Economist Podcasts Strikes’ price: Israel’s shocking Doha attack
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Sep 10, 2025 
Greg Karlstrom, the Middle East correspondent for The Economist, and Annie Crable, the news editor, dive into Israel's unexpected airstrikes on Hamas in Doha, unraveling the ramifications for Qatar’s reputation as a peace mediator. They discuss the skepticism surrounding Gaza peace talks and the potential withdrawal of Qatar. The conversation also touches on climate-related challenges affecting cocoa production, prompting chocolate companies to innovate. Lastly, they analyze a decline in U.S. international tourism, notably from Canada, and its broader economic impacts.
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Doha Strike Shatters Mediator Status
- Israel carried out an unprecedented airstrike in Doha against senior Hamas figures, breaking a long-standing regional taboo.
- The strike undermines Qatar's role as a safe mediator and complicates ongoing ceasefire talks.
Targets Unclear, Casualties Raise Stakes
- Israel targeted Hamas negotiators who had gathered in Doha, though it has not confirmed who was killed.
- Hamas reported several deaths and at least one Qatari security officer was killed, increasing diplomatic fallout.
Qatar's Long-Tolerated Role Now Questioned
- Qatar had long hosted Hamas leaders and served as a U.S.-backed conduit for talks, making it previously off-limits.
- The attack signals a recalculation by Israel about targeting Hamas even within U.S. partners' territory.