Obama hails Qatar as 'strong partner' against Islamic State

US President Barack Obama praised Qatar as a "strong partner" in the fight against Islamic State militants Tuesday, as he hosted Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in the Oval Office. "Qatar is a strong partner in our coalition to degrade and ultimately defeat ISIL," said Obama, using another name for the jihadist group. Qatar is host to a large US military base, but the two countries are sometimes uneasy allies. The White House played down allegations that Qatar has itself