Lobbying 2014: Qatar Seeks to Shed Rogue Reputation

The gas-rich and independent-minded micro-state of Qatar is trying hard to shed its image as a regional troublemaker, even as its policy goals remain largely unchanged.

Buoyed by an economic explosion since the turn of the century, the emirate has emerged as a key diplomatic force unafraid to challenge established regimes across the Middle East. Its support for a range of Islamist groups that share those objectives has long infuriated US policymakers, but early signs of a change of direction are beginning to emerge under the new emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The Obama administration appears convinced that Qatar can be a responsible player. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel signed an $11 billion agreement to sell Qatar the Patriot missile defense system in July — the biggest US arms deal this year to date — and the United States renewed and expanded its Defense Cooperation Agreement controlling the use of Al Udeid Air Base in December.

Congress has taken a dimmer view of the relationship, however.