Presented in partnership with American Jewish University

Qatar's Influence Campaign in the U.S. with Sam Westrop and Benjamin Baird

Monday, October 28, 2024
2:00PM Eastern Time

First, Qatar made brilliant use of soft power and financial influence in Western Europe and now it has turned to the United States. From investments in high-profile real estate and leading financial institutions to generous funding of academic programs and research, Qatar’s government has embedded itself in key American spheres. How does a tiny natural gas emirate shape media, public opinion, and policies in the West? What are Doha’s ultimate goals? How can Qatar be countered?

Benjamin Baird organizes grassroots advocacy campaigns to support of Middle East Forum projects by mobilizing constituencies and coordinating public pressure.  Mr. Baird is a U.S. Army infantry veteran with a B.A. from American Military University. His writings can be found at National Review, New York Post, Jerusalem Post, and other outlets.
 

Sam Westrop has headed MEF’s Islamist Watch project since 2017. Before that, he worked at Americans for Peace and Tolerance and at Stand for Peace. His writings have appeared at such publications as National Review, National Post, and The Hill. He has appeared on the BBC, Al Jazeera, and other channels. He studied at York University.

Israel Insider with Ashley Perry

Wednesday, October 30, 2024
3:00PM Eastern Time

Assuming that Tehran does not respond to Israel’s aerial attack, the IDF can focus on fighting Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. What are the prospects in those two theaters – long months of further conflict or something more decisive? And what about a possible hostage deal and ceasefire? 

Ashley Perry is an advisor to the Middle East Forum’s Israel office. He served as adviser to Israel's minister of foreign affairs and deputy prime minister in 2009-15, and has also worked with Israel's Ministers of Intelligence, Agriculture and Rural Development, Energy, Water and Infrastructure, Defense, Tourism, Internal Security, and Immigrant Absorption and as an advisor to The Negev Forum. Originally from the U.K., he moved to Israel in 2001. He holds a B.A. from University College London and an M.A. from Reichman University (IDC Herzliya).

The Middle East Forum, an activist think tank, deals with the Middle East, Islamism, U.S. foreign policy, and related topics, urging bold measures to protect Americans and their allies. Pursuing its goals via intellectual and operational means, the Forum recurrently has policy ideas adopted by the U.S. government.