Por Simon Lewis e Trevor Hunnicutt
WASHINGTON (Reuters)-US President Donald Trump has promised to treat any armed attack on Qatar as a threat to US security, according to a decree published on Wednesday, which says the country’s forces can intervene to defend the Middle East nation.
He received him with satisfaction with Trump’s order, describing it as a milestone in strengthening the ties of defense and bilateral cooperation, according to his Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The decree – which seems to significantly deepen US commitment to Qatar – comes after Israel tried to kill Hamas leaders with a Doha air strike last month.
The attack, informed little in advance to the Trump government, caused dismay in Washington, given the close US relationship with Qatar, which houses the largest US military base in the region.
Compromise to respond
The document was dated Monday, the day he received Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in the White House and presented a proposal for the end of the war in Gaza. Qatar has been a fundamental mediator between the US, Israel and Hamas regarding war.
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“The United States will consider any armed attack on territory, sovereignty or critical infrastructure of the state of Qatar as a threat to peace and security of the United States,” the decree said.
“In the case of such attack, the United States will take all legal and appropriate measures – including diplomatic, economic and, if necessary, military measures – to defend the interests of the United States and the state of Qatar and restore peace and stability.”
The document said the leading US defense and intelligence authorities will maintain contingency planning with Qatar to ensure a quick response to any attacks.
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The neighboring neighbor Arabia has long been looking for similar guarantees as part of Washington’s efforts to normalize the relations between Riyadh and Israel, but such agreement did not materialize. Last month, Saudi Arabia signed a mutual defense pact with Pakistan, a country with nuclear weapons.
(Report by Simon Lewis and Trevor Hunnicutt; Additional report of ENAS ALASHRAY)
