Even a close, long-time trusted US ally hosting the sprawling and largest American air base, Al Udeid, was not spared by arrogant and intransigent Israel—flying too high on US weapons, dollars, and blind Western support, with no one daring to restrain this darling of the West in its show of terror and firepower.

Qatar, despite boasting one of the most American advanced early warning radar systems and air defense networks, could not detect the assault jets that violated its sovereignty. Nor could Al Udeid, with its interception capabilities, identify or counter the incoming aircrafts to warn its honourable hosts.

Israel’s daring strike on Doha, with prior US knowledge, not only questions American friendship and commitment with its allies but also badly undermines US credibility. The Gulf states, militarily weak compared to Israel’s sophisticated arsenal—including nuclear weapons—remain heavily dependent on Washington. Their wealth and resources lie open for US interests.

Yet despite trillions of dollars of commitments and even a USD 400 million luxury jet gifted by Qatar to replace an aging Air Force One, America failed its close confidant in a critical moment. Trump’s visit to Doha in May this year accompanied by pageantry of camels, horses, cyber trucks, and lavish receptions, resembled an emperor’s entry.

He spoke of “beautiful friendship,” but that friendship collapsed when Israeli fighter jets, backed by US support, violated Qatar’s sovereignty. Unpredictable Trump could not stop Israeli missiles from violating a close friend’s territory. What use is a friendship that fails the test of time?

This episode reveals the strange reality of relations between a superpower and tiny states, whose security and stability rest on US support for autocratic and unpopular rulers living extravagant lives. The Trump administration did not confront the aggressor, nor did it halt aid or threaten consequences for Israel’s actions.

Instead, White House spokesperson Karolina Lavitte merely criticized Israeli behaviour, stopping short of outright condemnation. The bitter........

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