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

[Social Media]

 

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.

[illisdean]

23 hours ago, Red Forever said:

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

How about an electoral and popular vote LANDSLIDE election victory in November and looming inauguration as 47th POTUS....do ya think Trump could point to that? LOL.

 

U r obviously reacting to your butthurt by gaslighting and just plain ole lying. Seems to me his (President Trump) crack ME policy guru Kushner did get the Abraham Accord setup in ...u guessed it.... Trumps  administration. FYI, in case you are confused, all accomplishments of Trumps admin occurred while Trump was in office, and not Biden...imagine that. Now do Biden and his ME failures staring with the Afghan withdrawal deadly blow-out debacle, helping Iran fund Hamas and Houthi's who now control the red sea making a mockery of Biden's feckless woke military/navy, how many wars did he start ....ah only two. Biden appeased Iran creating the current ME $hit-storm soon after Trump established historic peace advancements in the region. So, not sure what your so confused about and u certainly have no clue as well, but keep gas-lighting, and keep embarrassing yourself. 

[Chomper Higgot]

Nothing to see here:

 

https://www.newsweek.com/jared-kushner-says-15bn-qatar-uae-came-irrespective-trump-win-2004895

[Will B Good]

7 minutes ago, illisdean said:

How about an electoral and popular vote LANDSLIDE election victory in November and looming inauguration as 47th POTUS....do ya think Trump could point to that? LOL.

 

U r obviously reacting to your butthurt by gaslighting and just plain ole lying. Seems to me his (President Trump) crack ME policy guru Kushner did get the Abraham Accord setup in ...u guessed it.... Trumps  administration. FYI, in case you are confused, all accomplishments of Trumps admin occurred while Trump was in office, and not Biden...imagine that. Now do Biden and his ME failures staring with the Afghan withdrawal deadly blow-out debacle, helping Iran fund Hamas and Houthi's who now control the red sea making a mockery of Biden's feckless woke military/navy, how many wars did he start ....ah only two. Biden appeased Iran creating the current ME $hit-storm soon after Trump established historic peace advancements in the region. So, not sure what your so confused about and u certainly have no clue as well, but keep gas-lighting, and keep embarrassing yourself. 

 

 

 

No landslide....an okay victory at best.

 

 

Popular Vote:

• Trump: 49.8%

• Harris: 48.3%

 

Trump won the popular vote by a margin of just 1.5 percentage points.

 

Historically, a landslide is characterized by:

 

• Electoral College: Winning 350 or more electoral votes.

• Popular Vote: Securing a double-digit percentage point lead.

 

 

 

 

 

[illisdean]

1 hour ago, Will B Good said:

No landslide....an okay victory at best.

it was a HUGE win for the good guys....MASSIVE beatdown of the feckless hitler pushing liberal morons and w/o a doubt the most critical election victory for preserving what remains of Bidens reign of destruction and policy failures attacks on democracy, engaging in lawfare to imprison, bankrupt, remove Trump from the ballot and the failed assassinations and the planned intentional illegal alien mass illegal migration. Trump is a national hero and will go on record as such for preventing the demise of America at the hands of the corrupt deep state controlled democrat party. 

 

Call it what you like, Trump destroyed the most pathetic democrat INSTALLED nominee to never receive a primary vote on his way to his very convincing EC win including all battleground states. Thats a huge and successful, AND impressive win for the person the democrats refer to as a nazi, hitler, only to get elected. Trump will take the win, America will take the win for saving democracy while liberals cry and  stress about LANDSLIDES 24/7. Oh well, picking the right/best candidate for POTUS has enormous consequences, just ask Kamala and lying corrupt Biden and the suckers she conned out of no less than $1.5 to $2B only to get crushed by maybe what we can/should call "MAGA LANDSLIDE"....would that be ok with you?

 

LOL....

[LosLobo]

18 minutes ago, illisdean said:

Call it what you like, Trump destroyed the most pathetic democrat INSTALLED nominee to never receive a primary vote on his way to his very convincing EC win including all battleground states. Thats a huge and successful, AND impressive win for the person the democrats refer to as a nazi, hitler, only to get elected. Trump will take the win, America will take the win for saving democracy while liberals cry and  stress about LANDSLIDES 24/7.

Hitler won the most votes in the 1932 Reichstag elections, leading to his appointment as Chancellor. How'd that work out for saving democracy?

[illisdean]

4 hours ago, LosLobo said:

Hitler won the most votes in the 1932 Reichstag elections, leading to his appointment as Chancellor. How'd that work out for saving democracy?

U best ask kamala, or Biden, they seem so obsessed and imbued with hitler and also with making really stupid decisions leading to their repeated failures and none bigger than the recent beat-down they received from MAGA Trump. They should have not focused so much on hitler and instead told America why they should vote from Kamala but obviously they are far to stupid to figure it out. But FYI, Trump won the election November 5th, hitler, well, he lives only amongst the haters, are you one them haters who dwells on hitler and loves failure AND voted for the hitler obsessed baby killer abortionists represented by the liar Kamala?? Say it ain't so....get it off your chest, you'll feel better, don't be ashamed to admit failure. U got 4 years to sort it out.  Some therapeutic advice for you: see photo below.

 

 

 

 

 

[illisdean]

4 hours ago, LosLobo said:

How'd that work out for saving democracy?

It didn't, neither did your democrats feckless hitler messaging campaign. Ask yourself why democrats can be so moronic to play the hitler card. Thing about democracy, Trump is an American loving patriot who is all about preserving democracy unlike your America hating losing democrat party. The hitler card is one fine campaign strategy, wouldn't you say? LOL...it sure scored points for the feckless simpleton democrats during their pathetic $2B campaign of failures.

 

FYI /context

 

[Will B Good]

16 hours ago, illisdean said:

Call it what you like,

 

I did ...an okay win....just edged the popular vote against a mixed race women....just.....and electoral seats nowhere near the rquired 350.

[bendejo]

The thing is none of the other countries in the region really give darn about Palestinians, otherwise they would have done something about it within the past 70+ years.  Maybe the Egyptians did for a while back in the 1960s, but that was pretty much a USSR action.  How many of those Gulf states have refugee camps for them?   Every so often they'll toss them a few million, but we know how that works.

 

That said, this "what stance will Qatar take?" stuff is a non-starter.

 

[placeholder]

On the other hand.

 

 Qatar Shocked, Shocked to Learn It Accidentally Bailed Out Jared Kushner
Doha insists it was an “unwitting” partner in the deal.

 

Eleven years after a young Jared Kushner purchased an aging skyscraper that would become an albatross around his family’s neck, and six months before the Kushners would have to cough up the $1.4 billion that was due on the mortgage for 666 Fifth Avenue, a Canadian asset-management company swooped in and agreed to take a 99-year lease on the building, paying a near-century’s worth of rent upfront. The bailout was surprising for a few reasons, chief among them being comments by the Kushners’ previous partner that 666 Fifth “would be worth a lot more if it was just dirt,” plus the fact that the family had spent two years trying to get new partners or financing to no avail. Also, there was the matter of the Qatar Investment Authority being a major investor in the company, Brookfield Asset Management, and Kushner’s support of a Saudi- and U.A.E.-led blockade of Qatar.

https://archive.ph/DCZ96#selection-691.42-707.1

 

And now Trump wants to make Kushner's lowlife father the ambassador to France.