Biden eyes Qatar as main non-NATO ally

US President Joe Biden notified Congress right now of a call to designate Qatar a significant non-NATO ally.

Biden revealed the choice throughout a meeting in the Oval Office with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who on Monday turned the primary Gulf chief to go to Washington throughout Biden’s presidency.

The designation, which Biden described as “long overdue,” got here the identical day as Qatar Airways Group and Boeing introduced a $34 billion deal that he mentioned “will assist tens of hundreds of good-paying US jobs right here in America.”

Why it issues: The transfer would formally improve the 2 international locations’ protection ties at a time when america is looking for Qatar’s assistance offering various sources of pure gasoline and oil to Europe so as to bolster political resolve towards Moscow because it threatens to invade Ukraine.

The Biden administration is threatening to hit Russia with unprecedented financial sanctions, however these penalties may have little enamel with out unified European assist.

Forward of the assembly, Biden praised Qatar’s position in evacuating tens of hundreds from Afghanistan amid the US withdrawal final 12 months and for “sustaining stability in Gaza and offering lifesaving help to the Palestinians,” amongst different initiatives.

The 2 leaders have been additionally slated to debate ongoing talks with Iran over its nuclear program and cooperation on Afghanistan, the place Qatar serves because the surrogate for US diplomatic ties with the Taliban.

What it means: If accredited, Qatar will be part of Kuwait, Bahrain, Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan, Egypt, Israel, Taiwan and 10 different international locations around the globe that share privileged entry to US navy expertise and joint coaching.

The designation “opens up an entire new vary of alternatives for protection relationships, not simply with america bilaterally however with different allies,” Pentagon press secretary John Kirby instructed reporters right now. That features “workout routines, operations and maybe the acquisition of capabilities as nicely,” Kirby mentioned. 

Whereas it’s unlikely to deliver any speedy profit to Qatar, it might function a way to deliver the Gulf nation nearer into the US-led regional defense fold as Doha stays reluctant to hitch the Abraham Accords and retains ties with Iran.

Sheikh Tamim met with US Protection Secretary Lloyd Austin earlier than heading to the White Home on Monday. 

The protection chief “shared his imaginative and prescient for built-in deterrence for the area, emphasizing the significance of multilateral efforts and built-in operations with companions like Qatar to handle threats,” together with terrorism, Kirby mentioned. 

What’s subsequent: Lawmakers have had little endurance for main arms gross sales to the Gulf lately however have proven no indicators of opposition to this point to upgrading Washington’s relations with Doha. 

Know extra: Learn Elizabeth Hagedorn‘s tackle how Qatar may help Washington repatriate 4 American prisoners held in Iran.