A report by the Qatari newspaper Al-Sharq highlighted the praise from a group of French MPs for the State of Qatar, urging collaboration for mutual understanding considering it a strong ally, as evidenced by the Afghan crisis. The French magazine Le Point, which published a statement from these MPs, noted that Qatar is undergoing a historic political period following the recent elections for the Shura Council (parliament), contributing to unprecedented democratic advancement.
The MPs characterized Qatar as a distinguished partner in the region due to its growing role in regional management of globally significant crises, warranting support for its unprecedented efforts towards openness. The involved MPs are Pascal Brindeau, Jerome Lambert, Jean-Luc Reitzer, Majid Al-Karab, and Julian Borowczyk from various parties: Union of Democrats and Independents, Socialist, Republicans, Radical Movement, and The Republicans.
**International Standards**
The statement commended Qatar's relentless pursuit of international political standards and the reform of its historical laws, such as appointing a woman as Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council. It also referenced the appreciation expressed by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the State, for this significant political advancement, outlining a long-term strategy for the country with specified priorities.
The statement highlighted that among these priorities, the most prominent is foreign policy, which demonstrated its effectiveness over the past two years, especially in addressing the Afghan crisis that has increasingly concerned neighboring countries and "us as elected representatives of the French people." They emphasized that the repatriation of French citizens cooperating with Afghans and citizens from several Western countries would not have been possible without Doha's assistance, which facilitated the return of over half of these individuals, saving them from risks and violence, garnering praise from many countries and international organizations.
**Real Brilliance**
According to the statement, Qatar has indeed shown brilliance in this complex issue that the international community has been unable to resolve, as it hosted various negotiations on its territory since 2018 between Americans and Westerners and the Taliban, promoting a path towards a negotiated peaceful resolution.
The MPs also remarked that despite all efforts by Qataris, supported by the United Nations and the European Union, the situation culminated in the complete takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban, raising concerns about an unprecedented humanitarian disaster. Consequently, it is likely that Qatar's mediatory role will develop and expand into other areas to help find solutions for other unresolved crises, which "is ultimately a historic matter for a country in the Gulf region."
**Main Geostrategic Ally**
The statement continued that Qatar is the country with which France should enhance its bilateral relations, not only because it will host the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2022 but also because it has become a major geostrategic ally in a region that is increasingly explosive for France and the West in general, not only in the war on terrorism but also in resolving regional crises that could affect the entirety of Central Asia and the Middle East, potentially impacting Europe's security.
**Dialogue as an Alternative to War**
The statement drew attention to what His Highness mentioned during the inauguration of the new Shura Council, noting that "Qatar is being viewed positively in the context of the Afghan crisis, not just due to the international humanitarian efforts appreciated by the world, but because of our commitment to dialogue as an alternative to war and the choice of mediation in resolving disputes, which led us to accept the request for mediation between the United States and the Taliban."
It concluded by stating that addressing the Afghan crisis may represent a new historical chapter in Qatar's foreign policy, indicating the country's readiness to stand alongside us and with Europeans and Americans in crisis prevention or humanitarian crisis management.
