Qatari regime threatening US on possible troop withdrawal

Shaimaa Yahia

Remarks wrote on Twitter by former Qatari prime minister Hamad bin Jassim reflect worries in his country about a potential pullout of US troops from Qatar.

These worries also coincide with a visit Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan paid to Doha on July 2.

In Doha, Erdoğan sought financing for his project in the Middle East region.

Bin Jassim wrote on June 29 that his country has alternatives to the US troop presence, if the US decides to downsize this presence or pull altogether out of Qatar.

“The US has apparently decided to pull out of a number of areas,” bin Jassim wrote. “However, this may cost the world’s superpower a lot.”

He revealed that Turkey is ready to fill in the vacuum that will be left behind by the American troop withdrawal.

During his visit to Qatar, Erdoğan discussed means of enhancing strategic relations with the Gulf state. He also discussed means of strengthening economic cooperation with it.

Ankara wants to get enough financing from Doha for its military projects in Syria and Libya. Doha is the main financier of Erdoğan. It is his financial rescuer at a time his country suffers a tough economic crisis.

Threats

Bin Jassim’s remarks on Twitter also included threats to the US in case it decides to pull out of Qatar or reduce the number of its troops in the country.

He said this withdrawal or troop downsizing would cost Washington the economic advantages it used to enjoy in Qatar.

Bin Jassim noted that Washington would lose its arms sales to Qatar and that American companies would also be deprived of the advantages they used to enjoy in Qatar.