US secures Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar for another decade to boost influence in the Middle East

Doha: Amidst escalating tensions in the region, the United States has quietly negotiated a significant agreement to extend its military presence at Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base. Revealed by three US defense officials and another source familiar with the agreement to CNN, this development underscores Washington's reliance on the tiny Gulf nation, which has recently played a pivotal role in securing the release of American hostages in Gaza and Venezuela. 

Situated in the desert southwest of Doha, Al Udeid Air Base stands as the largest US military post in the Middle East, typically accommodating over 10,000 US soldiers. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, during his recent visit to the base, expressed gratitude to Qatar for its increased investment and modernization efforts. This move comes a year after the United States designated Qatar as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA), seen as part of Washington's strategic counterbalance against global powers like China and Russia. 

Qatar's role in regional conflicts

The timing of this development is noteworthy, given Qatar's firm stance on the liberation of Palestinian Territories. Despite being a US ally, Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, after the Hamas attack in October, condemned all forms of targeting civilians, emphasizing a neutral position on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

In the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, where almost 23,000 people, mostly civilians, lost their lives, speculation has arisen regarding Qatar's potential support for Hamas. Some military analysts suggest financial and material backing, including arms and ammunition from sources like China, Russia, and the Taliban. 

Al Udeid air base to be the hub for US CENTCOM 

The US's move to solidify its presence at Al Udeid Air Base indicates a significant shift in its security arrangements in the Mediterranean region. As the focus returns to the region, with ongoing conflicts and the Ukraine war taking a back seat, the US not only supports Israel in its war but also engages with regional adversaries, many of whom are backed by Iran.

The Al Udeid Air Base has served as a vital hub for the US Central Command, facilitating air operations in Afghanistan, Iran, and the broader Middle East. Its establishment traces back to the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks, when Qatar offered the base after Saudi Arabia requested the withdrawal of American forces from the kingdom.

Qatar's commitment to the base is evident through its $1.8 billion investment for upgrades, including additional housing units for deployed US troops. In late 2022, around 8,000 US troops were deployed to Qatar for the World Cup, showcasing the base's multifaceted role. 

While there have been sporadic reports hinting at a permanent US presence at Al Udeid, the US has never officially declared such intentions. However, Qatar not only provides a strategic base but also contributes significantly to the US defense industry through substantial purchases of American military hardware. 

Despite concerns, the establishment of a new task force at Al Udeid focused on drones and other military technologies highlights Washington's enduring commitment to the region. Air Force Lt. Col. Erin Brilla emphasized, "There is a tremendous commitment from the US Air Force to this region; we are staying as an enduring capability." The extension of the military presence at Al Udeid Air Base underscores the evolving dynamics of US strategic interests in the Middle East.