Ask Haviv Anything Episode 12: How Qatar gets a free pass for Islamist radicalism, a conversation with Dr. Jonathan Schanzer
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May 2, 2025 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.
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Qatar's Immense Wealth and Influence
- Qatar is a tiny country with immense wealth from energy resources, controlling about 10-12% of the world's energy.
- Despite its size, Qatar uses its wealth to gain global influence, including buying legitimate assets and funding terrorism.
Qatar's Islamist Ideological Commitment
- Qatar actively promotes political Islam and was the top financier of the Muslim Brotherhood worldwide after 2011.
- It supports Islamist movements in Gaza, Egypt, Libya, and Syria to destabilize the region and spread its ideology.
Qatar's Influence on US Academia
- Qatar spends tens of billions on US higher education, significantly influencing campuses and administration complacency.
- Their funds have softened the ground for anti-Israel and anti-Semitic sentiments in some academic environments.