Democratic Convention and Secretary of State Blinken's Gaza Cease-fire Talks

The first night of the Democrat's convention is over, with police arresting protesters outside the event. Secretary of State Blinken is set to visit Egypt and Qatar for Gaza cease-fire discussions.

US Secretary of State visit to the Middle East

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken postponed his visit to the Middle East due to security uncertainty and possible Iranian retaliation.

Taliban's stance on Afghan women's rights and foreign relations

The Taliban urge the West to overlook restrictions on Afghan women to improve foreign relations. They claim progress in relations with regional countries and express confidence in establishing and maintaining relations. Afghan women excluded from a U.N.-led meeting in Qatar.

Northwestern University's ties with Al Jazeera and Qatar

Utah Republican Rep. Burgess Owens demands Northwestern University sever ties with Al Jazeera due to its connection to terrorist group Hamas, citing concerns about anti-Israel propaganda and terrorist affiliation.

Hamas leadership relocation

Hamas leadership is considering relocating from Qatar to Iraq with Iran taking responsibility for their protection. The move follows pressure from Qatar to accept US ceasefire proposals.

Al-Jazeera's Alleged Support for Hamas

Al-Jazeera, owned by Qatar, has been accused of being a propaganda outlet for Hamas, with some journalists revealed to be Hamas fighters. They have been involved in supporting Hamas during the recent Israel-Hamas war by broadcasting threats, celebrating attacks on Israel, and fabricating anti-Israel propaganda.

Death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and FIFA's Response

The president of FIFA issued a message of condolence after the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who was known for human rights violations including repression of women soccer fans. FIFA had discussions with Raisi on promoting football in Iran. FIFA has faced criticism for disregarding human rights violations in countries like Qatar, which hosted the 2022 World Cup amidst reports of slavery and abuse in construction.

Corruption Trial of Sen. Robert Menendez

Sen. Robert Menendez's corruption trial begins with opening statements accusing him of accepting bribes to benefit businessmen and governments of Egypt and Qatar.

Federal Corruption Trial of Senator Bob Menendez

Opening statements began in the federal corruption trial of New Jersey Democrat Sen. Bob Menendez, accused of a bribery scheme involving governments of Egypt and Qatar. Menendez, along with two businessmen, faces charges of bribery in exchange for gold bars, jewelry, cash, and a Mercedes-Benz convertible.

CIA Director's Visit to Qatar for Gaza Truce Negotiations

CIA director Bill Burns is heading to Qatar for emergency discussions with the prime minister regarding mediation in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Israeli government shutting down Al Jazeera's local offices

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the unanimous decision to shut down Al Jazeera's local offices in Israel, accusing the broadcaster of incitement against Israel. The implications of the decision and its enforcement remain unclear.

Jim Biden's Business Deals with Foreign Governments

Jim Biden, President Joe Biden’s brother, leveraged ties to foreign governments, including Qatar, for business deals in the healthcare industry. His fundraising efforts are under federal scrutiny and tied to a fraud case. The relationship between Jim Biden and Qatari officials is detailed in a Politico report.

Cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas

Qatari official urges Israel and Hamas to show more commitment in cease-fire negotiations amidst pressure to reach a deal to free hostages and bring an end to the war in Gaza. Talks have effectively stopped with both sides entrenched in their positions.

Qatar's Mediation in Cease-Fire Talks between Israel and Hamas

Qatar is re-evaluating its role as a mediator in cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas due to concerns of political interference. The talks are at a delicate phase, with accusations against Qatar and condemnations of Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank.

Challenging Qatar's Status as a Major Non-NATO Ally

Three Republican senators introduced a bill challenging Qatar's status as a major non-NATO ally due to its close relationship with Hamas and failure to help free hostages. The bill would require the Secretary of State to assess the alliance and potentially terminate it.

Investment in Newsmax by Qatari Royal

A Qatari royal invested $50 million into Newsmax, leading to staff being told to 'soften' coverage of Qatar. This investment coincided with a diplomatic crisis involving Qatar's ties to Iran, the Muslim Brotherhood, and Al Jazeera. The CEO of Newsmax denied allegations of biased coverage.

Association of Tennis Professionals bidding process for a tenth Masters 1000 event

The Association of Tennis Professionals is opening the bidding process for a tenth Masters 1000 event, potentially in the first week of the season, to allow other oil-rich states to compete with Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia had made a $1.3bn offer for this event and other tournament rights, but now other countries like Qatar, the UAE, and Tennis Australia have the opportunity to bid. The ATP aims to unify tennis through collaboration and fair representation.

Israel-Hamas Hostage Talks in Qatar

Israel withdrew negotiators from hostage talks in Qatar after Hamas toughened demands following a UN resolution for a ceasefire. Netanyahu canceled a meeting with White House advisers over an imminent attack on Hamas. Hamas rejected American compromise proposals and celebrated the UN resolution. Talks between Israel and Hamas continue despite the departure of Israeli negotiators from the Mossad.

Ceasefire Negotiations between Israel and Hamas

Israel believes chances of ceasefire deal with Hamas are 50/50, awaiting Hamas response to proposal. Growing international consensus for ceasefire. U.N. Secretary-General warns of humanitarian disaster if Rafah is assaulted.

Biden Administration Involvement in Gaza Port Construction

The Biden Administration is reportedly allowing a Hamas-linked contractor to participate in the construction of a floating port off the coast of Gaza for humanitarian aid, funded by Qatar. The project could enrich Hamas and raise security concerns.

Indictment of Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez on Bribery Charges

Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez facing indictment on bribery charges involving alleged schemes with Egypt and Qatar governments. Co-defendants have pleaded not guilty.

Indictment of Sen. Bob Menendez

New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez indicted on a dozen new criminal charges related to a bribery scheme involving Egypt and Qatar. Menendez denies wrongdoing.

Alleged Torture of British Man in Qatar Prison

British man allegedly tortured in Qatar prison after being arrested in a police sting related to a fake Grindr message. Family claims he is being denied HIV medication and facing death sentence, sparking international diplomatic efforts for his release.

Arrest of Manuel Guerrero Aviña in Qatar

Mexican man living in Qatar, Manuel Guerrero Aviña, arrested for being gay and living with HIV. Accused of drug possession and denied antiretroviral treatment. Facing mistreatment, torture, and lack of legal representation.

Qatar training Hamas operatives

Qatar reportedly trained Hamas operatives at its police college in 2023, sparking controversy and calls for Qatar to be designated as a state sponsor of terrorism. The training took place despite Hamas being designated a terrorist organization by the US and EU. Qatar is also accused of espionage targeting US lawmakers.