Qatar PM at the center of diplomacy

Qatar might be a small country in the gulf region but they have played a critical role in negotiating on high stakes issues the last few years. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani is the Prime Minister of Qatar who handles the country’s international affairs and diplomacy.

The Prime Minister was heavily involved in the over year long negotiations in Doha to accomplish a ceasefire and release of hostages as a result of the tragic attack from Hamas on Israel. The deal has resulted in a 6 week end to fighting, known as a ceasefire. Additionally, Israeli hostages will be released by Hamas. During this time, Israel’s troops will pull out of certain parts of Gaza, so that Palestinians can move back into their neighborhoods.

President Donald J. Trump played a major role with his public statements demanding the release of hostages and a deal prior to him entering office on January 20th. Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff played a critical role in negotiation with the Qatar PM and Israel. In a recent Fox News interview when asked by Sean Hannity about the status of negotiations, Witkoff stated: “I think they’re going well”, adding that Trump’s strong stance that “all hell will break loose” if there is not a deal “is moving people”. Witkoff also stated: “We’ve got some people really doing God’s work at negotiating people: Sheikh Mohammed, the Prime Minister of Qatar. The Israelis are dug in. Everybody wants to see this happen. So I am hopeful it will happen before the inauguration.” Diplomatic sources briefed on the situation expressed how the PM of Qatar tirelessly worked with all sides to get an agreement. According to The Times of Israel, President Isaac Herzog met with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, his office says. Herzog thanks Al Thani for Doha’s role in mediating the hostage release-ceasefire deal in Gaza, which went into effect on Sunday, and says Israelis experienced “profound emotions” watching the release of Emily Damari, Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher.

Almost three years after the tragic fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban, Americans being held captive by the Taliban were released. It was one of former President Joe Biden’s final actions. Sources also tell BizPac that Trump coming into office certainly played a big role in this given the fear he instills in his adversaries. The two Americans – Ryan Corbett and William McKenty – were exchanged for a member of the Afghan Taliban named Khan Mohammed who was convicted in 2008 on narco-terrorism charges. The exchange took place after Biden had left the White House but was negotiated by his administration, with several rounds of talks mediated by Qatar, according to multiple people aware of the details of the swap. Qatar also provided logistical support to get the two American men out of Kabul safely, officials said. Mr Corbett’s family also thanked the Qatari government. “Your efforts as mediators, your compassion, and your commitment to diplomacy have given our family the most precious gift imaginable: Ryan’s freedom,” they said. The Prime Minister of Qatar was yet again at the center of these negotiations, working to mediate between the United States and Taliban, resulting in the release of two Americans. Qatar is designated as a non-Nato ally and hosts a United States Air Force base in Doha.

As President Trump takes office and is addressing multiple foreign policy crises, from Russia/Ukraine to Gaza, there is no doubt the Prime Minister of Qatar will play a key role in helping support President Trump’s efforts for peace. In return, Qatar has recognized the big role Trump played in the negotiations. Dr Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, Minister of State at Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs told this outlet: “Securing a ceasefire and hostage deal has been a priority for the incoming administration. President-elect Trump has been clear in his public statements that he wants to see an end to the war as soon as possible. These messages supported our efforts as we continued mediating between the parties to try to finalize an agreement. Steve Witkoff in particular has been actively engaged in the discussions to get a deal over the line. He has been in Doha, working closely with our team to close the gaps between the two sides in the final few days. There truly is no better way for an incoming administration to handle this situation.”

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