomacy.
One fact emerged from this discussion with the clarity of a Supreme Court ruling: Qatar’s strategic partnership with the United States isn’t happenstance—it is the product of decades of cooperation. And here’s the kicker: Qatar’s decision to host a political office for Hamas wasn’t some rogue maneuver—it was requested by Washington itself.
“They have asked us to open the channels with them (Hamas)… The purpose of this office was to facilitate peace,”the Prime Minister stated.
This is not complicated. The U.S. asks Qatar to facilitate diplomacy. Qatar does exactly that. Then Qatar gets criticized for doing what the U.S. wanted. I will leave it to the reader to judge the logic—if there is any.
This kind of doublespeak is not only intellectually dishonest, it is strategically foolish. If an ally assists in high-stakes matters like hostage negotiations and conflict prevention, rational actors do not then turn around and castigate them. To do so is to saw off the very branch upon which you are sitting.
“They have asked us to open the channels with them (Hamas)… The purpose of this office was to facilitate peace.”
Diplomacy in Action: Why Channels Matter
Diplomatic channels exist for a reason. They are not a concession, nor an indulgence, nor a weakness. They are a necessary tool for navigating a world where conflict is the default setting. Qatar, unlike many armchair critics, understands this reality. That is why it has played a leading role in de-escalating conflicts, negotiating prisoner releases, and even—lest we forget—helping evacuate Americans from Afghanistan.
“Having an ally… like Qatar, with the airbase as one example, helps bring Americans home… from evacuation in Afghanistan to American hostages,” the Prime Minister remarked.
If that sounds like something a U.S. ally would do, it’s because it is.
And yet, the critics—voices that have contributed precisely nothing to any diplomatic breakthrough—wag their fingers. “But those groups are extremists!” they exclaim. Yes, and refusing to engage with adversaries has historically led to what, exactly? Unmitigated disaster.
Qatar’s engagement with groups like Hamas or the Taliban is not an endorsement; it is a calculated effort, undertaken at America’s request, to facilitate peace and prevent bloodshed.
“How many peace deals have been brokered from that office through that channel? Many of them… You will lose count.”
That is what diplomacy looks like. It is not always pretty, it is not always comfortable, but it is always preferable to the alternative.
“How many peace deals have been brokered from that office through that channel? Many of them… You will lose count.”
The Vital Role of Allies in a Shifting World
As global power shifts, the United States faces a choice: maintain and strengthen its alliances or pretend it can go it alone. Qatar has proven itself indispensable, housing America’s largest overseas military base, supporting counterterrorism operations, and negotiating the release of American hostages.
And yet, some voices—whether in Congress or the chattering class of think-tankers—continue to portray Qatar as a dubious partner. To them, I say this: when American lives were in peril, it was Qatar that secured their return.
“If we are able to save a single life, it’s worth everything.”
This is not some quaint sentiment. It is a principle of governance, diplomacy, and alliance-building.
Qatar and America share more than just an airbase. They share an interest in stability, in economic security, and in ensuring that the Middle East does not descend into further chaos. A strong Middle East benefits Washington, just as a volatile one threatens its global standing.
“A stable Middle East also serves American interests.”
Criticizing Qatar for furthering that goal is as misguided as it is counterproductive.
President Trump’s Pragmatic Leadership
A word on President Trump: whatever else one may think of him, the man knows how to make a deal. His administration relied on Qatar in critical negotiations for one simple reason: Qatar gets things done.
Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who played a key role in these efforts, received specific recognition from the Prime Minister:
“The man traveled all the way. He stayed here. He participated with us in the negotiation. He pushed when it was required. He did a great job.”
What, exactly, is the criticism here? That Trump’s administration worked with an ally to secure tangible diplomatic victories? Heaven forbid.
Under President Trump’s leadership, hostages were freed, conflicts were averted, and diplomacy was conducted with purpose. And when it comes to foreign policy, results are what matter.
A Legacy of Military Partnership
For those still wondering about Qatar’s reliability, let’s talk facts.
Qatar is home to Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East. This isn’t some recent development; the U.S.-Qatar Defense Cooperation Agreement was signed back in 1996.
Since then, Qatar has:
Invested over $8 billion in expanding and maintaining the base.
Hosted U.S. Central Command, allowing for rapid deployment and regional operations.
Provided critical logistical support for American missions throughout the Middle East.
This is what a reliable ally looks like.
“Having an ally… like Qatar, with the airbase as one example, helps bring Americans home… from evacuation in Afghanistan to American hostages.”
Qatar’s Humanitarian Leadership
Beyond military and diplomatic cooperation, Qatar’s humanitarian efforts are extensive.
During the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, Qatar facilitated the evacuation of 58,000 people, housing them temporarily before relocation.
Qatar has provided over $25 million in direct humanitarian aid to Gaza, helping civilians caught in the conflict.
These are not the actions of a nation working against U.S. interests. These are the actions of a partner committed to regional stability and humanitarian relief.
“Qatar has been, and remains, a steadfast, effective, and indispensable partner to the United States.”
Setting the Record Straight on Qatar and the U.S.
It is both unwise and astonishingly short-sighted to vilify an ally for carrying out exactly what it was asked to do. Qatar’s decision to host Hamas’s political office—at America’s urging—helped broker peace deals, secure hostage releases, and keep lines of communication open.
From military cooperation at Al Udeid, to humanitarian efforts in Gaza and Afghanistan, to its role in high-stakes diplomacy, Qatar has done more to advance U.S. strategic interests than some of the loudest voices in Washington.
And that brings us back to the interview.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani did not sit down with Tucker Carlson to make excuses. He did not plead for approval. He stated the facts:
Qatar has been, and remains, a steadfast, effective, and indispensable partner to the United States.
And as anyone with a grasp of realpolitik will tell you, the sooner this reality is understood, the stronger and more productive this alliance will be—not just for Qatar and the United States, but for global stability as a whole.
