US names Qatar major non-Nato ally

WASHINGTON: Reflecting the “importance of its bilateral relationship”, and its status as a “good friend and capable partner”, the United States has decided to designate Qatar as a major non-Nato ally, American President Joe Biden announced on Monday during a visit of Qatar’s emir Sheikh Tamim Al-Thani to Washington DC.

At a joint press appearance with the Qatari leader, Biden said, “This past year, our partnership with Qatar has been central to many of our most vital interests — relocating tens of thousands of Afghans; maintaining stability in Gaza and providing lifesaving assistance to the Palestinians; keeping pressure on Isis and deterring threats across the Middle East; and a lot more.”

Biden indicated that the US and Qatar had shared interests in “ensuring the stability of global energy supplies”. The US is relying on Qatar, among others, to step in with the supply of natural gas if a conflict breaks out with Russia, jeopardising Russian gas supplies to Europe.

The US president also spoke of the commercial and investment ties between the two countries, applauding a $20-plus billion order that Qatar Airways placed with Boeing on Monday.

The US has designated 18 countries, including Pakistan, as major non-Nato allies. Unlike a Nato ally, whose defence becomes the collective responsibility of the alliance, the designation does not entail a defence commitment — but it enables a country to access military and financial advantages.

Biden said Qatar’s new designation was “long overdue”.

Two charged with making threats to kill president

A Maryland man and a Kansas man have been charged with making separate threats to kill President Joe Biden, authorities said on Tuesday.

Ryan Matthew Conlon, 37, of Halethorpe, Maryland; and Scott Ryan Merryman, 37, of Independence, Kansas; were both arrested last week, but Conlon’s case was sealed until Monday.

He is also charged with making threats to blow up National Security Agency headquarters.