In a recent interview, Daniel Pipes offers grudging admiration for Qatar’s ability to “acquire influence at the highest levels”—to the detriment of all who fall under its spell, including the Trump administration and Benjamin Netanyahu. On the latter, Lazar Berman takes a deep dive into “Qatargate” in Israel and finds the only winners to be Israel’s enemies. Those now include the growing population of Islamists in India, who may target Israelis and Jews in that land.

We then turn to Iran, warning that any deal with Tehran that doesn’t include rights for the country’s many minorities will only worsen oppression at home and destabilize the region. Michael Rubin argues that a key point of consensus for Iranians is their disdain for the Mujahedin-e-Khalq Organization—known for attacking its opponents more vehemently than it attacks Supreme Leader Khamenei. Finally, we’re reminded that, for all the brutality of the regime in Tehran, encouraging ethnic separatism plays into the Islamic Republic’s hands.

Qatar, A Skilled Enemy: Interview with Daniel Pipes

The Qatar Investment Authority's $623 million purchase of the Park Lane Hotel from President Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff reveals Qatar's aggressive strategy to extend its influence.

Why it matters: Qatar is not just flexing its financial muscle but strategically embedding itself in global power networks.

The big picture: Qatar, with its vast gas reserves, has cleverly transformed itself into a geopolitical heavyweight, wielding influence in unexpected quarters.

Yes, but: Qatar’s clever use of its money to further Wahhabi goals makes it, along with Türkiye and Iran, the world’s foremost promoter of Islamism and jihad.

Israel vs. Hamas: Two major developments have impeded Israel from winning: its hostages and Hamas’s allies.

To read the full article, click here.

It’s Too Early to Know How Deep Qatargate Goes, but It’s Time to Ask Tough Questions

The Qatargate scandal unveils more than just a diplomatic faux pas; it exposes Qatar's insidious reach into Israel's political and strategic domains.

Why it matters: The scandal jeopardizes the integrity of Israel's security policies and hostage negotiations, potentially compromising national interests.

The big picture: Despite its facade as a mediator, Qatar's history of supporting Islamists reveals a calculated strategy to manipulate geopolitical outcomes.

Yes, but: The scandal further strains Israel-Egypt relations, pivotal for regional security.

To read the full article, click here.

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This conference will gather leading experts and policymakers to discuss the most urgent and complex issues shaping the future of the Middle East. This extraordinary event is poised to be the premier Middle East policy gathering in D.C. this year, offering unparalleled insights, networking, and strategic guidance.

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Could Palestinian Terrorism Target Israelis and Jews in India?

Anti-Israel protests during Eid in India highlight the escalating radicalization among Indian Muslims, influenced by external actors.

Why it matters: The radicalization poses a severe security threat to Israeli nationals and interests in India, as extremist sentiments grow.

The big picture: India's security forces face challenges in countering these threats due to limited surveillance capabilities and the vastness of the country.

Yes, but: The influence of global Islamist actors like Turkey and Qatar exacerbates the situation, as they support radical elements within India.

To read the full article, click here.

Who Truly Benefits from a New U.S.-Iran Nukes Deal?

President Trump's nuclear deal proposal to Iran faces outright rejection from Supreme Leader Khamenei, who labels it a "deception of public opinion."

Why it matters: Iran's regime has a history of strategic deceit, often capitulating under pressure, yet exploiting deals to strengthen its oppressive apparatus.

The stakes: Ignoring human rights in a new deal would devastate Iran's minorities, including Kurds, Balochs, and Arabs, entrenching systematic persecution and economic disenfranchisement.

What's next: Ultimately, the goal of any nuclear deal should be to create conditions that empower the people of Iran to pursue democratic aspirations.

To read the full article, click here.

Mujahedin-e Khalq’s Tactics Undermine Iranian Regime Change

For over 45 years, the Iranian people have been shackled by a brutal clerical dictatorship responsible for terror and death across the region.

Why it matters: The regime, a terrorist state, enjoys more support among Western "useful idiots" than from its oppressed citizens.

The stakes: Iranians do not want external regime change, as they are determined to secure their freedom and unity independently.

What's next: Iranians are resolute in their pursuit of democracy, wary of false promises from groups like the MKO that undermine grassroots opposition.

To read the full article, click here.

Are Iran’s Azeris Really Separatists?

Iran, one of the most ethnically diverse countries globally, is home to Persians, Azeris, Kurds, Baluch, Arabs, and more. This diversity defies simplistic Western interpretations.

Why it matters: It is a mistake, however, to interpret ethnicity in Iran the same way as in the United States or Europe.

The big picture: Iranian nationalism is far more inclusive than perceived, with minority groups often rallying for unity rather than division.

Yes, but: Ethnic grievances persist, especially under Tehran's oppressive regime, which manipulates ethnic tensions to maintain control.

To read the full article, click here.

Sam Westrop: How USAID Helps Finance Islamist Terror

#USAID has been engaged in recent years in financing Islamic terrorist organizations. A report by the Middle East Forum documents $122 million in taxpayer funds reaching extremist groups. This report has been reviewed and heard by the House DOGE subcommittee and is now under investigation for potential criminal referrals. The findings challenge long held assumptions about oversight and accountability in U.S. foreign aid. How did this happen? Was it negligence, incompetence, or something more? As investigations unfold, serious questions remain. Who is responsible? Will there be consequences? And what does this mean for the future of American aid policy?

Sam Westrop has been the head of Islamist Watch at Middle East Forum since March 2017. Prior to this he was research director at Americans for Peace and Tolerance (APT), and ran Stand for Peace, a London-based counter-extremism organization monitoring Islamist activity in the U.K. His writings have appeared at National Review, National Post, and The Hill, and he has appeared on many television and radio stations, including BBC, Al Jazeera, and Newsmax.

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Winfield Myers
Managing Editor, Middle East Forum
Director, Campus Watch