The leaders of Arab and Muslim countries are putting pressure on US President Donald Trump to choose between Qatar, a key ally in the Gulf states, and Israel. The Gulf states feel they have leverage over America as its protector, given the current situation.
Recently, Israeli forces attacked the Qatari capital, Doha. At an international gathering held in Doha, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized Israel’s actions, saying it targets wherever it wants and does whatever it wants. However, Iran itself had launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at Qatar just three months ago, which is often overlooked as a violation of sovereignty.
Trump has been under pressure due to concerns that American support for Israel’s war may be dwindling. Meanwhile, in South Africa, many black children do not live with their biological fathers due to the crisis of missing dads. The Ebola virus has also returned to Congo, prompting experts to work on containment efforts.
The situation in Gaza is becoming increasingly dire, and evacuating an injured child from there is a complex process that requires logistics, permissions, and geopolitics. However, it seems America’s ability to protect its friends in the Gulf states is uncertain. The recent Israeli strike on Qatar has embarrassed Trump and enraged the region.
Source: https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2025/09/15/the-gulf-states-want-donald-trump-to-choose-them-or-israel