Defense Secretary James Mattis Shows Support for 'Arab NATO' Concept, Despite Regional Challenges
SOURCE: THE WASHINGTON TIMES
BY: CARLOS MUNOZ
Defense Secretary James N. Mattis on Tuesday voiced his implicit support for a so-called “Arab NATO” that would include the small, oil-rich nation of Qatar, despite Doha’s ongoing diplomatic conflicts with Saudi Arabia and its Middle East allies.
“The U.S. supports an inclusive, strategic Mideast alliance … one that brings together all partners to address shared challenges,” the former four-star general said, standing alongside Qatari Defense Minister Khalid Al-Attiyah at the Pentagon Tuesday.
“Washington remains committed to working by, with and through partners in the region to make this concept a reality, and to deter hostile actors,” Mr. Mattis added in prepared remarks to reporters, ahead of bilateral meetings with the Qatari defense chief.
While both men, did not mention the idea of an Arab NATO by name, such a partnership would only build upon the ‘historically strategic partnership based on mutual respect” between Washington and Doha, Mr. Attiyah said during his remarks ahead of Tuesday’s meeting.
During the press conference, Mr. Mattis cited Qatar’s continued military support for the U.S. and NATO mission in Afghanistan as proof that Doha’s participation in an Arab NATO construct would be in the best interests of Washington and its allies.
