Qatar’s efforts in successful mediation in regional and international conflicts are fast making the country a sought-after power in solving disputes. In the past two decades the country has carved out an image as a diplomatic power house and honest broker with an interest in peace and experience in attaining it which have drawn global appreciation.
Recently, the adviser on Middle East Affairs at the US Council on Foreign Relations John Rivenblad affirmed that Qatar is gaining international respect based on its rapid positive interaction in many global crises and important gains consistent with its diplomatic approach to containing tensions and conflicts, supporting mediation efforts and active participation in complex international issues. He added that with its clear policy line, Qatar has emerged as a strong partner and ally of the US.
He referred to the vital role Qatar played in the peaceful withdrawal of the American-led forces and the eventual takeover of the government by the Taliban movement in Afghanistan as a result of the mediation hosted by Qatar. It played a key role in evacuating thousands of foreign nationals and Afghans who wanted to leave that country. Qatar didn’t stop its efforts there, but it has been extending the much needed assistance through creating an air bridge providing supplies and relief materials. Even on Sunday, a Qatari plane landed in Afghanistan with aid materials including supplies for surviving the harsh winter.
Rivenblad affirmed the growing international respect enjoyed by Qatar, its effective partnership with UN institutions and increasingly positive relations with the European Union saying the country has developed good relations with international powers from Beijing and Moscow to Washington, Berlin, London and Paris in diverse fields of economic and strategic cooperation.
Qatar’s stature as a peace-maker is nothing new as the country pursues mediation as a moral, cultural and religious duty owed to its citizens and others. These are reflected in the country’s Constitution with Article 7 specifically saying that Qatar’s ‘foreign policy be based on principle of strengthening international peace and security by means of encouraging peaceful resolution of international disputes’.
This has been evident throughout its history of brokering peace, whether in the Darfur issue, role in Lebanon, release of Syrian captives, relentless efforts in the Palestinian issue or the fruitful Afghan mediation. Qatar is well aware that finding just a solution to conflicts will not bring lasting peace and it believes that peace is maintained through reconciliation and justice, the promotion of human development, especially in the areas of education, public health, job creation, economic recovery, political and economic integration of youth and ensuring human rights.
