Tiny Qatars big role in mediating conflicts and enhancing transitions in the Gulf region

Tiny Qatar’s big role in mediating conflicts and enhancing transitions in the Gulf region

Table of contents

ABSTRACT

This paper focuses on a study aimed at examining the great role played by Qatar in mediation of political conflicts and disputes in the gulf region, which has enabled this tiny country to gain much diplomatic prowess. To realize this objective, the researcher has relied on secondary information from various academics sources related to the topic for this study. The researcher focuses on Qatar mediations to past conflicts and disputes in four nations namely; Yemen, Sudan, Libya and Lebanon. The available information in various secondary sources is combined and analysed to provide an adequate coverage of Qatar’s intervention policies in conflicts and disputes in the aforementioned nations. The analysis demonstrates the success of Qatar in mediation strategies that have helped this country to become a major regional force in intervening to conflicts and disputes, either alone or in coalition with other international actors. The researcher relied on Qualitative strategy to achieve the results for this study. The analysis of the various academic sources indicate that Qatar has recently achieved much diplomatic progress compared to most nations in the gulf region and globally, which have always been perceived to possess more power and influence than this tiny nation. This success has been brought out by its unique and effective mediation approaches. Before presenting the methodology and analysis of the secondary data, the paper gives a critical overview of the past academic literature related to the topic of study.

CHAPTER 1.0 INTRODUCTION

Qatar is a tiny country located in the Persian Gulf, bordering Saudi Arabia in the north. It is a constitutional monarchy, meaning that it is led by a single ruler known as the Emir (Blanchard, 2011, p. 1). Since the Al Thani clan is the dominant group in this tiny peninsula country, the Emir has always been a male member of this clan. Qatar has a small population of approximately 1.7 million people and only around 225,000 of these are citizens of this nation. The rest are foreign residents and temporary labourers, as Blanchard (2011, p. 1) explains. The Emir of Qatar has absolute power over people and thus, he dictates most of the affairs of this nation. Recently, there have been efforts by Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani to increase the country’s regional influence and global profile (Blanchard, 2011, p. 1).

Qatar has recently been involved in mediation of numerous political disputes and regional conflicts in various nations including Lebanon, Yemen, Sudan and Libya among others. It has managed to end disputes and conflicts, a goal which other nations in the gulf region and some of the most powerful nations in the world, such as the United States have been unable to achieve. For instance, Qatar managed to end conflict in Darfur, Sudan in 2008 which lasted for a long time and which many international actors such as United States, Saudi Arabia and Egypt were unable to end (Blanchard, 2011, p. 1). Qatar has also demonstrated its power and diplomatic prowess in the recent revolution that took place in Libya by offering material, military and humanitarian support to the operations that ultimately led to overthrowing of Gaddafi government. Qatar also demonstrated also played a huge role to end Lebanon conflict, a step that other nations in the gulf region were unable to make. Qatar’s intervention to the recurrent conflicts in Yemen has also raised the credentials of this tiny nation as a major regional and international actor in mediation efforts. According to

In some cases, Qatar has been able to succeed in intervention efforts to disputes without or with little support from other international actors. In Lebanon case, Qatar succeeded in mediation efforts through little support from Saudi Arabia, United Nations and other nations in the gulf region. In the Yemen case, Qatar intervened alone and through its efforts were frustrate severally, no other nation has went as far as Qatar did. In other cases, Qatar has coalesced with other international actors to mediate conflicts or to support a revolution. For instance, in Libyan revolution, Qatar joined other international actors such as North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), United States, United Nations, France and Turkey to support operations that led to overthrowing of Gaddafi’s government (United Nations, 2009, p. 12).

According to Blanchard, (2011, p. 2), Qatar’s government approach to regional affairs has been unique from other nations in the gulf region and can be described as a “multidimensional balancing act.” This tiny country has always acted as an honest broker in its mediation efforts and has always avoided taking sides. This is the main reason that has made Qatar to achieve its status as a major diplomatic actor in gulf region and globally. Qatar’s diplomatic prowess has also been enhanced by soft power over Al Jazeera satellite television network which has enabled Qatar to become a key player in almost all issue taking place in the Persian Gulf. According to Blanchard, (2011, p. 4) this tiny nation has been using its vast resources to join other foreign forces to reshape the region.

The ability of Qatar to become a major regional and international force can largely be attributed to its vast financial resources and its ability to attain economic influence during periods of crisis especially in the gulf region. Qatar depends largely on Oil and natural gas export proceeds which according to Blanchard, (2011, p. 4), forms over half of government’s revenue. Qatar has rich oil reserves estimated at 25.4 billion barrels, though this is less than major Persian Gulf producers such as Iraq (112 billion barrels), Kuwait (96.5 billion barrels), and Saudi Arabia (252 billion barrels.) However, according to Blanchard (2011, p. 4), Qatar has gas reserves which are ranked the third largest in the world, estimated at 896 trillion cubic feet. Further, coordinated petroleum production of Qatar Petroleum, a state-owned oil firm with OPEC has helped to increase crude oil output in Qatar approximately from 593, barrels per day in 1999 to around 824, 000 barrels per day in December 2008. It was estimated that as of January 2011 crude oil production in Qatar was 850,000 barrels per day. According to (Blanchard, 2011, p. 16), Qatar has in recent years trapped global financial markets and invited foreign investment which has helped the country to finance and support the required facilities in the extraction of gas and liquefied natural gas.

The private sector in Qatar has also attained tremendous positive growth, which has been constant over time. According to a report produced by the International monetary Fund (IMF), the overall growth in GDP for Qatari was 16% in 2010, one of the highest in the world. The report projected that Qatar would achieve further growth in GDP in succeeding years and remain strong in the long-run (Blanchard 2011, p. 4). The GDP growth which is largely export fuelled as well as the country’s small population have enabled the country to rise to top of the global per-capita GDP rankings. United States Central Intelligence Agency‘s report produced in 2010 estimated that Qatar had the highest growing GDP in the world (Blanchard, 2011, p. 4). According to Blanchard, (2011, p. 4) the Qatari government has always achieved a surplus in its budget and it has been predicted that fiscal surpluses above $6 billion will continue through at least the next three years (Blanchard 2011, p. 4). In short, various factors have contributed to tiny Qatar’s relatively large profile globally, including its leaders, its location, its explosive economic growth and its multifaceted foreign policy.

In view of this information, this paper explores how Qatar, a tiny Persian Gulf state, has recently emerged to become major force in the Gulf regional. The paper examines Qatar’s intervention efforts to end political disputes and regional conflicts in four nations namely; Yemen, Lebanon, Sudan and Libya. Precisely, the paper examines Qatar’s foreign policy interventions which have enabled it to succeed in mediation efforts, either alone or in coalition with other international actors. As well, the paper will address the global influence of Aljazeera, a Qatari government-sponsored channel, in ending disputes, which has helped to catapult Qatar into a major regional player.

1.1 Aim/Objective of this study

The central aim of this study is to analyse the big role played by tiny Qatar in ending conflicts and disputes especially in the gulf region.

1.2 Description of thesis organization

This research comprises of five chapters. The first chapter introduces the area of interest for the purpose of this study. The second chapter provides a review of literature on how tiny Qatar has developed to become a major force in the Persian Gulf region and globally. The third chapter presents the methodological approach adopted by the researcher for the purpose of collecting and analysing data for this study. The fourth chapter presents and analyzes various case studies in relation to the research question for this study. The fifth chapter gives the summary of the analysis and presents the conclusion for this research.

CHAPTER 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

This chapter review literature on tiny Qatar’s Big Role in ending political disputes and regional disputes in the Gulf region. First, the section describes Qatar’s intervention efforts to the conflict between the government of Yemen and Al-Houthi rebels. Secondly, the section will address the major achievements of Qatar as a major international actor in mediating conflicts during the Lebanon conflict. The unique approach to dispute mediation by Qatar is also demonstrated in the Darfur case. Lastly, the section looks into the recent Libyan revolution and the support of Qatar that demonstrated its power in the Gulf region. Generally, the chapter provides a critical evaluation of various studies that explain how this tiny nation has developed to become a major regional force.

2.2 Yemen Dispute

Vast literature has covered the intervention of Qatar to the conflict between the government of Yemen and Al-Houthi rebels. According to Kamrava, (2011, p. 88) the dispute started in 2004 and was sparked by antigovernment demonstrations by members of Believing Youth movement, who are also members of the Al-Houthi clan. Armed conflict between the aforementioned parties escalated and continued until the year 2007 when Qatar intervened. Qatar’s officials went to Yemen and promised to provide reconstruction support for the areas that were badly hit by the conflict. Qatar also promised to host leaders of the rebellious movement who would go for exile, among other forms of support. Qatar offered to provide the support if both the Yemen government and the Al-Houthi rebels ceased to fight.

Subsequently, an agreement was signed between the disputants and fighting stopped. However, the fighting started again in late 2007 and continued until 2010 when Qatar resumed its mediation efforts. Qatar offered more support to Yemen and the rebels if they stopped the conflict. According to Kamrava, (2011, p. 28) Boucek & Ottaway (2010, p. 78) and Rand Corporation (2010, p. 185), though Qatar’s mediation efforts have been frustrated severally in Yemen, no other country in the gulf region and globally has gone as far as Qatar has. This has helped to reinforce Qatar’s diplomatic prowess.

Kamrava, (2011, p. 28) provides as precise coverage of Yemen dispute and Qatar’s mediation efforts and offers excellent analysis of the facts of the conflict. Boucek & Ottaway (2010, p. 78) and Rand Corporation (2010, p. 185) provide a good coverage of the different rounds that Yemen conflict went through until early 2010. However, it fails to provide full details about Qatar’s intervention as it does not cover Qatar’s mediation efforts in late 2010. HYPERLINK “http://www.google.co.ke/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=inauthor:%22Allen+Fromherz%22” Fromherz (2011, p. 88) and Blanchard (2011, p. 8) as well provide details of Qatar’s intervention in Yemen conflict, though in brief. These studies fail to provide all the facts related to the dispute as well as those related to intervention process.

2.3 Lebanon conflict

There only a few studies that have paid precise attention to the Qatar’s achievement in mediating the Lebanon dispute which started in 2005 and ended in 2008. To intervene to this conflict, Qatar established a unique intervention approach from all other nations in the gulf region that had intervened before but their efforts failed to bear fruits (Oxford Business Group (2009, p. 37). according to Oxford Business Group (2009, p. 37), countries such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt intervened and used forceful tones occasionally or were perceived by disputants to favour specific parties to the conflict, which exacerbated the feuds. However, according to Oxford Business Group (2009, p. 37), Qatar avoided taking sides and introduced self as an honest broker. Qatar provided military intervention to stop the conflict as well as funds for reconstruction of areas destroyed during the conflict.

Qatari government used Aljazeera Television to cover details of the conflict and displayed the injustices and killings of innocent people by Israel soldiers, which led to a world-wide protest. Towards the end of the conflict, Qatar succeeded in pushing several amendments to cease-fire package which had been authored by the US and France which failed to include an Israeli troop withdrawal. In 2008, Qatar succeeded in facilitating negotiations among the rivals in Lebanon with little assistance from other nations in the gulf region. Generally, Oxford Business Group (2009, p. 37) provides a good analysis of Qatar’s intervention which brings out Qatar as a major actor in mediation in the gulf region. HYPERLINK “http://www.google.co.ke/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=inauthor:%22Allen+Fromherz%22” Fromherz (2011, p. 88) and Blanchard (2011, p. 8) analysis the Lebanon dispute but they fail to provide adequate coverage of tiny Qatar’s impressive intervention to the dispute.

2.4 Sudan and Darfur dispute

There are limited studies that have paid attention to Qatar mediation efforts in Darfur, Sudan. HYPERLINK “http://www.google.co.ke/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=inauthor:%22Allen+Fromherz%22” Fromherz (2011, p. 88) adequately describes the unique mediation approach of Qatar that helped to end the dispute in which intervention by other actors in the gulf region and globally had failed. According to HYPERLINK “http://www.google.co.ke/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=inauthor:%22Allen+Fromherz%22” Fromherz (2011, p. 88), Qatar made great diplomatic achievement in the region with the efforts of minister of foreign affairs, Ahmad bin ‘Abdullah Al-Mahmud. Al-Mahmud engaged in a unique mediation process which started by gathering as much knowledge about the conflict as possible from international actors who had already intervened or who had become stakeholders to the conflict mediation process. The minister gathered more information from the neighboring countries as well before engaging into the mediation process. Mediation process started with on-the-ground gathering of information regarding the dispute by the Minister Al-Mahmud in Darfur, the war torn region. Before Qatar’s intervention efforts, several other nations in the Arab League have tried to intervene but they never succeeded. They were occasionally perceived to favour the Khartoum government and biased against the rebel groups. The rebels thus had a negative impression on any intervention efforts by an Arab state, which posed a great challenge to Qatar. However, as HYPERLINK “http://www.google.co.ke/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=inauthor:%22Allen+Fromherz%22” Fromherz (2011, p. 88) explains, Minister Al-Mahmud managed to convince the rebels and to win their trust as an honest mediator who would not take sides. Eventually, Qatar managed to push negotiations between the disputants, which led to creation of peace agreement in 2009 in Doha. Ultimately, an agreement was created to separate the Southern part of Sudan dominated by rebel groups from the Northern part which led to creation of a new Sovereign country in 2011. Generally, as HYPERLINK “http://www.google.co.ke/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=inauthor:%22Allen+Fromherz%22” Fromherz (2011, p. 88) explains, the unique mediation approach by Qatar in Darfur dispute has helped to raise Qatar’s diplomatic credentials far high as an international mediator. HYPERLINK “http://www.google.co.ke/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=inauthor:%22Allen+Fromherz%22” Fromherz (2011, p. 88) has covered the Qatar’s impressive mediation efforts in Darfur adequately. Though Blanchard (2011, p. 8) analysis this issue, it only provide brief details that do not adequately bring out Qatar as a major international actor in intervention efforts to disputes.

2.5 Libyan revolution

As in the case of Sudan and Darfur dispute the number of studies focussing on Qatar’s intervention to the recent revolution in Libya is limited. Blanchard (2011, p. 13) covers the issue, though in brief. As in the other cases, Qatar’s intervention in the Libyan revolution depicts it as a major international diplomatic actor. According to Blanchard (2011, p. 13), the efforts of Qatar in Libyan case started with persuasion of other members of the Arab League to join forces and intervene the fight between Gaddafi government and the rebel group, Interim Transitional National Council (TNC) . Other Arab nations were reluctant and Qatar became the first country to intervene. Qatar joined other international actors such as North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), United States, France and Turkey. Qatar provided military support to TNC, the Libyan opposition leading struggle for revolution. This tiny nation also provided Aircrafts and mirage fighter jets to support the coalition’s air operations. Qatar funded the Libyan opposition to support revolution and offered humanitarian and material support to the Libyan citizens who were affected. As well, Qatar funded television programs airing the operations against Gaddafi forces, on top of an excellent coverage of the events that were taking place in Aljazeera Television channel which were broadcasted all over the world Blanchard (2011, p. 13). This helped to demonstrate Qatar’s active role in the Arab League and in the global Arena. Blanchard (2011, p. 13) therefore provides a brief but concise coverage of Qatar’s intervention efforts in the Libyan revolution. HYPERLINK “http://www.google.co.ke/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=inauthor:%22Allen+Fromherz%22” Fromherz (2011, p. 88) also analysis Qatar’s role in Libyan case but fails to give an adequate coverage of the facts that reinforces this tiny nation as an international actor.

2.6 Conclusion

In conclusion, there are a few studies that have adequately focussed on Qatar’s major diplomatic role in the gulf region. The few studies that have examined the role of tiny Qatar in mediation efforts have brought out Qatar as a major international actor in mediation efforts. The next chapter presents the research methodology adopted for the study.

CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

Methodology simply refers to the manner in which we approach and execute functions or activities (Gill and Johnson P. 62, 1997). In doing research, it can be described as a way and manner in which a study is conducted and includes all the methods used to carry out research within either the social and natural sciences. Methodology encompasses the entire process of doing research which involves planning, conducting the research, disseminating the findings and drawing conclusions (Marczyk, et al 2010, p. 123). It is a process that helps to achieve a complete and correct set of information requirements from those involved in the study.

This chapter explains the methodology used by the researcher for the purpose of this study, which is influenced by the purpose for this study. It is based on assessment of the optimal strategy for responding to the research questions of this study. As disclosed in this chapter, the researcher sought information from secondary sources on the role of Qatar in the gulf region, its diplomatic prowess as a mediator of political conflicts and regional disputes. The research collected relevant and diverse views from the secondary sources of the many scholars that have conducted intensive studies in related to the subject matter. Before this, the chapter presents the research questions and the hypothesis and reviews the philosophy behind the study.

3.2 Purpose of study

The primary purpose of this study is to examine the role prayed by Qatar in mediating regional disputes and political conflicts. The aim of doing this is to investigate the level or Qatar’s democratic prowess and its power to intervene to conflicts in the gulf region in relation to other Arab countries as well as with some of the most powerful nations in the world. Further, the study aims to investigate the influence of Aljazeera, a Qatar government-sponsored Television channel in the region and the role prayed by Qatar in the recent revolutions in the region, in coalition with foreign groups such as NATO. To fulfil this purpose, it was necessary for the researcher to review literature the diplomatic role played by Qatar as well as its role in the recent disputes and revolutions in the gulf region, in coalition with foreign powers. It was necessary for the researcher to consult secondary sources journals and books that cover studies related to the above issues. All of this was done with an aim of satisfying the research question which was to examine the role played by Qatar in the Gulf region in ending political conflicts and regional disputes.

3.3 Research questionThe research Question is; what intervention role has Qatar played to political conflicts and regional disputes in the gulf region, which has enabled it to achieve much diplomatic prowess?

3.4 Research strategy

According to Trochim, (2001), a research strategy influences the design and gives an opportunity for the researcher to examine how each of the various available approaches may limit or contribute to a study. For the purpose of this study, it was essential for the researcher to examine applicability of both quantitative/qualitative approaches.

3.4.1 Qualitative versus quantitative approach

Qualitative research involves collecting, analyzing and interpreting data that cannot be meaningfully qualified or summarized in the form of numbers (Amaratunga et al, 2002). As Patton (2002, p. 39) points out, qualitative research uses no statistical or measurable figures but produces findings from an analysis of real word situational contexts. It thus helps the researcher to gain a very deep insight into the topic of study. On the contrast, Quantitative research is the collection analysis and interpretation of data involving larger, more representative respondent samples and numerical calculation of results (Creswell, 2003).

In this study, the researcher opted for qualitative analysis and thus, presents and analysis series of case studies discussed by researchers in various sources of literature related to the study question. In short, this study will mainly rely on secondary sources due to objectivity of the data that is involved. The researcher therefore found it appropriate to use qualitative approach in this study which Creswell (2003) defined as a “Sequential Exploratory Strategy”.

The Qualitative approach, according to according to Creswell (2003), provides a very flexible approach in collecting and analysing data. Further, compared to quantitative approach, it is relatively more adjustable and open to changes, which may need to be made as the study progresses. For instance, if the researcher realises the data sources used may not deliver the required information adequately, it is always open for the researcher to increase, reduce, change or seek alternative data sources. Further, it is easier to validate information collected in qualitative approach, making it more reliable. Since this study involved analysing situations describing the factors that have lead Qatar to become a major regional diplomatic force, qualitative approach provided the best approach of describing the various factors that relate to this fact.

3.5 data collection and procedure

According to Plessis (2004, p. 68), the prime objective of any data collection methodology is to improve the reliability and validity of the information obtained. The researcher has to keep in mind the availability of primary and secondary data while deciding about the method of data collection to be used for a study. Primary data is the data that is in raw form, collected for the first time and which is original in nature. Secondary data, on the other hand is that which has been processed and used for a different purpose (Plessis, 2004). Secondary data is usually based on desk-based research. Secondary data provided the researcher with most of the information needed for this research.

The data used for this research was primarily collected through desk-based research. The researcher gathered most of the information used for this research from documentary sources especially electronic journals and books in university library, online databases and internet. The documentary sources used mostly range from 1990 to present. In these sources, the researcher reviewed the available relevant literature related to the study topic. Then, the data available data was analysed according to content validity as per the set objectives of the research. Based on the data analysis concrete conclusions were drawn. One major challenge that the researcher encountered was that most of the available sources were outdated the researcher could not fully rely on them.

Conclusion

As noted in this chapter, the research methodology best suited for this study is qualitative approach. The researcher mainly relied on secondary sources of information mainly journals, books to complete this study. The secondary sources of information were gathered from university library, online databases and internet. The next chapter will present the analysis of the information relating to the role of Qatar which has led it to become a regional diplomatic force, based on validity of the various sources and the main objective of the study.

CHAPETR 4.0 DATA ANALYSIS

4.1 Introduction

The main aim of carrying out research is to come up with feasible findings regarding the research question. This chapter presents the analysis and gives an interpretation of the data collected based on the objectives and research questions with a view to fulfilling the aim and objectives of the study. This chapter presents the four cases in which Qatar has intervened to either end conflict on to enhance a transition. In the first case, the section presents the Qatar’s intervention to conflict between Yemen government and Al-Houthi rebels. Secondly, the section adequately covers Qatar’s intervention to Lebanon conflict, a case that helped to raise Qatar’s credentials as a major international actor in mediation efforts, especially those that occur in the gulf region. The third case study presented in this chapter relates to Qatar’s intervention to the recent revolution that took place in Libya, which led to overthrowing of Gaddafi’s dictatorial leadership. Qatar various support interventions which further raised this country’s profile as a major actor in a big game. The last case covered in this section is Qatar’s intervention through application of unique practices to mediate the Sudan-Darfur conflict in which it succeeded irrespective of the fact that the efforts of other international actors who are perceived to be more powerful failed. A concise analysis is done under each of those case studies.

4.2 Yemen Case Study

Qatar intervened during Yemen government and Al-Houthi rebellion which escalated into armed conflict between the two parties. The armed conflict began in 2004 following antigovernment demonstrations by members of Believing Youth movement which originated in 1990s as an informal advocacy group for Zaidi education and culture (Kamrava, 2011, p. 88; Boucek & Ottaway, 2010, p. 78, Rand Corporation, 2010, p. 185, HYPERLINK “http://www.google.co.ke/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=inauthor:%22Allen+Fromherz%22” Fromherz 2011, p. 88 & Blanchard, 2011, p. 8). This group protested and interrupted mosque services and other activities in Saada region shouting anti-government, anti-Israel and anti-American slogans. The group criticized Yemen government for its corporation with the governments of United Sates and Israel. As a result of this, approximately 600 members of the rebellious group were arrested and detained by Yemen government.

The protests escalated into an armed conflict between the members of Al-Houthi and government forces. The leader of this rebellious group, Hussein Al-Houthi was killed in a fight which led to death of more than a thousand Yemen civilians. Hussein Al-Houthi was succeeded by his father Badr al-Din Al-Houthi and the fighting continued until May 2005 when Saleh, the president of Yemen, declared amnesty on Al-Houthi supporters. According to Kamrava (2011, p. 88), Boucek & Ottaway (2010, p. 78) and Rand Corporation (2010, p. 185), president Saleh did not release all Al-Houthi supporters who had been detained, which led to continuation of sporadic fighting. Though the government continued to release more members of this rebellious group, the fighting did not end and escalated until 2007 when Qatar intervened through mediation efforts.

In May 2007, Qatar’s leaders visited Yemen and met with Yemen government officials and Al-Houthi leadership (Kamrava, 2011, p. 88; Boucek & Ottaway, 2010, p. 78, Rand Corporation, 2010, p. 185, HYPERLINK “http://www.google.co.ke/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=inauthor:%22Allen+Fromherz%22” Fromherz 2011, p. 88 & Blanchard, 2011, p. 8). They conducted a series of meetings in which a list of general principles were created leading to a ceasefire in the mid-June 2007. The Qatari officials offered to allocate funds for reconstruction of vital facilities that had been destroyed during the war, if the two opposing parties agreed to end the fight (Kamrava, 2011, p. 88 & Rand Corporation 2010, p. 185). Qatari government promised to provide approximately $300-500 for reconstruction purpose. As well Qatar offered to hosts the leaders of Al-houthi rebellion in Doha if they made a peaceful agreement or wished to leave Yemen and find refuge in Qatar. As a result of the intervention, the two sides ceased fighting and began taking tangible steps in accordance with the agreed principles. However, the optimism did not live long.

According to Kamrava (2011, p. 88) and Rand Corporation (2010, p. 185), both the rebel movement and Yemen government forces continued fighting and by late 2007, fierce fighting had engulfed the northern areas of Yemen which were dominated by Al-Houthi supporters, leading the peace agreement obsolete. the fighting continued until summer 2010 when Qatar resumed its mediation efforts. In July 2010 Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Hamad Al Khalifa Al Thani visited the war-torn region and met with negotiators of both Yemen government and of the rebel movement (Kamrava, 2011, p. 88). This was followed by series of meetings in Doha, in which negotiators from both opposing sides were invited.

According to Kamrava (2011, p. 88), the Sheikh Hamad Al Khalifa personally encouraged Yemen presiden