Qatar and Taliban in the Context of Changing Situation in Afganistan

Abstract

The article analyzes Qatar’s activities during the Afghan crisis that arose after the American withdrawal concluded between the US and the Taliban. Qatar opened a Taliban political office in Doha in 2013 at the request of the US President Obama. The Americans were preparing the withdrawal from Afghanistan and negotiated with the Taliban, which represented an influential political and military force, on security guarantees. Qatar was a mediator, interesting to strength relations with America. The author examines the process of negotiations, and analyzes the content of the agreement concluded between the United States and the Taliban, contained a schedule for the withdrawal of all foreign troops. Qatar mediated in inter-Afghan negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban, which were not completed, as the Taliban began to occupy a significant part of the country, including its capital Kabul. Members of the Afghan government fled and the Taliban took over. The armed forces of America and of their allies have left the country. Qatar tries to maintain diplomatic contacts between Western countries and the Taliban. Qatar has provided assistance in evacuating all those foreigners and Afghans who have sought to leave Afghanistan, ensuring their safety, providing their aircrafts and temporarily hosting them. In addition, the article focuses on the multilateral humanitarian assistance provided by Qatar. The US government expressed its gratitude for Qatar’s assistance. The world community as a whole highly appreciated the activities of the emirate during the Afghan crisis. Qatar's actions have strengthened its strategic partnership with Washington.