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→Foreign Relations
==Foreign Relations==
==Foreign Relations==
[[File:Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani with Obamas.jpg|thumb|Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani and wife with Obamas.]]
[[File:Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani with Obamas.jpg|thumb|340px|Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani and wife with Obamas.]]
Qatar achieved full independence in an atmosphere of cooperation with the U.K. and friendship with neighboring states. Most Arab states, the U.K., and the U.S. were among the first countries to recognize Qatar, and the state promptly gained admittance to the United Nations and the Arab League. Qatar established diplomatic relations with the U.S.S.R. and China in 1988. It was an early member of OPEC and a founding member of the GCC.
Qatar achieved full independence in an atmosphere of cooperation with the U.K. and friendship with neighboring states. Most Arab states, the U.K., and the U.S. were among the first countries to recognize Qatar, and the state promptly gained admittance to the United Nations and the Arab League. Qatar established diplomatic relations with the U.S.S.R. and China in 1988. It was an early member of OPEC and a founding member of the GCC.
For years, both Qatar and Bahrain claimed ownership of the Hawar Islands. The case was eventually referred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. The ICJ issued a ruling in June 2001, which both sides accepted. In the agreement Bahrain kept the main Hawar Island but dropped claims to parts of mainland Qatar, while Qatar retained significant maritime areas and their resources.
For years, both Qatar and Bahrain claimed ownership of the Hawar Islands. The case was eventually referred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. The ICJ issued a ruling in June 2001, which both sides accepted. In the agreement Bahrain kept the main Hawar Island but dropped claims to parts of mainland Qatar, while Qatar retained significant maritime areas and their resources.
Qatar is well known for being a mediator in the region. The government has brokered peace between Sunni radicals and the Yemeni government,<ref>http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2008/02/2008525134531779340.html</ref> and has also negotiated a peace deal in Lebanon averting a potential civil war.<ref>http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2008/02/2008525134531779340.html</ref> Much of their political capital has been earned through various humanitarian donations. The Qatari government provided $300 million dollars to help rebuild Lebanon after their war with Israel.<ref>http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,212521,00.html</ref> Additionally, after many Western nations cut off aid to Palestine in response to the election of Hamas, Qatar promised $50 million to help maintain the welfare of the state. While the United States has not supported every action taken by the Qatari government, the nation remains an indispensable asset on the road to peace in the Middle East. In response to questions regarding Qatar's positive relationships with both Western and Middle Eastern nations, Prime Minister Al Thani responded "Our ambition is to have prosperity for our people, we would like to be friendly with everyone."<ref>http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/03/04/america/letter5.php?page=2</ref>
Qatar is well known for being a mediator in the region. The government has brokered peace between Sunni radicals and the Yemeni government,<ref>http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2008/02/2008525134531779340.html</ref> and has also negotiated a peace deal in Lebanon averting a potential civil war.<ref>http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2008/02/2008525134531779340.html</ref> Much of their political capital has been earned through various humanitarian donations. The Qatari government provided $300 million dollars to help rebuild Lebanon after their war with Israel.<ref>http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,212521,00.html</ref> Additionally, after many Western nations cut off aid to Palestine in response to the election of Hamas, Qatar promised $50 million to help maintain the welfare of the state. While the United States has not supported every action taken by the Qatari government, the nation remains an indispensable asset on the road to peace in the Middle East. In response to questions regarding Qatar's positive relationships with both Western and Middle Eastern nations, Prime Minister Al Thani responded "Our ambition is to have prosperity for our people, we would like to be friendly with everyone."<ref>http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/03/04/america/letter5.php?page=2</ref>
==Defense==
==Defense==