Europe's fears of losing Russian gas supplies in the Ukraine crisis will loom large when Qatar's emir meets the US president on Monday but the powerful Gulf ruler has no "magic wand", analysts say. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani will ensure some kind of assistance, however, as he seeks a bigger share of the European market for Qatar's burgeoning offshore gas production and to score valuable points over its neighbours in becoming the key US ally in the Gulf. The sheikh, whose tiny country has increased its diplomatic initiatives to match its status as an energy colossus, has the Ukraine crisis, efforts to engage the hardline Taliban administration in Afghanistan and backroom talks on reviving a nuclear accord with Iran on the agenda for his White House meeting with President Joe Biden, officials said. Gas supplies are one of the key areas that Europe fears could be cut if Russia decides to take military action in Ukraine. The United States is also in contact with Australia about providing alternative supplies and could send more of its own production, diplomats said. Australia, Qatar and the United States are the world's biggest gas exporters. "Talks are going on" over diverting...
