Arab-Islamic Summit in Qatar Condemns Israeli Aggression, Warns Normalization is "Undermined"

Arab-Islamic Summit in Qatar Condemns Israeli Aggression, Warns Normalization is "Undermined"

    Sunday, September 14, 2025   No comments

Doha, Qatar – A pivotal joint summit of Arab and Islamic nations convened in Doha on Monday under a cloud of heightened urgency, with a draft declaration explicitly condemning recent Israeli aggression against Qatar and warning that Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza has effectively "undermined" all efforts to normalize relations in the region.

The emergency meeting, bringing together leaders and top diplomats, was called in response to what participants describe as an escalating crisis. The discussions are heavily influenced by a recently updated draft communique, seen by Reuters, which delivers a stark assessment of the current situation.

A Direct Threat to Regional Peace

The draft document leaves little room for ambiguity. It states that the recent "Israeli aggression against Qatar," coupled with a continuous series of violations, "constitutes a direct threat to all efforts aimed at normalizing relations with the entity."

It further elaborates that this aggression, along with Israel’s persistent hostile acts—including "genocide, ethnic cleansing, starvation, siege, settlement, and expansionist policies—threatens the prospects for peace and coexistence in the region."

This language represents a significant hardening of stance from many nations, some of whom had been cautiously pursuing closer ties with Israel through the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords. The draft declaration asserts that these Israeli policies "undo all that has been achieved in terms of normalizing relations, whether what has already been accomplished or what is in preparation."

Hamas Calls for Boycott and Isolation

The summit’s agenda was further shaped by a memorandum from Hamas, addressed directly to the foreign ministers gathered in Doha and to international organizations. The Palestinian group highlighted two critical events: the recent attempted assassination of its negotiating delegation in the Qatari capital and the failure of efforts to stop the "genocide" in the Gaza Strip.

In light of these events, Hamas called upon the assembled Arab and Islamic states to take decisive action by imposing a comprehensive political and economic boycott on Israel and working to isolate it on both the regional and international stages.

Context: A Region Under Fire

The summit occurs amidst what the draft describes as an Israeli assault not only on Qatar but on the entire region. The primary focus, however, remains the relentless war on Gaza, which has continued for months, resulting in a devastating toll of hundreds of thousands of martyrs, wounded, detainees, and missing persons.

The meeting in Doha thus transcends a mere diplomatic gathering; it is a response to a profound crisis. The strong language in the draft communique signals a potential strategic shift, moving away from the path of normalization and toward a unified front of condemnation and a demand for accountability, placing the future of regional relations firmly in jeopardy.

Opening remarks by Qatari PM Mohammad bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani at the ministerial meeting in Doha

Ahead of the regional emergency summit on Monday, the Qatari Prime Minister who also met with President Trump earlier said the following (summary of his opening remarks):

“We express our appreciation to the Arab states who condemned this Israeli barbaric attack and their support to the lawful measures we will take to safeguard our sovereignty.”

“Attacking Qatar’s sovereignty is a violation of the UN Charter, namely Article 4, which prohibits the use of force against countries and sovereignty. It is also a flagrant violation of international norms and humanitarian principles. It cannot be an isolated incident that goes unpunished. It must be met with fierce and firm measures.”

 “The inhumane Israeli government has crossed all the red lines. It continues to undermine and destabilize any state in the world and sabotage political efforts that conflict with its agenda or expose its propaganda. That is why we cannot remain silent in the face of this barbaric attack.”

“If we remain silent, we will be faced with an unlimited and countless series of aggressions that will end in total destruction, and no country will be spared.”

“It is time for the international community to abandon double standards and hold Israel accountable for all the crimes it has perpetrated. Israel must know that the continued genocidal war against the Palestinian people, aiming at forcibly transferring them from their homeland, cannot succeed no matter what false justification is provided.”

“The Israeli government continues to reject proposal after proposal, intentionally widening the circle of war and placing the region’s peoples, including their own, at grave risk. This region cannot enjoy peace, stability, or security, nor its peoples justice, without the Palestinians restoring their rights and establishing their independent state on the 1967 borders.”

 “We in the State of Qatar reiterate that moderation as a means for amicable settlement is not merely an obligation but an ethical responsibility deeply rooted in our philosophy. Just and lasting peace is our strategic choice.”

“Israeli barbaric practices and arrogance will not prevent us from continuing to cooperate with our partners in Egypt to bring this unjust, unlawful war to an end.”

 “It is no secret that last Thursday we stood before the Security Council to condemn the Israeli attack on Qatar, and we appreciate the solidarity expressed by states worldwide, as well as the statement issued by the Council.”

“Today, we must take harsh measures to put an end to Israel’s arrogance and its continued violations of international law and countless crimes carried out under the cover of the international community.”

“It is with pleasure that I welcome you to your second homeland, the State of Qatar, and express our full appreciation for your participation in this emergency Arab and Islamic summit convened following the treacherous Israeli aggression of September 9.”

Amidst Summit, U.S. Diplomatic Visit to Israel Sends Mixed Signals

As Arab and Islamic leaders gathered in Doha, a parallel diplomatic mission unfolded in Israel, highlighting the complex international dimensions of the crisis. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio embarked on a visit to Israel, a move intensely analyzed for its timing and message amidst the fallout from the attack on Qatar and the ongoing war in Gaza.

Israeli analyses, as reported, described the visit as a critical test for U.S.-Israel relations, questioning the level of security coordination and the limits of public American support for Israeli operations. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu portrayed the visit as "proof of the strength of the relationship with the United States," commentators suggested a more nuanced reality.

According to Israeli political analysts, Secretary Rubio’s mission conveyed a "mix of reassurance and pressure":

On Gaza: The visit aimed to discuss post-war arrangements, revealing a continuing gap between Israel’s vision of complete security control and the U.S. preference for solutions that open the door to broader regional deals.

On the Qatar Attack: The visit underscored Washington's embarrassment. While reaffirming strong ties, reports indicated dissatisfaction within the Trump administration with the operation, exposing the limits of U.S. support when Israeli actions directly conflict with American interests, such as the stability of a key Gulf mediator like Qatar.

On Palestinian Statehood: The visit confirmed the U.S. commitment to thwarting international efforts to recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly. However, analysts warned that American support alone may not be enough to stem the growing European momentum. 

Israeli Airstrike in Doha Sparks Global Condemnation and Regional Upheaval

Israeli Airstrike in Doha Sparks Global Condemnation and Regional Upheaval

    Wednesday, September 10, 2025   No comments

DOHA, QATAR – In a dramatic and unprecedented escalation that has sent shockwaves across the Middle East and the world, Israel launched a military strike on the capital of Qatar yesterday, targeting and killing senior leaders of the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The attack, which violated the airspace of multiple sovereign nations, has been universally condemned as a severe breach of international law and has critically damaged diplomatic efforts to end the war in Gaza, potentially signaling a major realignment of global power in the region.

The operation, codenamed "Summit of Fire" by the Israeli military, saw warplanes travel approximately 1,800 kilometers to reach Doha. According to reports from Arab media outlets, the Israeli Air Force breached the airspace of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Syria to reach its target. Once over the Qatari capital, the jets fired missiles at a residential compound housing members of Hamas's political bureau, who were in the country for talks. A Qatari security official was also reported killed in the attack.

The timing of the strike is seen by many observers as highly significant. It came just one day after the US President publicly issued a new proposal for a Gaza ceasefire deal, urging Hamas to accept it or "face consequences." With top Hamas leadership gathered in Doha—a key mediator throughout the conflict—to discuss the very proposal, the Israeli attack has led to widespread accusations that the diplomatic effort was a trap designed to eliminate the group's leadership in one fell swoop.

"This, as many observers noted, suggested that it might have been a trap to kill all Hamas top leadership, and that destroys US credibility as an honest broker of deals for peace," a point echoed by numerous diplomatic sources. The incident has placed the United States in a deeply awkward position, raising serious questions about its foreknowledge and role in the event.

Further intensifying the crisis is the glaring question of the massive US military presence in Qatar. Al-Udeid Air Base, the largest US military installation in the Middle East, houses advanced defense systems. The failure of these systems to intercept the Israeli aircraft or to provide Qatar with an early warning has sparked a crisis of confidence in Doha.

"The US not to use those defense resources to defend Qatar or at least warn it, suggests that US presence in Qatar is useless and does not provide any protection to Qatar," a consensus view emerging in the region. This perception was seemingly acknowledged by the US administration itself, with the President announcing he had ordered the State Department to finalize a new strategic defense deal with Qatar, an move interpreted as damage control for a severely weakened alliance.

The strategic ramifications are immediate. Global powers Russia and China were swift and forceful in their condemnation. They warned of a dangerous escalation and accused Israel of deliberately sabotaging peace negotiations. Analysts suggest that Qatar, now questioning the value of its US security umbrella, may rapidly pivot towards Moscow and Beijing for advanced defense systems, a move that would fundamentally alter the security architecture of the Gulf and could spell the end of the US military footprint in Qatar.

The attack also strains relations within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which promises collective security to its members. By violating the airspace of fellow GCC member Saudi Arabia to attack another member state, Israel has placed these US-allied nations in a difficult position, forcing them to confront a blatant violation of their sovereignty.

Global Outcry and Condemnation

The international response was swift and severe:

• United Nations: Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack "without ambiguity," calling it a "flagrant violation of the sovereignty of Qatar" and a blow to mediation efforts.

• Russia: Its foreign ministry stated the attack aimed to "undermine international efforts to reach a peaceful settlement in the Middle East."

• China: Expressed "strong dissatisfaction with the deliberate sabotage of the Gaza ceasefire negotiations" and urged major countries to play a "constructive role in easing regional tensions."

• European Union: Denounced the strike as a "violation of international law" and a "serious threat that could further escalate violence in the region."

• Turkey: President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan decried the "reckless Netanyahu government" for its actions.

• Organization of Islamic Cooperation: Denounced the aggression "in the strongest terms."

Qatar issued a furious statement, vowing it "would not tolerate this reckless Israeli behavior" and emphasizing that the "criminal assault is a violation of all international laws and a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents."

The strike marks a dangerous new chapter in the Gaza conflict, moving the battlefield into the heart of a mediator's capital and risking a much broader regional war. It has not only targeted Hamas leadership but has also severely damaged America's standing as a security partner and honest broker, potentially creating a vacuum that rivals Russia and China are poised to fill.

  

President Trump: " Israel's lobby had total control over Congress"

President Trump: " Israel's lobby had total control over Congress"

    Tuesday, September 02, 2025   No comments

In the intricate theater of American politics, where influence is currency and loyalty is a commodity, few topics are as potent or as perilous to discuss openly as the role of foreign lobbying. That taboo was shattered once again this week when President Donald Trump, in a wide-ranging interview with The Daily Caller, made a blunt assertion that has sent ripples through the foreign policy establishment.

"Israel was the strongest lobby I’ve ever seen," Trump stated. "They had total control over Congress."

This stark declaration, from a man who proudly moved the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and brokered the Abraham Accords, is more than just a soundbite. It is a rare, public admission from the commander-in-chief that reignites a long-simmering debate about the power of pro-Israel advocacy groups, their strategic influence on U.S. policy, and the line between support for an ally and "total control."

Trump’s remark did not come in a vacuum. It was part of a broader reflection on his presidency and his relationships—and friction—with various power centers. While he praised his administration's pro-Israel achievements, his comment about the lobby appears to stem from his perception of political pressure, particularly from groups that he felt were insufficiently loyal or critical of his specific policies.

This aligns with a recurring theme in Trump's political narrative: his self-styled image as a Washington outsider battling entrenched interests. By claiming that AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) and similar organizations wield "total control," he frames his own actions not as capitulation to this influence, but as independent decisions made in the face of it.

Decoding "Total Control"

What does "total control" mean in practice? Political scientists and insiders argue it is less about sinister puppetry and more about a highly effective, sophisticated advocacy ecosystem that has been built over decades. This system encompasses:

• AIPAC: The most well-known and powerful pro-Israel lobbying group, renowned for its bipartisan approach, extensive fundraising network, and deep relationships on Capitol Hill.

• PAC Fundraising: Associated political action committees donate millions to the campaigns of both Democratic and Republican candidates who align with their policy goals.

• Grassroots Mobilization: A network of local chapters that can activate constituents to contact their representatives on key votes, such as military aid packages or Iran sanctions.

• Discourse Shaping: Efforts to influence think tanks, media commentary, and academic circles to align with a pro-Israel perspective.

The result is a political environment where unwavering support for Israel is often the default, bipartisan position. Voting against aid to Israel or criticizing its government’s actions is frequently seen as a significant political risk, a testament to the lobby's perceived power to reward friends and punish foes.

   

The Unraveling: How a Scholars' Resolution on Gaza Shatters the West's Most Potent Weapon

The Unraveling: How a Scholars' Resolution on Gaza Shatters the West's Most Potent Weapon

    Monday, September 01, 2025   No comments

For decades, the cornerstone of Western foreign policy influence has not been its fleets or its fighter jets, but its moral authority. The powerful, unspoken currency of human rights has been wielded to sanction adversaries, justify interventions, and command the high ground in the court of global public opinion. This instrument has been more effective than any military division. Now, that very weapon is being turned against its creators, and a recent, seismic declaration by the world’s foremost experts on mass atrocity has just loaded the chamber.

The International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS), the preeminent body of academics who dedicate their lives to studying the darkest chapters of human history, has issued a resolution that is not merely a condemnation; it is a historical and legal thunderclap. After extensive investigation, they have declared unequivocally that “Israel’s policies and actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide.”

This is not a partisan statement from a activist group. This is a verdict from the scholars of genocide. They base their conclusion on the same United Nations Convention crafted in the wake of the Holocaust—a convention Western governments claim to uphold as sacrosanct.

The resolution is chilling in its clarity and its sourcing. It acknowledges the exhaustive work of the world’s most respected human rights organizations—Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Forensic Architecture, Physicians for Human Rights—alongside Israeli, Palestinian, and Jewish experts who have all reached the same horrifying conclusion. This collective, evidence-based judgment creates an irrefutable consensus that can no longer be dismissed as rhetoric or bias.

For Western governments in Washington, London, Berlin, and elsewhere, this resolution must sound an ear-splitting alarm. Their strategy has been a three-pronged denial: dismiss the evidence, attack the messengers as antisemitic, and hide behind a fog of procedural delays in international courts. The IAGS resolution eviscerates that strategy.

It represents the crystallization of a factual record before the legal process even concludes. It preemptively validates the anticipated rulings from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC). When these courts eventually rule—likely finding Israel in breach of the Genocide Convention and its leaders culpable for war crimes—it will not be seen as a novel judgment. It will be seen as the inevitable legal confirmation of what the world’s leading experts had already established. And then, the spotlight will swing irrevocably from the perpetrator to the enablers.

This is where the true danger lies for Western capitals—a danger far more profound and lasting than any conventional military threat from Russia or China. Why? Because those are external threats that can be met with traditional power. This is an internal collapse of the very architecture of their global influence.

For years, China and Russia have been accused of horrific human rights abuses. The West’s response has been to weaponize human rights norms to sanction them, isolate them, and paint them as pariahs against a “rules-based international order.” That order, we were told, was upheld by the West.

Now, that weapon is in the hands of the Global South and the West’s geopolitical rivals. The charge will not be mere hypocrisy—a charge that is easy to brush off. The charge will be complicity in genocide.

How does the West sanction China for its treatment of the Uyghurs when it is found to have armed, funded, and diplomatically shielded a nation committing genocide? How does it condemn Russia for its actions in Ukraine while standing accused of enabling a comparable atrocity? The answer is: it cannot. Its moral authority evaporates overnight. The “rules-based order” is exposed not as a principle, but as a selectively applied tool of power.

Human rights norms are universal. The West’s abandonment of them does not make the norms less valid; it makes the West weaker. It relinquishes the moral high ground, the most valuable real estate in international relations. It creates a vacuum that other powers, with vastly different values, will be all too eager to fill.

The IAGS resolution is the tipping point. It is the definitive, expert-led document that will be cited for generations as the moment the evidence became undeniable. Western governments are now on the wrong side of history, not of a conflict, but of a genocide. They have bet that their power could insulate them from the very laws they created. They are about to lose that bet. And in doing so, they will discover that the most powerful army in the world is no match for the weight of a universal truth, finally and irrevocably acknowledged.

Media Review: Shifting Public Opinion and Israel’s Media Suppression Amid Gaza’s Devastation

Media Review: Shifting Public Opinion and Israel’s Media Suppression Amid Gaza’s Devastation

    Wednesday, July 30, 2025   No comments

USA, again, alone, vetoes Gaza ceasefire resolution

USA, again, alone, vetoes Gaza ceasefire resolution

    Wednesday, June 04, 2025   No comments

A draft resolution calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza failed to pass in the UN Security Council on Wednesday after the United States, again, cast its veto – blocking the initiative backed by all ten elected members of the Council.

The text, co-sponsored by Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Somalia – collectively known as the E-10 – received 14 votes in favour, with the US casting the lone vote against.

As one of the council’s five permanent members, the US holds veto power – a negative vote that automatically blocks any resolution from going forward.

Had it been adopted, the draft would have demanded “an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza” to be respected by all parties.US has opposed all UNSC resulutions that could have brought an end to the carnage in Gaza.

 Russia’s UN envoy, Vasily Nebenzya, made it clear during a Security Council session: the world can now see who genuinely wants peace, and who continues to exploit global crises for geopolitical games.

His statement came in response to the United States vetoing yet another resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.