The Doha Attack: A Strategic Blunder

Israel launched an airstrike on September 9, 2025, targeting senior Hamas leaders in the heart of Doha, Qatar's capital. The attack, which reportedly killed lower-ranked Hamas members but not any of the top officials, has sent shockwaves through the Middle East, drawing widespread condemnation and raising questions about regional stability.

Qatar, a key mediator in Gaza ceasefire talks, denounced the strike as "state terrorism" and a flagrant violation of its sovereignty, with Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani calling for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be brought to justice.

This incident, occurring amid Israel's broader offensive in Gaza and attacks on multiple countries including Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, and now Qatar, has been labeled an "incredible blunder" by analysts for its long-term strategic repercussions on Gulf security dynamics. The strike's fallout has highlighted a perceived absence of the US military umbrella over the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. Qatar hosts the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military facility in the Middle East, yet the attack proceeded without apparent US intervention or advance warning — Qatar was informed only 10 minutes after the fact.

This has fueled doubts about the reliability of American security guarantees, especially in a region increasingly wary of military escalation involving national and non-national threats. The incident echoes earlier concerns that prompted Saudi Arabia to seek alternative alliances, such as the formation of the Peninsula Shield Force and the broader Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) in 2015. Notably, Saudi Arabia appointed former Pakistan Army Chief General Raheel Sharif as the IMCTC's commander-in-chief in 2017, recognizing the need for a Muslim-led coalition to fill gaps left by inconsistent US support.

Pakistan's swift response to the Doha attack underscores its growing influence in Gulf affairs. Islamabad has taken a leading role in mobilizing international condemnation, requesting an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to address Israel's "brazen" actions. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned the strike as a violation of international law and expressed unwavering solidarity with Qatar. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed for Doha on September 11, 2025, becoming the first international leader to visit in solidarity, emphasizing Pakistan's commitment to regional peace. The UNSC is set to convene an emergency meeting, co-convened by Pakistan and Algeria, to discuss the implications and hold Israel accountable.

This diplomatic push not only amplifies Qatar's voice but positions Pakistan as a player in countering perceived and real aggressions. If the GCC seeks to assert greater sovereignty amid these vulnerabilities, the Pakistan Army is well-poised to emerge as an electronic and air defense "umbrella" for the region. Unlike traditional deployments of foreign troops on Gulf soil, which can stir domestic unrest, Pakistan could offer advanced reconnaissance, drone technology, and air defense systems through commercial and collaborative arrangements, especially with China. Such capabilities could be "sold" with assurances of independence—branded as systems that "cannot be disabled by anyone," free from the potential kill switches or sanctions that are presumed to be tied to US-supplied military hardware and software. This shift could channel massive investments into Pakistan's defense industry, bolstering its economy while enhancing GCC resilience against aerial threats, whether from Israel, Iran, or non-state actors.

The Doha attack has accelerated discussions on reshaping Middle East security architecture, with Gulf states like the UAE showing immediate solidarity—its leader, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, visited Doha shortly after the strike. Qatar's Prime Minister has indicated consultations with regional partners for a collective response, potentially deepening ties with non-Western allies.

For Pakistan, this presents an opportunity to expand its military cooperation with the GCC, building on existing labor and economic links. However, this pivot would come at a cost: as Pakistan leans further into a "mercenary" role—providing security services for hire—it risks further eroding its fragile democracy. With a history of military interventions, increased reliance on defense exports and alliances could empower the army at the expense of civilian governance, leading to a state where strategic imperatives overshadow democratic processes.

In essence, Israel's Doha strike may prove to be a monumental blunder, not just for straining relations with a US ally but for catalyzing a realignment in Gulf security. By exposing the limits of American protection, it has opened the door for Pakistan to fill the void, potentially transforming the region into one less dependent on Western powers. As the UNSC deliberates and leaders convene, the coming months will reveal whether this incident marks the beginning of a new era in Middle Eastern geopolitics—one where sovereignty is safeguarded through diversified, indigenous-led defenses rather than outsourced umbrellas.