Trump’s Opportunity to Redefine U.S.-Qatar Relations

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As the transition of power looms, the Trump administration is presented with a critical opportunity to reset the United States’ relationship with Qatar. The initial diplomatic signals from President-elect Trump’s team suggest a shift, with reports indicating a call for Qatar to reinstate Hamas leaders to Doha. This starkly contrasts with recent moves by the Biden administration, which pressured Qatar to distance itself from Hamas. The incoming administration’s priority appears to be restarting Gaza ceasefire talks, particularly to secure the release of hostages.

 

While a hostage deal would be a significant achievement, it must not come at the cost of continuing the Biden administration’s approach to Qatar, which treated the emirate as a steadfast ally despite its troubling associations. Over the past two years, Qatar has enjoyed an elevated status under the Biden administration, including its designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally and inclusion in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. These privileges, however, were granted despite Qatar’s long-standing ties to Hamas, instances of anti-Israel incitement, and allegations of corruption involving U.S. and European officials.

 

Trump’s administration should demand that Qatar demonstrates genuine allyship. Central to this is the unequivocal severance of ties with Hamas. If a hostage deal remains unresolved by inauguration day, the administration must pressure Doha to shut down Hamas’s operations within its borders and extradite its leaders. The possibility of revoking Qatar’s Major Non-NATO Ally status could serve as an additional incentive for cooperation. Congress is already considering such measures, with both the House and Senate deliberating bills that could rescind this designation.

 

The U.S. military presence at Al Udeid Air Base, a critical strategic asset, offers further leverage. The Trump administration should explore alternative locations for military operations, including potential expansions in Saudi Arabia, to diminish Qatar’s ability to use the base as a bargaining tool. The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act’s provision requiring an assessment of Al Udeid’s operational value, given Qatar’s ties to Hamas, underscores the need for this recalibration.

 

Another critical step is addressing the role of Al Jazeera, Qatar’s state-controlled media outlet. The Trump administration should enforce the Justice Department’s 2020 directive for Al Jazeera Plus to register as a foreign agent. Failure to comply with this order should result in the suspension of the network’s Capitol Hill press credentials. Furthermore, sanctions against Al Jazeera could be considered, aligning with precedent set for other state-sponsored propaganda outlets like Iran’s Press TV and Russia’s RT.

 

Qatar’s inconsistent record on countering terror financing also warrants scrutiny. Despite a 2017 agreement with Washington, the continued presence of Hamas financiers in Qatar raises questions about Doha’s commitment. Congress should mandate a comprehensive review by the U.S. Government Accountability Office to assess Qatar’s compliance with this agreement.

 

Corruption is another area where Qatar must be held accountable. U.S. authorities should investigate Qatar’s role in high-profile corruption cases, including the scandal involving Senator Bob Menendez. Tools like the Anti-Bribery Act and the Global Magnitsky Act could be employed to target Qatari entities and individuals implicated in corruption.

 

Finally, the Trump administration must address Qatar’s international positioning. As host of the 2025 U.N. anti-corruption summit, Qatar has portrayed itself as a global leader in combating corruption. The administration should challenge this narrative by ensuring accountability for Doha’s domestic and international actions.

 

For Trump, the path forward is clear: Qatar must earn its privileges as a U.S. ally. A failure to reset the relationship would allow Qatar to continue benefiting from U.S. trust while undermining shared values and priorities. A firm, principled approach will not only recalibrate this partnership but also reaffirm the United States’ commitment to its global allies and objectives.

 

Based on a report by The Hill 2024-12-27

 

 

 

[herfiehandbag]

Qatar has money 💰 💰 💰 

 

I'm sure Donnie will be "in there"!

[illisdean]

7 hours ago, herfiehandbag said:

Qatar has money 💰 💰 💰 

 

I'm sure Donnie will be "in there"!

Of course he (Trump) will be there, (thats Trump leadership advocating for peace and what all good leaders do) in the name of establishing peace in the ME which happens to include QA unlike Biden who thru emboldening and empowering Iran has set peace backwards in MENA big time. Trump as you may recall established the Abraham Accords, setup the Doha Accords, compare this to Biden's outstanding but humiliating & colossal Afghan withdrawal debacle and giving BILLIONS of dollars and sanction relief to Iran...which INCLUDES their funding for Hamas, Houthis. Hezbollah and all the rest of the terror organizations Biden indirectly helps fund. Too bad Biden couldn't carry on with Trumps 1st term massive peace success's in the ME. No wars on Trumps watch. 

[candide]

15 minutes ago, illisdean said:

Of course he (Trump) will be there, (thats Trump leadership advocating for peace and what all good leaders do) in the name of establishing peace in the ME which happens to include QA unlike Biden who thru emboldening and empowering Iran has set peace backwards in MENA big time. Trump as you may recall established the Abraham Accords, setup the Doha Accords, compare this to Biden's outstanding but humiliating & colossal Afghan withdrawal debacle and giving BILLIONS of dollars and sanction relief to Iran...which INCLUDES their funding for Hamas, Houthis. Hezbollah and all the rest of the terror organizations Biden indirectly helps fund. Too bad Biden couldn't carry on with Trumps 1st term massive peace success's in the ME. No wars on Trumps watch. 

That's how Hamas has been funded for years:

 

"In 2018, Qatar began making monthly payments to the Gaza Strip. Some $15 million were sent into Gaza in cash-filled suitcases – delivered by the Qataris through Israeli territory after months of negotiation with Israel.

The payments started after the Palestinian Authority (PA), the Palestinian government in the Israeli occupied West Bank that is a rival of Hamas, decided to cut salaries of government employees in Gaza in 2017, an Israeli government source with knowledge of the matter told CNN at the time.

What did Israel know about Hamas’ October 7 attack?

The PA opposed the Qatari funding at the time, which Hamas said was meant for the payment of public salaries as well as medical purposes.

Israel approved the deal in a security cabinet meeting in August 2018, when Netanyahu was serving his previous tenure as premier."

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/12/11/middleeast/qatar-hamas-funds-israel-backing-intl/index.html

 

As I know you may be tempted to reply with your usual MSM conspiracy B.S., here's another source providing the same information.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/for-years-netanyahu-propped-up-hamas-now-its-blown-up-in-our-faces/

 

[koolkarl]

Qatar=Hamas=Iran=Syria=Lebanon, all have the same brain.  Trump should also pressure Qatar to take take in lots of their

muslim brothers from Gaza.  Chump change for Qatar.

[spidermike007]

Not that there are any decent regimes in that region of the world, but Qatar seems infinitely more righteous compared to their foes the Saudis, and UAE, who are horrific beyond imagination, on a dozen different levels. 

[Red Forever]

2 hours ago, illisdean said:

Of course he (Trump) will be there, (thats Trump leadership advocating for peace and what all good leaders do) in the name of establishing peace in the ME which happens to include QA unlike Biden who thru emboldening and empowering Iran has set peace backwards in MENA big time. Trump as you may recall established the Abraham Accords, setup the Doha Accords, compare this to Biden's outstanding but humiliating & colossal Afghan withdrawal debacle and giving BILLIONS of dollars and sanction relief to Iran...which INCLUDES their funding for Hamas, Houthis. Hezbollah and all the rest of the terror organizations Biden indirectly helps fund. Too bad Biden couldn't carry on with Trumps 1st term massive peace success's in the ME. No wars on Trumps watch. 

Trump couldn’t point to Qatar on a map let alone establish any accords.

Unless you mean that he signed papers, which he hadn’t read, thrust under his nose .

That’s not establishing.