A Dangerous Policy Shortcut for Qatar
The Trump administration's decision to extend NATO-style defense guarantees to Qatar is a troubling shortcut in American foreign policy.
Issued through executive order, the guarantee pledges that any attack on Qatar's territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure will be treated as a threat to American peace and security.
The United States will respond with economic, diplomatic or even military force.
This commitment requires congressional approval, but Congress was not consulted on the issue.
- Defense guarantees are supposed to emerge from open deliberation.
- They are subject to consent and public scrutiny.
Author's summary: Trump administration's defense guarantees to Qatar bypass Congress.