IRAQ: Bush meets Qatar leader; key Gulf ally

United Press International ^ | 5/8/2003 1:17 PM | Richard Tomkins UPI White House Correspondent

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WASHINGTON, May 8 (UPI) -- President George W. Bush met with key Gulf ally Emir Sheik Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani of Qatar Thursday and expressed the nation's appreciation for Qatar allowing its territory to be used as the headquarters for U.S. military operations during the Iraq war.

Bush said the emir had been a "steadfast" ally and an example of political reform in the region.

"The emir has shown great leadership. He has led his country to join in a vast coalition to make the world more peaceful, to make the world more free," Bush said after an Oval Office meeting.

"You made some promises to America, and you kept your promises," he added, turning toward his guest. "We're honored to call you 'friend.' We appreciate your steadfast support."

Qatar, about the size of Connecticut and Rhode Island combined, allowed the Florida-based U.S. Central Command to run the war from its territory. It also allowed U.S. military aircraft to fly from the country, a decision that eased U.S. concerns when neighboring Saudi Arabia insisted only defensive missions could be conducted from bases on its territory.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld has since announced the withdrawal of most of the 5,000 U.S. forces in Saudi Arabia -- there since the 1991 Gulf War -- and relocation of air operation capabilities to Qatar.

"We in Qatar are very keen to have a very unique and strong and distinct relationship with the United States, a relationship that it is transparent," the emir said. "Our military relationship is very good.

"We are very committed with the United States regarding every agreement that we have signed to fulfill our part."

U.S. military basing in Saudi Arabia was always controversial given Muslim sensitivity to non-Muslim forces in a country where Islam's two holiest sites are located.

U.S. critics of Saudi Arabia and its imposition of strict Islamist law bristled over Riyadh's lack of support for the war to topple Saddam Hussein and destroy alleged weapons of mass destruction.

Bush held up the emir as an example of political reform in the Middle East. Under the emir, the country has approved a constitution providing for a legislative assembly and universal suffrage.

Following their meeting, Bush and the emir had lunch at the White House.

The meeting was the latest between Bush and those who supported the United States in the showdown with Iraq. On Wednesday, Bush met with Spain's prime minister. He had breakfast Thursday with Denmark's prime minister and was meeting East European countries joining NATO later in the afternoon.

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President Bush is busy rewarding our helpers in the war on terror!

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[nicmarlo]

President Bush is busy rewarding our helpers in the war on terror!

Kudos to Qatar for their friendship and help. Thank you, President Bush, for remembering, honoring, and rewarding our friends!

[Grampa Dave]

Emir Sheik Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani of Qatar for his friendship that helped us to make the regime change in Baghdad.

[McGavin999]

The actions of Qatar and Kuwait show that there are many Arabs who are noble and honorable. At one time, this was the view of all Arabs (or most all). These are the two countries who have shown they care about their fellow Muslims and are fulfilling their duties to their religion. Rather than ignore the fact that the Iraqi people were being tortured, murdered, and maimed, they did something. They knew, and cared, enough to blame it on the one who was doing the murdering and not just blow smoke and blame the US out of ignorance.

While the rest of the Arab world has to hang their heads in shame, the Qataris and Kuwaitis stand tall.