Qatar to Provide Morocco with $1.25Bn in Aid

Emir Reshuffles Leadership of Qatar’s Investment and Economic Agencies The Emir ordered changes to the leadership of the agencies that oversee the country’s investments and economic affairs. Those changes include the appointment of a new CEO of the Qatar Investment Authority, as well as new members to that agency’s board, as well as reforming the membership of Qatar’s Supreme Council for Economic Affairs and Investment. More More2   U.S. says Qatar Assures that Funding for Palestinians will not reach Hamas A top official in the U.S. Department of State has informed members of Congress that Qatar has made assurance that its assistance to the Palestinians will not reach Hamas. Qatar has pledged $150 million to the Palestinian Authority in debt relief and additional funds to help the people of the Gaza Strip suffering from the attacks by Israel.   Saudi Crown Prince Leads Delegation to GCC Summit in Doha The delegation from Saudi Arabia to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Doha—December 9-10—is being led by Saudi Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. In addition, “a very substantial participation from the Saudi side is expected” after the initiative undertaken by Saudi King Abdullah to end the dispute his country, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates had with Qatar.   Secretary General says Resolving Dispute Strengthened GCC Nations’ Unity Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Dr. Abdullatif Al-Zayani said GCC member states became stronger and more united once a dispute between Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates had with Qatar that was settled. The secretary general was addressing a session of the 10th Manama Dialogue when he discussed the dispute that was ended at special meeting of GCC leaders held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on November 16.   Qatar Ends Role as Mediator in Lebanese Hostage Crisis Following Murder of Officer The execution of a Lebanese policeman who was taken captive by ISIS and Nursa Front militants has resulted in Qatar ending its role as mediator in the hostage crisis. The murdered officer was among a group of more than 30 policemen and soldiers taken captive in August, and Lebanon’s government asked Qatar to negotiate for the hostages’ release.