Qatar is fueling revolution in Syria

In its latest editorial, the Financial Times published an article in which it looks at Qatar’s role within the region and its funding of Arab revolutions. Entitled “Qatar and Syria – Emirate has boosted rebellion but created confusion, too “, the editorial breaks down Qatar’s foreign policy strategy in the region from a “a shy, backwater Gulf state living in the shadow of regional giant Saudi Arabia,” to a power hungry rich state which influence is growing ever increasingly.
“What exactly do the Qatari royals want to achieve with their activist foreign policy?”, asked the Financial Times. A question which has longed puzzled diplomats and analysts alike.

Looking at Qatar’ support of Libyan rebels against late Colonel Muammar Ghaddafi, the FT noted that “Today, Qatar is a leading backer of the forces trying to topple the Assad regime in Syria … its effort on armament in Syria is now beginning to be overtaken by Saudi Arabia. Still, the emirate has spent $3bn over the past two years supporting the rebels, far exceeding the contribution made by any other government.”

While observers follow different theories as to why Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani is running such an expansionist foreign policy, many do not agree.

“Observers of Qatar’s actions in Syria cannot agree on what motivates them. Some say Qatar’s Emir, Hamad Bin Khalifa, has ambitions to be the leading figure in the Islamic world. Others argue that it suits the Qatari royal family, the al-Thanis, to promote revolution in other states to avoid the Arab uprisings hitting their own,” wrote the FT.