Holding Iran in one hand and US with other hand, Qatar plays double game

New York : Holding Iran in one hand and the US with the other hand, Qatar does a shrewd diplomatic dance. Many political experts and media reports say Qatar continues to spend lavishly on lobbying efforts in Washington while supporting terror organisations pledging allegiance to Iran. 

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed ties with Qatar in June 2017, accusing it of fomenting regional unrest and supporting terrorism. “When the blockade happened they (Qatar) had no presence on the Hill,” said Joey Allaham, a former adviser to Qatar who was paid $1.45 million, including costs, for his advocacy work. And within a year Qatar would manage to persuade certain lawmakers and influential Americans that it is a US ally in the fight against terrorism and victim of an unfair boycott, media reports say. 

Several Qatari lobbyists were quoted by American media, which said the aggressive strategy, which has cost Doha tens of millions of dollars, has been about reaching people close to Trump as well as lobbying on Capitol Hill. The country has also allegedly hired some people seen as close to Trump, pledged billions of dollars in US investments or business and sponsored Doha visits, according to its advisers and public filings. On the flip side, Qatar is also attempting to boost its diplomatic ties with Iran.

Indeed, since the boycott Iran and Qatar ties have improved. Tehran opened its airspace to Qatar Airways and Qatar was quick to restore full diplomatic relations with Iran. Iran has many a time voiced its support to the Qatari government. Tehran aims to increase its trade with Qatar. 

Delegation visits between both countries have become a common affair. Both countries are expecting the trade volume to cross 1billion mark in the coming years. Political experts say Qatar is not keen on ending dispute with Gulf countries, while attempting to successfully pursue double standards in diplomacy.