US, Qatar Near Enhanced Defense Deal

19 HOURS AGO·UPDATED 18 HOURS AGO

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Above: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani at the Amiri Diwan in Doha on Sept.16, 2025. Image copyright: Nathan Howard/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-government narrative

The enhanced defense agreement with the U.S. strengthens Qatar's vital diplomatic role as an indispensable mediator in ending the Gaza conflict. The Gulf state has consistently demonstrated its commitment to peace by hosting ceasefire negotiations and maintaining channels of communication with all parties, despite attacks from both Iran and Israel. Strengthening Qatar's security through a deeper partnership with the U.S. will ensure the continuation of crucial mediation efforts, which represent the only viable path to resolving the crisis.

FOX News

Government-critical narrative

The attack on Qatar exposes the fundamental weakness of the Gulf states despite their immense wealth and shows that Doha continues to rely on the protection of the U.S. rather than exerting real influence itself. Unlike the 1973 oil embargo, a successful collective show of force, Arab leaders today can only issue hollow condemnations while relying on the goodwill of the U.S. This incident shows how regional powers such as Qatar have become supplicants rather than sovereign actors — defending their own territory or effectively supporting Palestinian rights.

CNN

Pro-Israel narrative

The world should remember that Israel's attack in Qatar was a necessary measure against terrorists who must not be allowed to find safe haven anywhere on the planet. Netanyahu's decision sends a clear message that Hamas leaders will be pursued wherever they hide, and this pressure is essential to securing the release of all 48 hostages still being held in Gaza. The U.S.-Qatar talks do not change Israel's determination to eliminate Hamas as a threat while maintaining close ties with America, as Rubio's unwavering support during his visit to Jerusalem makes clear.

Ynet

Anti-Israel narrative

The U.S.-Qatar talks on enhancing their defense pact are a reminder that Israel's reckless attack on Qatar spectacularly backfired, undermining ceasefire negotiations and further isolating the country internationally. The attack hit the wrong targets, while key Hamas leaders survived, effectively sabotaging peace talks that were reportedly heading toward a breakthrough. This destabilizing action has forced Arab and Muslim nations to rally behind Qatar in unprecedented solidarity, making future diplomatic solutions even more difficult.

Axios