A Dangerous Policy Shortcut for Qatar
The Trump administration's decision to extend NATO-style defense guarantees to Qatar has significant implications for U.S. foreign policy.
The administration's sudden move, issued through executive order, pledges to treat any attack on Qatar's territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure as a threat to American peace and security, and to respond with economic, diplomatic, or military force.
The language goes far beyond a routine policy statement.
This commitment, which requires congressional approval under the U.S. government system, was made without consulting Congress.
Defense guarantees of this nature are supposed to emerge from open deliberation, subject to consent and public scrutiny.
Author's summary: Trump administration's defense guarantees to Qatar raise concerns.