FOREIGN
RELATIONS
Qatar
achieved full independence in an atmosphere of cooperation with
the U.K. and friendship with neighboring states. Most Arab states,
the U.K., and the U.S. were among the first countries to recognize
Qatar, and the state promptly gained admittance to the United
Nations and the Arab League. Qatar established diplomatic relations
with the U.S.S.R. and China in 1988. It was an early member of
OPEC and a founding member of the GCC.
In September
1992, tensions arose with Saudi Arabia when a Qatari border post
was allegedly attacked by Saudi forces, resulting in two deaths.
Relations have since improved, and a joint commission has been
set up to demarcate the border as agreed between the two governments.
Qatar
and Bahrain disputed ownership of the Hawar Islands. The International
Court of Justice in The Hague issued a ruling in June 2001, which
both sides accepted. In the agreement Bahrain kept the main Hawar
Island but dropped claims to parts of mainland Qatar, while Qatar
retained significant maritime areas and their resources.
U.S.-QATARI
RELATIONS
Bilateral relations are strong and expanding. The U.S. embassy was opened in March 1973. The first resident U.S. ambassador arrived in July 1974. Ties between the U.S. and Qatar are excellent and marked by frequent senior-level consultations in Doha and Washington. Emir Hamad visited Washington in 2004, and President Bush visited Qatar in 2003. Qatar and the United States coordinate closely on regional diplomatic initiatives, cooperate to increase security in the Gulf, and enjoy extensive economic links, especially in the hydrocarbons sector. Qatar sees the development of a world-class educational system as key to its continued success. As a result, hundreds of Qataris study in the United States. Cornell University has established a degree granting branch medical school campus in Doha, and other universities including Texas A&M, Carnegie Mellon University and the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Design also have branch campuses in Qatar's newly inaugurated "Education City" complex.
DEFENSE
Qatar's defense expenditures are estimated to be in the range of 10% of GDP. Qatar maintains a modest military force of about 12,000 men, including an army, navy, and air force. The country has a public security force of about 8,000 men, including a coast guard, national firefighting force, air wing, marine police, and an internal security force. Qatar also has signed defense pacts with the U.S., U.K., and France. Qatar plays an active role in the collective defense efforts of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC--the regional organization of the Arab states in the Gulf; the other five members are Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, the U.A.E., and Oman). Qatari forces played an important role in the first Gulf War, and Qatar has supported U.S. military operations critical to the success of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Qatar hosts CENTCOM Forward Headquarters.
Principal U.S. Officials
Ambassador--Chase Untermeyer
Deputy Chief of Mission--Michael Ratney
Political/Economic Counselor--Stephen Rice
Senior Commercial Officer--Robert Peaslee
Consular Officer--Timothy Ponce
Public Affairs Officer--Joey Hood
Defense Attaché--CDR Coby Loessberg, USN
The U.S. Embassy in Qatar is located in Doha at 22 February Road, Al Luqta District, Doha, Qatar. Mailing address: P.O. Box 23, Doha. Tel.: 974-488-4161; fax 4884150. The embassy is open Sunday through Thursday (Qatar's workweek), closed for U.S. and Qatari holidays.
