WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama and Qatar’s leader say they are committed to defeating Islamic State militants, despite what the president is calling the “extraordinary challenge” of stabilising Syria.

Obama made a show of solidarity with Qatar by hosting EmirSheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for his first visit to the Oval Office on Tuesday.

Qatar allows the US-led coalition conducting air strikes against IS to use its air base. Qatar also has provided substantial arms and aid to Syrian rebels. Obama says the two leaders are “deeply concerned” about Syria. He says they don’t believe it’s possible to stabilise the country with Bashar Assad in power.

Al Thani became the crown prince a decade ago at age 23 when his older brother gave up his position as emir-in-waiting.

Published in Dawn, February 25th, 2015

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