President-elect Donald Trump's transition team reportedly suffered diplomatic whiplash. instructed Qatar to recall Hamas leader to Doha. News just last month appeared Qatar claimed it had expelled Hamas after the Biden administration told it the terrorist group's presence “could no longer be tolerated.” The next administration clearly wants to revive Gaza ceasefire negotiations and move them forward quickly.
While an agreement to release the Gaza hostages would be welcomed, the new administration cannot afford to return to the Biden administration's Qatar policy, which treated the emirate as a reliable ally despite its close ties to Hamas. incitement Embroiled in anti-Israel hatred and bribery scheme Involves senior US executives and european officials. President Trump should make clear that Doha will only remain an ally of the United States if it acts as an ally of the United States.
The Biden administration has taken several steps to position Qatar as an A-list ally of the United States. President Biden in January 2022 specified Qatar is a major non-NATO ally, giving Doha “military and economic privileges” not enjoyed by most other countries. The regime strengthened Qatar's position this year when it is recognized The emirate has joined the US Visa Waiver Program, allowing Qatari nationals to travel to the US without a visa for up to 90 days.
Qatar has only 330,000 citizens, but residents of a country that has hosted Hamas for more than a decade should not be given travel privileges.
On the other hand, the Biden administration Extension agreement with Qatar U.S. troops will remain at Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East, southwest of Doha, for another 10 years. And until last month, President Biden worked with a Qatari intermediary to broker a hostage deal in Gaza.
Despite Qatar's repeated We're screwed To exert political and financial influence over Hamas, the Biden administration continues to gush out Regarding Doha's diplomatic operations.
Now is the time for a reset, so Qatar cannot take advantage of America's confidence.
First, Doha must divorce Hamas completely. If a hostage deal is not reached by Inauguration Day, the Trump administration should force Qatar to close Hamas' Doha office and hand over remaining Hamas leaders in the emirate.
If Doha cannot put enough pressure on Hamas, President Trump should also consider stripping Qatar of its status as a major non-NATO ally. of house and senate Already weighing the bill for that.
Al-Udeid is also a source of influence. The Trump administration should keep Saudi Arabia in mind and develop a contingency plan that includes alternatives to al-Udeid. as my colleague recommendTo prevent Qatar from using al-Udeid as a bargaining chip, “Washington should replicate significant military capabilities elsewhere in the region.”
Ann Accompanying report The National Defense Authorization Act of 2025 includes a provision requiring the Secretary of Defense to evaluate “the operational value of Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, given the presence of Hamas and other U.S.-designated terrorist organizations in Qatar.” are.
Next, the Trump administration should force U.S.-based Al Jazeera Plus to register as a foreign agent in Qatar. Al Jazeera Plus is a subsidiary of the state-run Qatar Network. US Department of Justice ordered The network plans to register as a foreign agent in 2020, but is not yet compliant.
Last year, members of Congress pressed Congressional leadership has decided to suspend Al Jazeera Media Network's Capitol Hill reporting status “until the State of Qatar and its propaganda arm agree to comply with the Foreign Agents Registration Act and other U.S. laws.” The new Congress will need to counter that threat.
The Trump administration will also need to assess whether Al Jazeera is a suitable target for sanctions because of its track record of propaganda, incitement to violence, and service to Hamas. iranian and Russia In the United States, state networks are licensed to broadcast propaganda and serve pro-government causes. run by Hamas Al Aqsa TV and run by Hezbollah almanar It has also been designated to assist in terrorist recruitment and fundraising efforts. Al Jazeera should not be given a free pass, as there is precedent for targeting malicious propaganda agencies of foreign governments.
Priority 3 is to assess Qatar's fight against terrorist financing. washington and doha signed A counterterrorism financing agreement was signed in 2017, but In front of you The proportion of Hamas financiers in Qatar as of 2023 suggests that Doha is not fulfilling its commitments. Congress should require the U.S. Government Accountability Office to evaluate the implementation and enforcement of the 2017 agreement.
Finally, the Trump administration must hold Qatar accountable for corruption. U.S. authorities should investigate Qatar's role. corruption case Consider using the Anti-Bribery Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and the Global Magnitsky Act to oust Sen. Robert Menendez (D.N.J.) and investigate and target entities and individuals in Qatar.
The United Nations also needs to settle the bill. Qatar is scheduled to host the 11th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption in December 2025. The request was reportedly made by the Doha side. It decided to host the biennial summit “in view of our ambition to make a permanent contribution to supporting international efforts to combat corruption.”
Qatar bills itself as an anti-corruption fighter, and the United Nations is also cooperating. The Trump administration should keep this in mind as it sets its priorities in Turtle Bay.
When it comes to Qatar, Trump should not pick up where Biden left off. If Doha does not behave like an ally, it should not maintain the privileges it has secured under the current government.
Natalie Ecanou is a senior research analyst. Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
