Qatar Signs Defense Accord With U.S.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/11/world/middleeast/qatar-signs-defense-accord-with-us.html

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Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel met with the Qatari emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad, and Defense Minister Hamad bin Ali al-Attiyah on the last day of a visit to the region to reassure gulf Arab allies of continuing United States support, despite disagreements over Washington’s policy toward Syria and its diplomatic overtures to Iran. Mr. Hagel and Mr. Attiyah signed a 10-year Defense Cooperation Agreement that governs interaction between United States and Qatari forces and enables the continued assignment of American troops to installations in the area, including the Combined Air Operations Center at Al Udeid Air Base.