The White House on Wednesday released an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Monday, that effectively committs the US to respond to any attack on Qatar.
The order obligates the US to treat any assault on Qatar's sovereignty, independence, or critical infrastructure as an attack on America itself and to respond with "diplomatic, economic, and even military measures if necessary."
The move comes less than a month after Israel struck targets belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization on Qatari soil, prompting Doha to demand significantly stronger American guarantees.
This marks an unusual US commitment to defend a regional partner that is not a member of NATO. Qatar hosts key US Navy and Air Force bases and serves as one of Washington's most important power projection hubs in the region.
Doha has long sought major American security assurances. Sandwiched between Iran and Saudi Arabia, Qatar fears potential military intervention by its much larger neighbors. It has therefore cultivated a complex relationship with both while maintaining a close alliance with the US.
