Special to WorldTribune.com
ABU DHABI — Qatar has been concealing its role in the U.S.-led war against Islamic State of Iraq and Levant.
Diplomatic sources said Qatar has imposed an embargo on all information regarding its participation in the U.S.-led military campaign against ISIL.
They said Qatar’s insistence resulted in a U.S. decision to ban details of Arab participation in the daily air strikes on ISIL strongholds in Iraq and Syria since September 2014.
“Qatar has been one of the most active countries in support of the coalition,” a diplomat said. “But it does not want to become a victim of an ISIL backlash.”
On Nov. 3, the U.S. Defense Department identified Arab partners in the war against ISIL. The list, which did not include Qatar, consisted of Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The sources said Qatar’s air force has flown attack and reconnaissance missions against ISIL strongholds in Iraq and Syria. They said the missions were directed by U.S. military planners and accompanied by American fighter-jets.
“The Qatari combat contribution has been very small, but demonstrated its alliance with Washington,” the diplomat said.
The more significant support of Qatar has been the use of its air bases for attacks on ISIL. The sources said U.S. Air Force F-15s and F-16s fly daily from Al Udeid air base, the largest American air base in the Middle East.
The diplomats said Doha has sought to juggle its alliance with Washington with the rising popularity of ISIL in the Gulf Cooperation Council emirate. They said young Qataris drive around in luxury cars that contain the logo of ISIL.
Quietly, Qatar, under the leadership of Emir Tamim Bin Hamd, has sought to avoid a confrontation with ISIL supporters. The diplomats said Qatar’s A-Jazeera satellite channel has not condemned the war against ISIL and the station’s leading preacher, Yusef Qaradawi, reduced his public appearances.
“Qatar does not want to be at the center of attention, but wants to prove to the United States that it can be a reliable ally,” the diplomat said. “So far, it seems to be succeeding on both counts.”
Young Qataris’ luxury cars sport ISIL logo as emirate hides role in allied war effort added by World Tribune on
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