With the stroke of his pen last week, President Donald Trump offered the tiny Gulf nation of Qatar a prize many nations have sought but few have been given: a security guarantee pledging US help if it comes under attack.

The agreement was made with little fanfare, no Senate approval and very little explanation. A week later, the White House still hasn’t explained in detail how it came about or what exactly it commits the US to doing, though Trump and other officials have suggested Qatar’s role in helping mediate talks to end the Gaza conflict played a role.

Trump has sought to keep Qatar on side and helping push his plan for a resolution in Gaza in the weeks after Israel - another US ally - infuriated the Gulf state and surprised the US with an airstrike against Hamas leaders in the Qata

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