Israel's attack on Qatar eviscerates promise of US security umbrella for Gulf

Israel’s attack on Qatar risks unwinding the decades-old foundation of US power in the energy-rich Gulf: its role as a reliable security guarantor.

As wars raged in poorer neighbouring countries like Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, rich Gulf states could focus on building glitzy skyscrapers and hosting sporting events thanks to a constellation of US military bases and a steady stream of business deals greasing the wheels of diplomacy.

The Gulf had to occasionally deal with missile and drone strikes in the region from rebels in Yemen, but the US would never lean on subterfuge to aid attacks, especially from another state.

In fact, the US has tried to align Israel and the Arab Gulf against what it calls Iranian expansionism.

Not anymore.

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