Allies:

  1. Turkey:
  • Qatar maintains a strong alliance with Turkey, based on shared political interests, economic cooperation, and mutual support in regional conflicts.
  • Both countries have collaborated closely on various issues, including defense, energy, and regional diplomacy. Turkey has provided Qatar with military assistance and security cooperation, while Qatar has invested in Turkey’s economy and supported Turkish initiatives in the region.
  • The alliance between Qatar and Turkey is reinforced by their shared opposition to common adversaries, such as the blockade imposed by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and Egypt in 2017.

Iran:

  • Qatar maintains cordial relations with Iran, its neighbor across the Persian Gulf, based on shared economic interests, political cooperation, and diplomatic engagement.
  • Both countries have worked together on various economic projects, including joint ventures in the energy sector and investments in infrastructure and transportation.
  • The alliance between Qatar and Iran is reinforced by their shared opposition to the policies of regional rivals, such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and their support for political movements and factions aligned with their interests in conflicts like the Syrian civil war and the Yemeni civil war.

Neutral:

United States:

  • Qatar maintains diplomatic relations with the United States and hosts a significant U.S. military presence, including the Al Udeid Air Base, which serves as the headquarters of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) in the region.
  • While Qatar and the United States have cooperated on security and defense issues, including counterterrorism efforts and military operations, their relationship has been complicated by differences over regional politics and human rights concerns.
  • Qatar’s support for Islamist groups and its perceived role in regional conflicts, such as the Syrian civil war and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, have raised concerns in Washington and strained bilateral relations at times.

Enemies:

Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Egypt (Quartet):

  • Qatar’s primary adversaries are the countries that imposed a blockade on it in 2017, known as the Quartet, which includes Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt.
  • The Quartet accused Qatar of supporting terrorism, destabilizing the region, and maintaining close ties with Iran, allegations that Qatar denied. The blockade led to diplomatic tensions, economic disruptions, and political isolation for Qatar.
  • While the blockade was officially lifted in January 2021 following mediation efforts by Kuwait and the United States, tensions and rivalries between Qatar and the Quartet countries persist, affecting regional dynamics and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) relations.