When the US struck Iran’s nuclear facilities in June, it was a “nightmare scenario” for the Qatari establishment, which enjoys good relations with both countries, says Nesrine Malik in The Guardian. Yet within 48 hours, thanks to the slick work of Qatari officials, “the conflict was over”. In a “carefully choreographed” affair, Iran informed the US it would launch missiles at an airbase in Qatar where 10,000 US troops are stationed. The Americans then briefed Doha, who closed their airspace, intercepted all but one of the missiles, then condemned the attack without retaliating. Qatar essentially allowed Iran a “face-saving” strike on US assets while protecting America from any casualties. As one Middle East expert put it: to prevent escalation, Doha “took one for the team”.

Few people realise just how much of this kind of diplomacy Qatar is orchestrating. In recent years it’s hosted negotiations on the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, the return of Ukrainian children from Russia, the release of Israeli hostages and a brief ceasefire in Gaza. Right now it’s handling 10 active mediations, including one between the US and Venezuela which involves discussions on prisoner swaps and the deportation of migrants. Qatari officials were critical in the recent peace treaty between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, whose president the Emir personally phoned in a bid to kick off talks. The top team dealing with these crises are small enough to “fit into an SUV” and have a nailed-down method of handling affairs, which includes finessing and re-crafting messages passed between negotiating nations, “taking the edge off provocative language or unreasonable demands”. The tiny petrostate has defused so many situations there’s now “more appetite for its services than it can handle”. Qatar has, slowly but surely, become the “diplomatic capital of the world”.

THE MALLORCAN VILLA This four-bedroom, three-bathroom home in Deià, Mallorca is made from traditional stone and surrounded by mature gardens with citrus, fig and avocado trees, says the FT. On the ground floor are a large living area which opens out on to a terrace, a dining room, a light-filled kitchen and a cosier “winter room”. Upstairs are the bedrooms, two of which have balconies with excellent views. Outside is a freshwater pool, as well as plenty of outdoor dining and relaxing space. Deià village is a 15-minute walk and the sea is a short drive. €3.495m. Click on the image to see the listing.

What’s not to like?

The rest of today’s newsletter contains pieces on the golden era of American magazine journalism – when a lowly assistant could spend $30,000 hiring an elephant for a photoshoot – and why, after a few years off trend, it’s suddenly “cool to be British” again.

To go back to receiving the newsletter in full every day, please click the button below. New subscribers get 50% off, meaning it’s only £4 a month or £40 for the whole year.

Let us know what you thought of today’s issue by replying to this email
To find out about advertising and partnerships, click here
Been forwarded this newsletter? Try it for free
Enjoying The Knowledge? Click to share