The British newspaper Financial Times confirmed that Doha plays a significant role on the global stage, as global powers attempting to contain the repercussions of the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan are turning to Qatar, which has long represented a link between the West and the Afghan movement. The report published by the Financial Times yesterday, translated by "Al-Sharq," stated that the U.S. military base in Qatar has become a pivot for American operations and a starting point for the evacuation of tens of thousands of Afghan refugees. Additionally, Qatar, which mediated between Afghan parties before the U.S. withdrawal, is leading multilateral discussions with the Taliban regarding future operations at Kabul Airport following the U.S. exit.
### An Important Role
The Financial Times report noted that Qatar has sought to play a strong mediator role for decades. Its role as a facilitator of talks between the United States and the Taliban, which opened an office in Doha with U.S. support eight years ago, has enabled the country to take on a significant role in geopolitics. In this context, David Roberts, an assistant professor at King's College London, said: "The Afghan crisis is ideal for Qatar; it highlights the role of Doha and what can be done." He added, "Qataris have long realized that engaging with the Taliban when they were the unpopular representative was very important."
The report continued: Western embassies have relocated from Kabul to Doha, partly to facilitate communications with the Taliban. Qatar is leading multilateral discussions with the Taliban regarding future operations at Kabul Airport in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal.
Christian Coats Ulrichsen, a fellow at the Baker Institute for Middle East Studies, stated: "The relocation of these diplomatic missions indicates that whatever the purpose of the diplomatic moves is, it involves engaging Qatar as a mediator to keep dialogue open with the political leadership while the world waits to see what kind of regime emerges in Kabul." Speaking at a press conference in Doha, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab described Qatar as the "cornerstone" in addressing the crisis.
### Diplomatic Relations
Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell tweeted: "With the last planes landing from Afghanistan in Qatar—joining the thousands of refugees hosted by the Qataris—we cannot lose Qatar as a Gulf base. Biden rightly acknowledged the strategic partnership." The report noted that one of the clearest aspects of Qatar's role is facilitating the evacuation of over 43,000 individuals from Afghanistan, with the Qatari ambassador personally accompanying evacuees through Taliban checkpoints, utilizing Doha's influence to assist thousands in desperate need.
Among them was Hasina, a 20-year-old student who is now safe in a complex in Doha. Her first attempt to flee Afghanistan failed at Kabul Airport last month when she was turned back by Taliban gunmen. She said, "My mom never allowed me to go on any school trip—now we are here alone." "My mom was crying when we left, but she is grateful that we are safe."
One expert stated: "It's a great role we play in Afghanistan, and we are finally getting some positive news." Ulrichsen said, "The goodwill surrounding evacuations and humanitarian responses contributes to enhancing Qatar's role on the global stage."
