Reports indicate that Qatar has allegedly sent over $20 billion to American universities and prestigious institutions, part of a long-term strategy by the Muslim Brotherhood to penetrate the U.S. and undermine democracy. A prominent research organization has suggested that the actual amount might be even more staggering.
The Qatar Foundation, backed by the ruling al-Thani family, is reportedly investing significant funds into educational institutions aimed at promoting Sunni Muslim agendas, according to findings from the Global Institute for the Study of Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP).
Dr. Charles Asher Small, Executive Director of ISGAP, pointed out that due to the Qatari royal family’s loyalties to the Muslim Brotherhood, they’ve been leveraging their financial and cultural influence to channel billions into universities, K-12 schools, and other cultural establishments to spread their ideology.
Small alleges that the financial records revealed by ISGAP indicate a remarkable $10 billion contribution to Cornell University alone, though smaller sums have been allocated to institutions like Georgetown, Texas A&M, and Brown University.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” Small remarked about the enormous figure, suggesting that the total could climb to at least $100 billion, noting that ISGAP has only examined a fraction of the universities.
Cornell University has reportedly received funding to operate its medical school in Qatar, producing around 600 graduates from various countries in Asia and the Middle East. However, a spokesperson emphasized that the funding “remains in Qatar.”
The spokesperson further elaborated that the yearly budget for Qatar’s medical schools is about $156 million from 2012 to 2025, amounting to $2.2 billion, with most funds retained in Qatar for the operation of Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar.
In contrast, Georgetown University was mentioned as receiving “more than a billion dollars” from Qatar, which has been utilized for programs in social sciences, Middle East studies, and significant diplomatic training initiatives.
“This is a significant investment in soft power,” he added.
No response was received from Georgetown when contacted for comments.
ISGAP’s findings also claim Texas A&M has been granted $1.3 billion from Qatar. Professor Small highlighted an agreement dating back to 2003 between the university and the Qatar Foundation, to finance over 500 research initiatives at its Qatar facility.
According to ISGAP, this contract grants “all intellectual property rights” to the Qatar Foundation, a fact Texas A&M acknowledged in a statement, ensuring faculty would be compensated for their contributions to intellectual property.
Faculty at Texas A&M’s Qatar campus will earn 37.5% of net licensing profits, with the rest split between the Qatar Foundation and the university for research reinvestment.
Among the projects funded, 58 were indicated as “dual-use” with military applications, prompting ISGAP to request investigations from the Energy Department, as stated by Small.
Texas A&M refuted the assertion, stressing that they do not engage in any defense or sensitive research at the Qatar campus, which began shutting down operations last February. At the time, they noted a shift in focus back towards Texas and the U.S. However, Small believes the ISGAP findings touched upon sensitive matters.
ISGAP’s analysis identified the Muslim Student Association (MSA) as a principal avenue for influence within campuses, with chapters present at over 600 schools, including major universities like Columbia and NYU.
The organization accused the MSA of collaborating with Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), claiming that together they have effectively advanced the Brotherhood’s agenda related to the Israeli-Hamas conflict.
A spokeswoman for Columbia stated that the school maintains a strict no-tolerance policy for any incitement of violence or terrorism when asked about potential investigations into their MSA chapter.
The Qatar Foundation International has been involved in initiatives like the “Arab World” map, which controversially renames Israel as “Palestine,” causing a stir when it was displayed at a Brooklyn school last year.
In their latest report “The Muslim Brotherhood’s Strategic Entryism into Western Societies: A Systematic Analysis,” ISGAP contended that the group has achieved significant milestones in embedding its principles into American society, especially on university campuses. The group advocates for the Brotherhood to be classified as a terrorist organization to hinder perceived threats.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently designated both the Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as terrorist entities.
Representative Elise Stefanik expressed her ongoing support for labeling the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, emphasizing the need for stronger national security measures and protection for higher education.
To mitigate undue external influence, Small stressed the necessity for clearer understanding of adversaries’ mindsets within the U.S.
He cautioned that “American voters, decision makers, and academics need to pay more attention to the importance of ideology,” pointing out that the Brotherhood seeks to weaken the U.S. through division and anti-Semitism.
In closing, Small insisted on the importance of transparency regarding international funding, arguing against accepting money from groups or nations that oppose democratic principles.
He noted with concern the alarming trend among students at leading universities supporting Hamas, calling for urgent reform.
Small condemned the Muslim Brotherhood for its actions against Israel and its broader implications, remarking on the fundamental values such as citizenship and equality that are at stake. He expressed concern that these rights are under threat from ideologies that aim to dismantle democracy.
