The United States has quietly secured an agreement to prolong its military presence at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar for another decade, as reported by CNN. The base, situated in the desert southwest of Doha, is the largest US military installation in the Middle East, accommodating over 10,000 American troops. Despite not being publicly announced, the extension underscores the strategic importance of the tiny Gulf country to Washington, particularly amid rising tensions in the region.
The Al Udeid Air Base has served as a crucial hub for the US Central Command's air operations in and around Afghanistan, Iran, and across the Middle East. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, during his recent visit to the base, expressed gratitude to Qatar for increased spending on the facility. However, there was no mention of the agreement's renewal, and the Biden administration has not publicized it.
This extension comes at a time when Qatar has faced scrutiny for hosting senior Hamas leaders. While Qatari officials argue that this arrangement began with a US request during the Obama administration, concerns have been raised regarding Qatar's hosting of Hamas, especially after the recent October 7 massacre in Israel.
Qatar's role as a mediator has been highlighted in recent negotiations, including the release of Americans held in Venezuela and the initial talks with Hamas after the October 7 incident. Qatar's involvement in these diplomatic efforts aligns with its broader strategy of mediating between the US and other entities considered adversaries, such as Iran and the Taliban.
The Pentagon declined to comment on the extension of the Al Udeid agreement, and President Joe Biden, in his statements, did not explicitly acknowledge Qatar's contributions in certain diplomatic initiatives.
The Al Udeid Air Base gained significance in 2003 when it became CENTCOM's main air base, relocating forces and assets from the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. Qatar's commitment to upgrading facilities for US Airmen at the base and its ongoing role in supporting US military efforts in the region contribute to its pivotal position in the broader geopolitical landscape.
While the extension of the agreement was not publicly disclosed, Secretary of Defense Austin mentioned during his visit that the US and Qatar would take formal steps to enhance their bilateral defence relationship, with Qatar committing significant resources to bolster capabilities at Al Udeid Air Base for years to come.
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