ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationBiden · D

Presidential Determination

Designation of the State of Qatar as a Major Non- NATO Ally

President Biden designated Qatar as a Major Non-NATO Ally under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and Arms Export Control Act, granting Qatar preferential access to U.S. defense equipment and security cooperation benefits. The Secretary of State was directed to publish the determination in the Federal Register.

Federal Register Open PDF 87 FR 15025

Impact dates

  1. Federal Register filing

Key directives

  • Designate Qatar as Major Non-NATO Ally
  • Publish determination in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Designation takes effect upon signing (March 10, 2022)
  • Qatar gains Major Non-NATO Ally status for arms export and foreign assistance purposes

Near term (90d)

  • Federal Register publication (filed March 16, 2022)

Long term

  • Enhanced U.S.-Qatar defense cooperation
  • Preferential treatment for Qatar in U.S. arms sales and military training programs

Risks & tensions

  • Regional power balance implications with Saudi Arabia and UAE
  • Human rights concerns regarding Qatar's labor practices may create tension with congressional oversight of arms sales
  • Qatar's relationships with non-state actors and regional actors (including Taliban, Muslim Brotherhood) may complicate alliance optics
Presidential Determination: Designation of the State of Qatar as a Major Non- NATO Ally · Executive Orders