Episode 12: How Qatar gets a free pass for Islamist radicalism, a conversation with Dr. Jonathan Schanzer
May 2, 2025
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In a compelling discussion, Dr. Jonathan Schanzer, an expert in terror financing and Middle Eastern politics, reveals how Qatar wields its considerable wealth to influence both regional dynamics and American academia. He highlights Qatar’s crucial role in funding Hamas and the unsettling impact of its donations to elite universities, driving radicalization. Schanzer also debates whether the Trump administration can hold this small yet powerful nation accountable for its actions, raising larger questions about foreign influence and U.S. policy.
Qatar wields immense financial power due to its natural gas reserves, influencing both local and international politics despite its small population.
The country's substantial support for Islamist movements, particularly Hamas, has exacerbated tensions and destabilization across the Middle East.
Qatar's multi-billion dollar investments in American universities raise concerns regarding ideological shifts and the potential marginalization of dissenting voices in academia.
Deep dives
The Financial Power of Qatar
Qatar's financial influence is substantial despite its small population, controlling a significant portion of the world's energy resources. With around 330,000 citizens, Qatar uses its wealth to acquire influence through legitimate investments like sports teams and high-profile properties. However, it also channels funds towards supporting terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Taliban, making it a focal point in global discussions about terror financing. This duality raises concerns about Qatar's intentions and the implications of its financial activities on a global scale.
Qatar's Role in Political Islam
Since around 2009, Qatar has positioned itself as a leading supporter of political Islam and the Muslim Brotherhood, influencing various Islamist movements across the Middle East. Their financial backing has contributed to the rise of Islamist factions not only in Gaza but also in countries experiencing political upheaval, such as Libya and Egypt. This active involvement has fostered destabilization in the region, as Qatar's aims conflict with those of other Arab states that prefer to keep religion and politics separate. The potential consequences of this sustained support include increasing tensions and conflict across the Arab world.
Qatari Influence in U.S. Higher Education
Qatar's significant financial investments in American higher education raise questions about the potential influence on university policy and ideological direction. With estimates suggesting they have contributed between $7 to $20 billion, their funds have expanded university endowments but may also facilitate ideological shifts toward anti-Western sentiments among faculty and students. Critics argue that this financial model undermines traditional checks and balances from alumni donors who previously shaped academic priorities. The influx of Qatari money could be seen as contributing to a monoculture within academia, wherein dissenting voices are marginalized.
Challenges in U.S.-Qatar Relations
Despite the concerns surrounding Qatari financial practices, the U.S. government has often treated Qatar as a non-adversary, creating a complex dynamic in foreign relations. Political ties are underpinned by Qatar's role as a host for U.S. military operations, which complicates the scrutiny of their financial dealings. The challenge lies in addressing Qatari funding without disrupting these strategic military partnerships or declaring Qatar an adversary. Critics emphasize the need for greater transparency regarding Qatari investments, particularly in sectors like education, to safeguard against foreign influence that may conflict with national interests.
The Implications of Qatari Support for Terrorism
Qatar's financial support for groups like Hamas and the Taliban has positioned it as a key player in facilitating terrorism within the region. Despite official narratives that categorize this funding as humanitarian assistance, it effectively strengthens militant factions that oppose U.S. interests. The interplay of Qatari funding with escalating conflicts, particularly the events following October 7, underscores the potential dangers of such financial relationships. As public awareness grows around these issues, there are calls to reassess the implications of accepting foreign funds in both American education and broader national security contexts.
Qatar has just 330,000 citizens but controls vast wealth due to its plentiful natural gas. It has used that wealth to support radical and violent terrorist groups and regimes throughout the Middle East and to wield enormous influence in the West, including among American politicians and universities.In today's episode, I asked Dr. Jonathan Schanzer, executive director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and host of its Morning Brief podcast, if Qatar really is as bad as Israelis think, and if so, what should be done about it.We discuss Doha's ideological commitments and central role in building Hamas into an organization capable of carrying out the October 7 massacre; how its immense donations to elite American universities helped drive radicalization on campus; and whether the Trump administration is able or willing to hold the Qataris to account.Today’s episode is sponsored by Sapir, the quarterly journal edited by Pulitzer-prize-winning commentator Bret Stephens. If you’re in the US, you can get this wonderful journal of ideas sent to you absolutely free by going to http://sapirjournal.org/AskHaviv. Please use the link. It helps the podcast.On May 15, Sapir are initiating the Sapir Debates, a series of live debates on issues facing the Jewish people. The first debate will take place at 92NY on May 15 at 7 pm. Former Obama chief of staff and Chicago mayor Rahm Emmanuel and former Trump special envoy to the Middle East Jason Greenblatt will debate the topic: “Is Donald Trump good for the Jews?”To purchase tickets to the inaugural Sapir debate, go to http://sapirjournal.org/sapirdebate.Please join me on Patreon to support this project: www.patreon.com/AskHavivAnything If you would like to sponsor an episode, please email us at haviv@askhavivanything.com.A podcast by Haviv Rettig Gur
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