At the end of the 19th century, Qatar became an intermediary vantage point for the British fleet. The region gained significance with the discovery and ensuing exploitation of oil and gas fields in the first half of the 20th century. Today, though a small state on the Persian Gulf, Qatar takes in a prominent position in the region as a major oil and gas producing country.

The United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) forward headquarters are also based in Qatar, from where operations are commanded by the US forces in the Middle East and neighbouring regions. In addition, Qatar is home to the high-profile news organization al-Jazeera, located in the capital Doha, and famed for its critical reports on the United States, Israel and the rest of the Arab world.