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As Israel grapples with allegations of Qatari influence through financial ties to associates of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Gulf nation has achieved another diplomatic milestone. Over the weekend, George Glazman, an American citizen held captive by the Taliban in Afghanistan for over two years, was released and arrived in Doha.
Qatar served as the main mediator in the deal, earning praise from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who called Qatar a "trusted partner." U.S. envoy Steven Witkoff also commended Qatari leadership, describing them as "good people striving for peace."
Earlier in the week, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani hosted the presidents of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo in a mediation effort amid their ongoing conflict. These recent developments underscore how Qatar, despite its small size, has become one of the most influential global players over the past three decades. Today, Qatar is involved in mediating nearly every major international conflict and is accepted by rival parties as a neutral broker.
Qatar's rise to global prominence is the result of a carefully calculated strategy by the ruling Al Thani family to leverage the country's most valuable asset — the world's largest natural gas field — into worldwide political and economic influence. This strategy, implemented with the help of a vast network of lobbyists, has positioned Qatar as a legitimate global actor, despite ongoing accusations of supporting terrorism, money laundering and human rights abuses.
Until the late 1980s and early 1990s, Qatar was considered a minor player both regionally and globally. It was seen as a Saudi protectorate with limited economic potential beyond small-scale oil production, fishing and pearl diving. A turning point came in the mid-1990s when Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the father of the current emir, seized power in a bloodless coup and began exploiting Qatar's massive gas reserves. Unlike Iran, which shares the same gas field but faces international sanctions, Qatar attracted major global energy companies, including ExxonMobil, to develop its resources.
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Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani
(Photo: Nathan Howard/ AP)
Positioned between regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran, Qatar adopted a policy of being a "friend to all." Despite maintaining public ties with Iran, Qatari leaders remain wary of potential disputes over gas field usage. To safeguard itself, Qatar has cultivated a close relationship with the United States, hosting the largest U.S. airbase in the Middle East and investing heavily in American military equipment and infrastructure. This relationship has made Qatar a valued regional partner across successive U.S. administrations, including the current Trump administration.
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Fueled by annual gas revenues exceeding $100 billion, Qatar's sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority, has grown to an estimated $600 billion. This fund not only diversifies the nation's income but also invests in high-profile assets such as Barclays Bank, Harrods and Paris Saint-Germain football club. One of Qatar's most ambitious image-building projects was hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which cost over $200 billion. While the tournament generated no financial return, Qatari leaders viewed it as a necessary investment to improve the country's global image, despite widespread criticism over labor exploitation and allegations of bribery.
In addition to its financial investments, Qatar spends substantial sums annually on lobbying efforts worldwide. These campaigns aim to shape public opinion, counter negative narratives, and prevent adverse policy decisions. While official reports indicate Qatar spent $20 million on lobbying in the United States in 2023, experts believe the actual figure is significantly higher due to the country's discreet and indirect methods.
Qatar's financial influence extends to the Gaza Strip, where it has provided $30 million in monthly payments since 2018, a move officially sanctioned by the Israeli government. These funds, ostensibly for civilian needs, have totaled approximately $2 billion over the years. Critics, including the Palestinian Authority, argue that the payments have indirectly bolstered Hamas's military capabilities and entrenched its governance in Gaza.
Despite mounting scrutiny over its dealings and human rights record, Qatar continues to use its vast wealth and strategic mediation efforts to maintain its status as a key global power broker.