Business and Ethics: How Qatar Became a Necessary Partner of the West, and More

In fact, it could have been a good year for Qatar, host country of the Soccer World Cup. He has been at the center of global interest for weeks, with wealthy governments embracing his leadership in Doha because of its inexhaustible natural gas reserves. In addition, the country plays an increasingly important role as a mediator in international conflicts, for example through its contacts with radical groups such as Hamas, the Taliban and in Iran. One might think that the Persian Gulf emirate was on the rise in almost every way. Until the corruption scandal broke out in the European Parliament.

The Ukrainian war upgraded Qatar

The landing came abruptly. The suspicions target high-ranking politicians of the country, that with expensive gifts, expensive caviar and large sums of money they tried to influence political consciences and political decisions. Although the accusations, which Qatar denies, have not yet been confirmed, following such negative reports surrounding the world event, the human rights situation and migrant workers, allegations about how the World Cup was given to the country, the image of the country has taken a big hit. Qatar wants to appear as a modern country, with air-conditioned skyscrapers where 100 years ago mainly desert tribes lived. It has the world’s largest natural gas fields, the so-called North Field, and fills state coffers mainly through long-term contracts for the delivery of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Asia, among others. The Russian war in Ukraine and the accompanying energy crisis caused a sharp increase in demand. But also internationally, Qatar, a peninsula about 4 times the size of the state of Zaar, has managed to gain a disproportionately large reputation. It was Doha that brokered the withdrawal of US-led troops from Afghanistan, albeit with disastrous consequences, temporarily accepting 60,000 evacuees. The US, which maintains the largest military base in the country, moved its embassy to Doha, from where it is represented in Afghanistan.

And when the year-long blockade of the country by Saudi Arabia ended in 2021, the emirate strengthened its position regionally as well. In the West’s conflict with Iran, Doha is also an important point of contact. But “in recent years, public relations were still in their infancy,” says Guido Steinberg, an expert from the Science and Polar Foundation, on German Radio. “The public relations firms were hired late. If the Qatari leadership or its diplomats really believe that they could buy influence in Europe with monetary gifts, that is a sign of great political stupidity,” Steinberg says. “Maybe they just don’t know how.” the political influence in Brussels works”. And in Europe? There, after the initial shock, a climate of mistrust is spreading.

And the 2036 Olympics?

French social democrat Raphael Glixman already tweeted that the dismantling of the corruption network was overwhelming, “and this is probably only the beginning…” The EU’s overall relationship with Qatar is viewed with suspicion and is likely to be put to the test. For example, the numerous meetings of Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas. The Greek Commissioner is responsible for sports among other things, and has recently had regular meetings with Qatari government officials in this capacity praising the country’s reforms and progress, for example in labor rights. In the light of such “hymns of praise”, the head of the French parliamentary group of the Left called for a review of the ties between Qatar and members of other EU institutions. Schinas himself says that all his contacts were fully agreed with the Commission, ” we don’t improvise, we don’t invent positions”. For possible gifts? “All I got was a ball and World Cup souvenir, and a box of pralines, which I gave to my driver.”

Important gas deals with Qatar they certainly won’t topple over, because the country “may have bribed some shady politicians in Brussels,” says Steinberg. Finance Minister Robert Hambeck of the Green party made a similar statement last Tuesday night, saying the alleged bribery of EU politicians and the issue of gas markets are “two separate things”. And he explained to journalists who asked him that “corruption is a criminal offense and trade with other countries must always be weighed against the moral consequences, but at the same time supply must be ensured. And in this particular case Germany has an interest in compensating for the loss of natural gas, and I think that’s distinct.”

But also in the Football World Cup, despite the strong criticism, the long-term benefits for the economy and the image of the country will prevail, for example in tourism and other big projects in the future, argues Robert Mogielnicki, from the AGSIW think tank. It is reported in reports that the country is already planning to bid to host the 2036 Olympics, although it is still a bit early. However, the president of the Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, canceled the trip to the final, because he was infected with coronavirus. However, it is possible that the host country had already expressed a firm interest in bringing the summer games to Doha during Bach’s visit to the opening game. Although the attempt failed, the assignment of the World Cup nevertheless fuels ambitions. “We showed our will and our motivation, I think it’s obvious,” said the so-called “Emir of the World Cup”, World Cup boss Hassan al-Thawadi.

DW – Irini Anastasopoulou

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