Qatar as a mediator in conflict

Qatar has been acting as a third-party mediator in various conflict since the 1990s. Qatar has mediated negotiations between the US and the Taliban, the signing of several peace deals for Lebanon, Yemen, Darfur, and Gaza, and hosted political offices for groups like Hamas in Doha. In addition, Qatar operated as a key mediator in various international hostage crises, leveraging its unique geopolitical standing and relationships with a wide array of actors, including both state and non-state entities.

At the 77th UN General Assembly in 2022, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani stated that conflict mediation is a key element of Qatar's foreign policy, aiming to establish the country as a dependable international ally.

The country's approach to mediation has been characterized by some as "soft diplomacy", which involves using its financial resources and political influence to facilitate dialogue between conflicting parties.

Background

Until the 1990s, Qatar was perceived internationally to be under Saudi Arabia's influence. The country's leadership, under the guidance of then-Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and his successor, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, recognized that mediation could serve as a tool for enhancing its international standing and influence. Positioning themselves as an essential partner within the international community would ensure protection against interventions from their neighbors, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The 2017-2021 boycott led by Saudi Arabia against Qatar underscores the importance of such measures. Since then, Qatar's mediation strategy is rooted in its foreign policy, aiming to maintain good relations with a wide range of actors, including Western powers, regional neighbors, and various non-state actors.

The WTO Doha Development Round in 2001 marked a significant event for Qatar, taking on a more active role in international affairs.

Qatar's mediation policy is characterized by a proactive and independent approach. The country leverages its wealth, strategic alliances, and diplomatic networks to bring conflicting parties to the negotiating table. Qatar's policy is also marked by its willingness to engage with a broad spectrum of actors, including those that are often isolated by the international community. This approach allows Qatar to serve as a bridge between various factions and to facilitate dialogue in situations where traditional diplomatic channels may be strained or non-existent. Its friendly relations with various groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood, have assisted in closing agreements, such as the Doha Agreement in 2012.

The Qatari government has established institutions dedicated to conflict resolution and research, such as the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies and the Qatar International Academy for Security Studies. These institutions contribute to the development of Qatar's mediation strategies and provide intellectual and logistical support for its initiatives.

Some U.S. and European politicians have accused Qatar of supporting groups they regard as terrorist organizations such as Hamas. Between 2017 and 2021, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Egypt, among other countries in the region, cut off diplomatic relations with Qatar, accusing the country of supporting “Iranian-backed” terrorist groups. The accusation was denied by Doha.

Key Qatari mediation events

US-Taliban conflict

See also: United States–Taliban deal

The American intervention in Afghanistan in the aftermath of 9/11 is considered the longest war in US history and has been marked by significant financial and political costs in addition to the loss of many lives. Qatar's involvement in facilitating the United states-Taliban deal marked a significant step towards ending nearly two decades of conflict in Afghanistan. In 2013, Qatar allowed the Taliban to open an office in Doha, marking the first office of the Taliban outside Afghanistan after the US intervention. The peace process experienced several setbacks, including disputes over prisoner releases and the implementation of the agreement's terms, reflecting the complex dynamics between the Afghan government, the Taliban, and international stakeholders. In 2020, Qatar hosted the historic agreement signed on February 29, 2020, which outlined the conditions for the withdrawal of US and NATO troops from Afghanistan in exchange for security guarantees from the Taliban. This agreement also set the stage for intra-Afghan negotiations aimed at establishing a permanent ceasefire and determining the future governance structure of Afghanistan.

Sudan conflict

Qatar's involvement in the Sudan conflict, particularly in the Darfur region, highlights its significant role as a mediator in regional and international disputes since 2008. Qatar hosted and sponsored peace negotiations that led to the signing of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur. This effort by Qatar was aimed at establishing peace and stability across Sudan and involved the implementation of various development, educational, and health service projects in the region. The Doha negotiations led to a memorandum of understanding between the Sudanese government and the Darfurian Justice and Equity Movement in 2009, marking Qatar as a key mediator in the conflict. Qatar's commitment to these projects continued even as it supported peace negotiations in Juba and participated in the signing of the Juba peace agreement with some factions.

Lebanon crisis

During a political crisis in Lebanon that peaked in 2008, to mitigate Hezbollah's influence, a Shia militia group, the Lebanese government took measures such as dismantling its telecommunications network and dismissing officials believed to be affiliated with the militia. These actions led to Hezbollah's control over parts of Beirut, effectively leading to the closure of key air- and seaports. For Lebanon, which was gradually recovering from the ruins of civil war, facing another conflict seemed beyond conceivable. In May 2008, a resolution was reached between the conflicting parties, facilitated by Qatar's mediation. The agreement laid the groundwork for parliamentary elections in 2009 and led to an agreement that granted Hezbollah a significant role in a unity government. Qatar's mediation was hailed as a historic achievement, showcasing its ability to act as an impartial mediator thus played a pivotal role in preventing the outbreak of civil war in Lebanon.

Yemen conflict

Qatar's mediation efforts in Yemen in 2007 were part of a broader initiative to resolve the conflict between the Yemeni government and the Houthi movement, a Zaidi Shia group based in the northern Saada Governorate. The conflict, often referred to as the Saada War, began in 2004 and has seen multiple rounds of fighting, leading to significant humanitarian issues and regional instability.

In 2007, Qatar stepped in as a mediator to facilitate dialogue and potentially broker peace between the conflicting parties. This effort was part of Qatar's wider foreign policy strategy to position itself as a mediator in regional disputes and conflicts, leveraging its considerable financial resources, strategic location, and diplomatic ties across the Middle East and beyond.

The Qatari mediation aimed to bring both sides to the negotiating table to discuss ceasefire terms, prisoner exchanges, and the possibility of a lasting peace agreement. Qatar's initiative was significant because it represented one of the first substantial external attempts to mediate the conflict, highlighting the complexity of Yemen's internal dynamics and the regional implications of its instability.

Despite Qatar's efforts, the mediation faced challenges, including deep-seated mistrust between the parties, ongoing violence, and the complex web of local, regional, and international interests in Yemen. The mediation process in 2007 ultimately did not lead to a lasting resolution of the conflict, which has continued to evolve and escalate, especially with the onset of the broader Yemeni Civil War in 2015.

Iraq hostage mediation

See also: Foreign hostages in Iraq

In 2004, the kidnapping of two French journalists, Christian Chesnot and Georges Malbrunot, in Iraq, prompted international concern and necessitated diplomatic intervention for their release. The journalists were abducted by a group identifying itself as the "Islamic Army in Iraq," which linked their release to the revocation of a French law banning headscarves in public schools. This incident placed France in a challenging diplomatic and domestic situation, given the sensitive nature of the demands and the broader implications for French secular policy.

Qatar engaged in efforts to facilitate a resolution to this crisis. While the specific details of Qatar's involvement in the mediation process are not extensively documented in public records, it is acknowledged that Qatar played a role in the negotiations aimed at securing the journalists' release. Following the mediation of the hostage crisis, they were criticized for financing political Islam around the world for the role they played in securing their freedom.

Ukraine hostage mediation

In 2023 Qatar played a role in mediating the release and repatriation of Ukrainian children who had been separated from their families and taken to Russia amid the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the youngest being two years old and the oldest 17.

The government of Qatar announced on 16 October 2023, that the four Ukrainian children had been reunited with their families as a result of its mediation efforts. Further reports indicated that six more Ukrainian children were set to be returned to Ukraine from Russia under a deal brokered by Qatar. A Qatari official confirmed this development, highlighting Qatar's continued mediation role between the Ukrainian and Russian sides.

Israel-Hamas hostage mediation

Qatar has played a notable role in mediating between Israel and Hamas, particularly in facilitating the release of Israeli hostages held by the militant group. One of the most significant instances of Qatari mediation was in the case of Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier who was captured by Hamas in 2006 near the Israeli-Gaza border. Shalit's captivity and the efforts to secure his release became a focal point of Israeli public concern and international diplomacy. After years of negotiations, a deal was reached in 2011 for Shalit's release in exchange for more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Qatar, along with Egypt and Germany, played a crucial role in brokering this agreement.

Mediation in the Israel-Hamas war

Over the years Qatar has been involved in negotiating ceasefires between Israel and Hamas, particularly during periods of escalated conflict and facilitated prisoner exchanges.

In 2007, Qatar and Turkey were the only countries that supported Hamas when they took control of the Gaza Strip. Since, Qatar became close allies with Hamas and their relationship strengthened between 2008-2009. In 2009 during a summit in Doha, Qatar announced to contribute $250 million to repair damages during the conflict. Khaled Meshaal, a Hamas leader, was present in the summit. following the summit Qatar embarked on a consistent efforts to provide political, material, humanitarian, and charitable assistance to Hamas.

In 2012, Emir Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, made a historic visit to Gaza, becoming the first head of state to enter the area under Hamas governance. During his visit, he commitment to donate $400 million for rebuilding efforts.

Since 2012, Qatar has maintained a political office for Hamas in Doha. While criticized by Israel and some members of the U.S. Congress, Qatar ha justified it on the grounds that it was undertaken at the request of American officials, aiming to open a communication channel with Hamas.

Israel-Gaza war and hostage crisis

See also: Israel–Hamas war, Israel–Hamas war hostage crisis, and Qatar and the Israel–Hamas war

The 2023-2024 Israel-Hamas conflict presented a complex challenge for international mediators. Qatar, having established relationships with both Israel and Hamas, was in a unique position to mediate. Qatar's past involvement in Gaza, including significant investments in infrastructure and humanitarian aid, gave it leverage with Hamas, while its economic ties and security cooperation opened channels of communication with Israel.

During the conflict, Qatar worked closely with regional and international actors, including Egypt and the United Nations, to broker a ceasefire. Its mediation efforts were focused on achieving an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent further civilian casualties and to create an environment conducive to longer-term political negotiations. Qatar's strategy involved shuttle diplomacy, with Qatari officials holding separate talks with Israeli and Hamas representatives to reconcile their demands. Qatar also used its financial influence, offering guarantees for the reconstruction of Gaza and humanitarian assistance as incentives for both parties to agree to a ceasefire.

Beyond its diplomatic efforts, Qatar has provided substantial humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip during the ongoing war. The Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) announced plans to deploy a relief aid ship to Gaza, continuing its humanitarian support for the people affected by the conflict.

Qatar has also been involved in the hostage negotiations following the kidnapping of 240 Israelis on October 7 by Hamas, who have been designated as a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, and the European Union, among others. On 22 November 2023, with the assistance of Qatar, The United States and Egypt as brokers, Israel and Hamas reached an agreement to release 50 Israeli women and children captured in exchange for humanitarian concessions in Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.