Shock in Doha
The world transpired to wake in startling news. Israel attacked Hamas in Qatar. Doha was not ready for such an escalation. The assault has rocked the Gulf region. Hamas leaders have been long hosted in Qatar. Few however foresaw Israel to carry its struggle this far. The shift is the indicator of a radical change in Israeli policy.
Regional Alarm
The attack sounded alarms in the Middle East. Qatar condemned the strike. Gulf states were greatly concerned. They are worried that the war might now overflow into their frontiers. Israel was sharply condemned by Iran and Turkey. Arab league appealed to restraint. The accident depicts how the conflict can easily spread.
America Watches Closely
The United States responded in a panic. Washington did not imagine the battlefield to be Qatar. The administration of Biden called on calm. But the earthquakes were felt a long way out in the Gulf. The US sees Qatar as a key ally. Its mediator status is put in danger.
Donald Trump did not take long. He demanded a strategy of immediate reversion to peace. His message was straightforward and daring. This war must cease ere it diffuses, he said. Trump positioned himself to look like a world peacemaker. He cautioned that broader anarchy would do no good. There was sense of urgency and authority in his tone.
Political Timing
It is interesting how Trump responded. He is campaigning. He was a leader by speaking out. He reminded the people of his past Middle East transactions. His fast action was cheered by his followers. He was accused by his critics of politicizing the crisis. Nevertheless, his message echoed in the media.
Israel’s Calculation
Why Israel attacked Qatar? It was, according to the analysts, a message. Israel had a point of demonstrating that Hamas has no safe haven. It increased the stakes by attacking Qatar. However, the move will jeopardize the relationship with Gulf allies. The US bases have been in Qatar. The strike makes the relationship of Israel with Washington to be complicated.
Qatar finds itself in a trap. It has been their political backer to Hamas over the years. It, however, has contacts with the West. Talks and conflict mediation are prestigious tactics to hosts. Now that image is at risk. Doha can find it difficult to fit between the two.
Urgent Need for Peace
Things cannot get out of control. Regional war is a real danger. The urgency is marked by the fact that Trump calls on peace. The security issues of Israel are legitimate. Stretching the battlefield brings in new dangers, however. The only solution is dialogue and not escalation.
The Qatar strike is a point of departure. It has extended the scope of the war. The response of Trump demonstrates globalization of the crisis. The world must take heed. Peace is not desirable anymore. We need it and we need it badly.
