Qatar Is Tiny and Rich, and it's Angling for Influence

Is this the next Arab superpower?

Matilde Gattoni / Redux

Arealestate sales office for Pearl-Qatar, a man-made-island project

When a cease-fire was called on Nov. 21 between Israel and Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip, residents of Gaza rushed to the streets in relief. They set off firecrackers and waved the flags of everyone they wanted to thank for helping end eight days of bloody conflict. Hamas' flag fluttered along with those of Egypt and Turkey, countries that have long stood by Gazans' side. But a new banner joined the ranks: the maroon and white flag of Qatar.

Just a month before, Qatar's Emir Sheik Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani visited Gaza to deliver a $400 million development package, becoming...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!