Israel's Strike on Doha: A Turning Point for the Alliance between Gulf States and the US? | DW News

Sep 14, 2025 | Arab and Muslim leaders are meeting in Doha on Sunday and Monday to discuss the implications of Israel’s strike on the Qatari capital. Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani hopes to rally support from Doha's allies over Israel’s breach of the nation's sovereignty. The White House said it had not received prior notice from Israel of its planned attack on Hamas leaders, and that US President Donald Trump was upset by the Israeli move.

Charlie Kirk's Killing Has Upended American Politics and No One Knows What Comes Next | Katy Balls

Sep 13, 2025 | “This is a watershed moment, but no one can quite decide what that is going to look like in a year’s time.”

The response to Charlie Kirk’s death has been polarised, with some even saying that he “deserved it” and many seeing it as a turning point, says the Times’s Washington editor Katy Balls.

Attack on Qatar: Israel’s Ever-expanding War | The Listening Post

Sep 13, 2025 | Israel’s rampage through the Middle East continues, with an attack on United States ally, Qatar. As Arab nations evaluate the value of a US security guarantee, we examine the fallout in the region and beyond.

« Le double jeu de l’Amérique est devenu clair » : après la frappe israélienne au Qatar, le Golfe se sent trahi par Donald Trump

LE FIGARO : DÉCRYPTAGE - Un sommet arabe extraordinaire se tiendra dimanche et lundi à Doha pour « répondre » au bombardement israélien contre la direction du Hamas, abritée au Qatar.

Les uns après les autres, les dirigeants arabes défilent au Qatar pour manifester leur solidarité avec l’émirat, victime mardi d’une attaque israélienne inédite en violation de sa « souveraineté nationale ». Mais au-delà de cette démonstration d’unité, ces pays se réuniront lors d’un sommet extraordinaire dimanche et lundi à Doha pour apporter « une réponse régionale » au défi que la frappe israélienne leur pose collectivement, alors qu’ils ont des accords de sécurité avec leur allié américain.

Jeudi, le prince héritier et homme fort de l’Arabie saoudite, Mohammed Ben Salman (MBS) était attendu chez son voisin. La veille, le président des Émirats arabes unis, Cheikh Mohammed Ben Zayed avait été le premier à venir s’entretenir avec l’émir Tamim al-Thani. Une rare visite d’autant plus remarquée qu’Abu Dhabi est tout à la fois le pays arabe le plus critique du Qatar pour ses liens avec les Frères musulmans, et le plus proche d’Israël, après avoir signé en 2020 les accords d’Abraham de normalisation avec l’État hébreu, sous l’égide de Donald Trump. » | Par Georges Malbrunot | vendredi 12 septembre 2025

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Funeral Held in Doha after Deadly Israeli Attack

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David Petraeus on Iran Attack on US Base in Qatar

Jun 23, 2025 | Channel 4 News speaks to David Petraeus, who after an army career including the command of the combined ISAF force in Afghanistan, served as the director of the CIA under President Obama, and asks for his reaction to Iran striking US bases in Qatar.

Iran launches Missiles at US Bases in Qatar and Iraq, State Media Reports | BBC News

Jun 23, 2025 | Iran has launched missiles at US airbases in Qatar and Iraq in response to strikes on its nuclear sites on Saturday, state media reports.

Qatar confirms the attack on the US-run Al Udeid base, calling it a "flagrant violation" and says it reserves the right to respond directly.

The country has temporarily closed its airspace and US and UK citizens have been advised to shelter in place.

In Washington, Donald Trump is attending a National Security Council meeting.

En direct, Gaza : 13 otages israéliens et 7 étrangers, ainsi que 39 prisonniers palestiniens, seront libérés ce soir, affirment le Hamas et le Qatar

LE MONDE : Un peu plus tôt, la branche armée du mouvement islamiste avait annoncé retarder la libération d’otages « jusqu’à ce qu’Israël respecte l’accord », lui reprochant en particulier des manquements dans l’acheminement de l’aide humanitaire. LIVE EN COURS » | samedi 25 novembre 2023

Qatar’s Complicated Role in the Israel-Hamas War

Nov 1, 2023 | The state of Qatar has been a key Western ally for years, but it’s also a longtime helper of Hamas. CBC’s Thomas Daigle breaks down how such a tiny nation has such a big role in the Israel-Hamas war.

Qatar Ploughs Millions into Canary Wharf amid Criticism of Gulf State’s Hamas Links

THE TELEGRAPH: Sovereign wealth fund backs £400m refinancing of struggling financial district

Qatar has backed a £400m refinancing of struggling Canary Wharf in its first significant UK deal since the terror attacks on Israel sparked criticism of its links to Hamas.

Canary Wharf Group (CWG) secured hundreds of millions of pounds in extra financing from Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund and its Canadian co-owner on Wednesday as the landlord struggles with high vacancy rates.

The Gulf sheikhdom’s sovereign wealth fund, together with Brookfield Asset Management, committed £400m in equity and credit to shore up the business.

The finance injection comes as Rishi Sunak faces calls to impose sanctions on Qatar for continuing to host the Hamas leaders who directed the deadly attack on Israel earlier this month.

The former Qatari prime minister, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, has previously been accused of anti-Semitism by the Middle East Media Research Institute after he reportedly told a Kuwaiti newspaper: “Imagine oil [was sold] by some Jews…what would be the price of a barrel of oil?” » | Gareth Corfield \ Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Islam is an existential threat to the West. There is absolutely no doubt about it. The West will never be able to co-exist with Islam. One side will inevitably get the upper hand eventually.

When I say this, I am not being belligerent; rather, I am being truthful and prudent.

The West thinks it has the upper hand because of its advanced science and technology. It doesn’t. Disabuse yourselves of that notion! In many ways, it is Islam that has the upper hand; and for three main reasons: Sheer numbers and high birthrates; Islam’s commitment to the Islamization of the world. (When they say that the whole world belongs to Allah, they mean it. They are serious. Very serious. Damn serious!); and the West’s greed. The West’s insatiable appetite for profit. There is no end to the greed of corporations. CEOs and boards of directors would sell their own grandmothers for a few extra million. There isn’t enough money to be had for the blackguards.

Contrast this despicable behaviour with the nobler and cleverer behaviour and attitudes of Muslims in high places. They never sell-off their own assets and, further, they buy up key businesses in the West. This empowers the Ummah, the community of Muslims worldwide, and , of course, it empowers the ruling class in the Gulf; and such purchases pad out even more their coffers. Western suckers are only too willing to oblige.

Only today, it is being reported that the Telegraph, the very newspaper from which the above article is sourced, could be sold to Qatari investors. Imagine how much power the Islamic world will then wield over Britain’s ability to disseminate truth and write stories in an unbiassed way! This sort of thing is happening today right across the West. Politicians are only too willing to sanction these purchases for a few backhanders. The little people have little hope.

Never forget the old adage: ‘He who pays the piper calls the tune.’ – © Mark Alexander

Cash from Qatar? European Parliament Rocked by Corruption Scandal • FRANCE 24 English

Dec 12, 2022 | Just when the on-field drama of the football finally seemed to be eclipsing all else coming out of Qatar, the World Cup hosts back in the headlines for all the wrong reasons: Doha denies any part in the piles of cash uncovered by Belgian police or the arrests that include a vice-president of the European parliament. The greasing of the wheels came as the EU started to ponder visa-free travel to Qatari citizens. Why would the Gulf emirate even want the waiver?

Eva Kaili Removed from Office after Corruption Allegations | DW News

Dec 13, 2022 | An overwhelming majority of European Parliament members voted to strip Eva Kaili of her position as the body's vice president on Tuesday. The motion to end her term early was backed by 625 MEPs, while one voted against and two abstained. A two-thirds majority was required for her to cease being one of the body's 14 vice presidents. The 44-year-old Greek Social Democrat was arrested in Belgium on Friday over allegations she was part of a group accepting bribes from Qatar in exchange for promoting policies friendly to the Gulf state.

Related links here, here and here.

Greek MEP Stripped of EU Vice-President Role amid Qatar Scandal

THE GUARDIAN: Parliament’s senior leaders agree to remove Eva Kaili, a decision that will later be voted on by all 705 MEPs

Eva Kaili is one of four people charged but has not been officially named. Photograph: Eric Vidal/European parliament/AFP/Getty Images
The European parliament has voted to strip a Greek MEP implicated in a bribery and corruption scandal of her role as one of the body’s vice-presidents.

MEPs voted by 625 votes to one against, with two abstentions, to remove Eva Kaili as one of the parliament’s 14 vice-presidents, following a decision in favour of the move by the assembly’s senior leaders.

“The group chairs in the European parliament unanimously voted for the removal of vice-president Kaili” tweeted the German MEP Terry Reintke, co-president of the Green group, ahead of the vote. “We also agreed to a full inquiry into the matter and taking further preventative measures.” » | Jennifer Rankin in Brussels and Helena Smith in Athens | Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Qatar Bribery Probe Rocks EU Parliament | DW News

Dec 12, 2022 | A vice president of the European Parliament has been charged with corruption over allegations that World Cup host Qatar paid huge bribes to influence EU policy. Eva Kaili has been stripped of her powers after investigators reportedly found bags of cash in her home. She's one of four people arrested so far in connection with the scandal.

Une eurodéputée accusée d’avoir reçu des valises de billets du Qatar

Dec 12, 2022 | Dans une intervention devant les députés le 20 novembre 2022, la vice-présidente du Parlement européen défendait vigoureusement le Qatar. Elle a depuis été incarcérée en Belgique pour corruption et est soupçonnée d’avoir reçu de l’argent de la part de l’émirat.

Elle vantait un pays « à la pointe en matière de droits du travail, abolissant la kafala [un système de tutelle des employeurs sur les travailleurs] ». Des ONG alertent pourtant depuis plusieurs années sur la situation des travailleurs migrants au Qatar. Le 2 novembre dernier, le ministre du travail qatari, Ali Ben Samikh Al-Marri, avait rejeté l’appel de plusieurs ONG à créer un fonds d’indemnisation pour les travailleurs migrants tués ou blessés sur les chantiers de construction des infrastructures du tournoi, dénonçant un « coup de communication ».

Dimanche, les enquêteurs ont saisi plusieurs centaines de milliers d’euros chez Eva Kaili et son compagnon et assistant parlementaire, Pier Antonio Panzeri.

What Does the Case Say about the European Parliament At Large? | DW News

Dec 11, 2022 | Four people who have been arrested by Belgian police as part of a corruption investigation involving the EU Parliament have now been charged with criminal offenses. These include: participating in a criminal organization, corruption and money laundering. In total, six people have been arrested, including MEP Eva Kaili who was a Vice President of the Parliament.

Qatar’s World Cup Showcases Renewed Ties With Saudi Arabia, but Scars Remain

THE NEW YORK TIMES: The Gulf neighbors were split for years in a bitter regional dispute. Now, the glare of attention provided by the soccer tournament is highlighting their complicated reunion.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia and Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, on the sidelines of the World Cup in Doha, Qatar. | Qatar News Agency
AL-AHSA, Saudi Arabia — There used to be so many Qataris in the bazaar in the Saudi oasis of Al-Ahsa, hunting for deals on spices and sandals, that some merchants called it “the Qatar market.” Qataris would cross the border and drive 100 miles through the desert to reach the towns of Al-Ahsa, loading their SUVs with sacks of flour, dining in the restaurants and filling the hotels.

Then came “the crisis,” as people at the market call it. Saudi Arabia, along with Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, severed ties with Qatar in 2017 and effectively isolated the tiny country, accusing its government of supporting terrorism and meddling in their internal affairs. Qatari officials denied the allegations and accused Saudi Arabia and the other countries of creating a “blockade” against their nation. Saudi Arabia closed the border — Qatar’s only land border — and Qatari business in Al-Ahsa withered.

Few people felt more relief than the merchants in Al-Ahsa when the split ended last year, as Saudi officials moved to resolve conflicts abroad that had become costly and contentious. Last week, Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia clasped hands and grinned at the opening ceremony of the soccer World Cup in Qatar, showing off the repair of a rift that reshaped the Gulf. » | Vivian Nereim | Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Hear from US Journalist Who Was Detained for Wearing a Rainbow Shirt in Qatar

Nov 22, 2022 | CNN's Poppy Harlow, Don Lemon, and Kaitlan Collins speak to journalist Grant Wahl who was temporarily detained by security for wearing a rainbow shirt while covering the World Cup in Qatar.

What Are the Costs and Consequences of the Qatar World Cup? | DW Business Special

Nov 26, 2022 | 2022 World Cup host Qatar is throwing crazy sums of money at the premier men’s football event, to make the small emirate look progressive. That won’t just benefit its rulers, but also Western economies, in justifying their business ties with the rich energy producer. Ben Fajzullin talks about the costs and consequences with David Conn, Investigations Correspondent at The Guardian.

OneLove Bands and Plastic Swords: What’s Banned at Qatar World Cup

THE GUARDIAN: ‘Crusader’ costumes are the latest reported addition to the list of items unwelcome at the tournament

Belgium fans wearing rainbow T-shirts at their team’s opening match against Canada at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Doha on Wednesday. Photograph: Martin Meissner/AP
If you’re on your way to Qatar and looking forward to strolling up to Al Bayt

Stadium in a bikini with a plastic sword in hand, OneLove band on your arm, rainbow hat on your head and a pint in your hand, you’re going to be disappointed.

The list of items banned at the World Cup continues to grow, most recently with reports that England fans have been told not to wear “crusader” costumes, occasionally favoured by middle-aged white men as misguided-at-best clothing for international matches.

Here we take a look at the items banned in Qatar so far. » | Jamie Grierson | Friday, November 25, 2022