Washington should scrutinize the motives behind Qatar’s unfriendly policies

In September 2020, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) directed the Qatari-owned Al Jazeera to register its operations in America, including its affiliate AJ+, as a foreign agent under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). FARA requires individuals and organizations acting on behalf of foreign governments or political parties to disclose their relationship and activities to the US government.

Al Jazeera was not the first media outlet to register as a foreign agent. In November 2017, the US government pressured Russia-owned RT (Russian Today Television) to do so.

The DOJ raised concerns about the media organization’s potential to spread Qatari propaganda in the United States.

In response, the media initially refused to register under FARA, arguing that it was a journalistic organization that did not engage in political activities on behalf of the Qatari government. Yet, in April 2021, the media outlet reversed its position and registered under FARA, citing the need to comply with US laws and regulations.

However, the Qatari-funded group failed to include the operations of its affiliate AJ+, defying the US government order and continues to spread its questionable anti-American and anti-Semitic agenda.

AJ+ is a digital media platform owned by Al Jazeera, aimed at younger audiences, focusing on social media and digital video content. It covers various topics, including politics, social justice, and culture.

The platform promotes a biased and one-sided view of the world, particularly when it comes to issues related to the Middle East. For example, It continued to ignore human rights abuses in Qatar and the corruption of its wealthy rulers while highlighting similar cases in other parts of the world.

As a digital media platform, AJ+ has a significant presence on US social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Its content is designed to be shareable and engaging, focusing on emotional storytelling. Viral videos are often used to manipulate young viewers into accepting un-American views or agendas.

Promoting a divisive and polarizing view of the world, particularly regarding issues related to identity politics, is a dangerous approach that American politicians must recognize and take measures to confront its motivator. The platform’s content often focuses on issues related to race, gender, and sexuality while promoting mental victimhood and perpetuating a culture of cancel culture.

A state-owned media outlet only follows its government’s agenda and goes by its ideology. A member of the royal family, Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani chairs Al Jazeera’s board.

For decades It was well-known that Qatar has been indulging its ties to specific groups designated as terrorist organizations by several governments. One such group is Hamas, a Palestinian militant group that has been designated as a terrorist organization not only by the US but the European Union and other countries. The ruling family in Doha has been providing financial and political support to Hamas and allowing the terrorist group to use the country as a base of operations.

Another group is the Muslim Brotherhood, designated as a terrorist entity by multiple countrie,s including Egypt, where it originated. This powerful radical group has since grown to become a global movement with branches in many countries, including the United States. It advocates for implementing Islamic law and promotes a radical and extremist agenda.

The Muslim Brotherhood established, infiltrated, or hijacked prominent American Muslim organizations, institutions, and charities, using them to promote its ideology and fund its activities that threaten American society.

Al Jazeera and AJ+ intensively covered and supported Islamist political figures, such as Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, while ignoring other moderate Muslim candidates that would refuse to promote their foreign agendas.

Isn’t it time for Washington to scrutinize the motives behind Doha’s unfriendly policies? Unfortunately, the Biden administration has no interest in Qatar’s activities; therefore, the job is left to lawmakers interested in protecting the US national security.