Bulwark Takes Trump Team Caught Flat-Footed by Israeli Strike
Sep 9, 2025
Alex Ward, a reporter at the Wall Street Journal, delves into the recent Israeli airstrike in Doha that targeted Hamas officials, leaving U.S. officials in a state of disarray. He analyzes the impact this unprecedented move has on U.S.-Qatar relations and discusses Trump's reaction amidst the chaos. The conversation examines the complexities of diplomacy in the region, especially as Qatar withdraws from its mediating role, and raises essential questions about the effectiveness of U.S. peace diplomacy and the consequences of Israel’s aggressive military tactics.
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Strike Likely Undermined Mediation
- Israeli airstrikes in Doha targeted Hamas political offices but likely missed top leaders and killed lower-level members.
- The strike risks derailing Qatar's mediation role and complicating US-brokered ceasefire efforts.
Ceasefire Talks Were Stalled And Fragmented
- There was intense but inconclusive negotiating for a ceasefire since March, with both Israel and Hamas blaming each other for stalls.
- No clear deal had been reached, so the war continued amid fits and starts of diplomacy.
Public Peace Rhetoric, Limited Pressure
- The Trump administration publicly calls for peace but has limited evident leverage applied to restrain Israel.
- Comparing Biden and Trump, both face constraints in pressuring Israel despite expressing desire for an end to the war.