American-Qatari partnership in the post-Gulf War era: A mutually beneficial relationship

Abstract

Qatar, the tiny state that lies on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula surrounded by the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia, is a relative latecomer to the international scene. It became independent in September 1971 after Britain, which had become its official protector with a treaty signed in November 1916, decided to relinquish its protector role as part of a general withdrawal east of the Suez Canal beginning in 1968. By doing so, it aimed at mitigating its many financial pressures at home. Qatar, with a meager territory, small population, and limited military capability, sought to survive in a competitive environment where more assertive and regionally powerful actors were vying for influence. © 2018 selection and editorial matter, Geoffrey F. Gresh and Tugrul Keskin; individual chapters, the contributors.