The small nation of Qatar has been showing a tremendous rate of growth in its recent path. With its booming economy, Doha has of late, been using its economic diplomacy to create a new role for it in the region as a mediator. Qatar, in addition to improve relations with states in the region, has also started closely working with groups like Hamas. Sheik Hamad’s trip to Gaza and its 250 billion $ economic projects which will be spent for reconstructing Gaza 's economy may have some important consequences that could form a new embattle in the regional array. But the question is: "Will a small Qatar be able to play such a big role with considering all of its limitations? Here is the interview of Khabar Online with Mehran Kamrava, Iranian scholar in George Town University in Qatar about this topic.
What is your opinion about Sheikh Hamad's trip to Gaza?
Qatar has had a very proactive foreign policy in which it has sought to maintain friendly relations with multiple actors, many of whom are often in conflict with one another. This is part of a calculated strategy on the part of Qatar to not only guarantee its own security but to further its own interests. Sheikh Hamad's trip to Gaza is a groundbreaking and bold move, which was soon followed by others, like the Heir Apparent of Bahrain. It is extremely popular among the Arab masses at large who are frustrated with the seeming incompetence and disinterest of their own leaders when it comes to the Palestinians, it plays well domestically in Qatar, and it enhances Qatar's reputation as a major regional player in Middle East politics.
How do you find Qatar’s mediation in Syrian crisis and Doha summit?
Qatar is trying to make certain it has a continuing role in the politics of Syria after Assad. It appears that the Qataris (and the Americans) have decided that Assad's days are numbered. Based on this calculation, the Qataris are trying to make sure that whoever comes to power in Syria after Assad is someone they can trust, someone who will maintain close relations with them, and someone who remains open to Qatar investments in the country.
Although being a micro-country, Qatar's influence is growing more and more in Europe and in Middle East. Can this country remain an important actor despite its limitations?
This is a question that everyone is wondering about. Can the Qataris sustain this level of involvement in the coming years? Qatar's active involvement in regional affairs, and its growing influence have been made possible through two things: first, the American security umbrella has given Qataris the ability to focus on a hyperactive diplomacy while being secure in their protection by the Americans; second, the Emir, Sheikh Hamad, has had a very determined vision to make the country an influential global player. So long these two things last--American support and protection, and the Emir's vision--Qatar's influence is likely to continue.
Will Sheikh Hamad's friendship hand to Hamas have any negative impact on Iranian interests?
It is possible that in coordination with the US, Qatar is trying to draw Hamas away from Iran and bring it closer to its own orbit. I think it is important to see how events turn out and how each of the actors--Hamas, Qatar, the US, now Bahrain, Iran, and others--will reacts to the developments that are likely to happen in the coming weeks and months.