US Credibility Under Strain After Doha Strike, Polish Airspace Breach - Arabian Post

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An Israeli airstrike in Doha targeting Hamas leaders and a large drone incursion by Russian forces into Poland have severely challenged the United States' standing among allies and adversaries alike. These events have intensified debates over Washington's influence and reliability in preserving international norms and regional security.

The Doha attack struck a compound used by senior Hamas political figures, including some negotiating with Qatar over a proposed US-backed ceasefire in Gaza. While Hamas claims its top leadership survived, the victims included five lower-ranking members and a Qatari security officer. Doha condemned the strike as a breach of its sovereignty. US officials said they were informed beforehand but distanced themselves from operational involvement. Remarks by the US president expressed dissatisfaction with both the timing and location of the strike, indicating concern that it undermines peace efforts.

Meanwhile, over 19 drones entered Polish airspace, some allegedly originating from Belarus. NATO and Polish jets intercepted and destroyed several of them. Poland declared the incursions deliberate provocations and invoked Article 4 of the NATO treaty, seeking allied consultations. Calls for reinforcement of air defence capabilities in Eastern Europe multiplied. The US response, however, was more muted, with some senior figures urging restraint.

Diplomatic reactions have been critical. At the UN, all Security Council members, including the US, condemned Israel's strike in Doha-though the statement avoided naming Israel explicitly. Qatar accused Israel of obstructing hostage release prospects and pushed back against what it called a prioritisation of military action over diplomacy. Russia decried the Doha strike as a“gross violation” of international law and sovereignty.

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Almost simultaneously, European capitals, including Germany, France, and the UK, expressed solidarity with Poland. NATO also announced plans to strengthen eastern flank defences. Analysts suggest that both incidents are testing grounds for US leadership: whether Washington can sustain trust with partners when its allies feel exposed to aggression, and whether its commitments to collective security remain credible.

Experts warn the twin events have altered perceptions of geopolitical risk. Governments in the Gulf may now question relying on external guarantors if sovereign territory is struck. Meanwhile, in Eastern Europe, the drone incursions highlight growing vulnerabilities in NATO's airspace defences, especially against asymmetric threats. In both cases, US responses have been seen as cautious-suggesting a recalibration of its posture in crisis settings.

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