Qatar Paid Arab Journalists to Influence Politics, Says Former PM Hamad bin Jassim (video)

Doha, Qatar – In a shocking revelation, former Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hamad bin Jassim admitted that Qatar paid monthly salaries to dozens of journalists across the Arab world to promote its political agenda. The statement, made during a 2022 interview with Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Qabas, has reignited debates about foreign influence in Arab media and politics, particularly amid strained relations with countries like Morocco.

Details of Hamad bin Jassim’s Admission

كلام خطير يقوله وزير الخارجية القطري السابق حمد بن جاسم..
"معظم" الصحفيين في العالم العربي كنا ندفع لهم.. وتحولوا الآن إلى نواب ويقولون عنهم "وطنيين"..
من هؤلاء في المغرب ؟؟ وما هي أسماءهم ؟؟ ومن ساهم في تبييض وجه الأفعى ؟؟ أليست هذه خيانة عظمى ؟؟ أليس هذا تخابر مع دولة اجنبية ؟؟… https://t.co/R1M5DOwqVx — د. عبدالحق الصنايبي (@abdelhaksnaibi) April 20, 2025

Hamad bin Jassim, speaking on Al-Qabas’s "Black Box" show in February 2022, disclosed that Qatar had journalists on its payroll in many Arab countries, with some receiving regular payments to shape narratives in favor of Doha’s policies. “We paid journalists, media figures, and others who are now MPs in their countries and are called ‘nationalists,’” he stated, adding that “most Arab journalists and media figures were working for us.” This rare admission, reported by MEMRI, underscores Qatar’s strategic use of media to extend its influence across the region.

Historical Context: The 2017 Qatar Diplomatic Crisis

The revelation aligns with longstanding regional tensions, notably the 2017 Qatar diplomatic crisis, when Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt severed ties with Qatar, accusing it of funding extremism and using media outlets like Al Jazeera to destabilize the region. During the blockade, Morocco adopted a neutral stance, offering to mediate and sending food aid to Qatar, as noted in Wikipedia. However, recent X posts, such as one from April 19, 2025, by @Mohamed43716508, claim Qatar is now targeting Morocco’s stability, alleging that its media and operatives are undermining the country’s economy—a claim that remains unverified as of April 20, 2025.

Broader Implications: Qatargate and Media Influence

Hamad bin Jassim’s statements also resonate with the 2022 Qatargate scandal, where Qatar was accused of bribing European Parliament officials to influence policies, as detailed in Wikipedia. This pattern of influence operations extends to the Arab world, where Qatar’s state-funded Al Jazeera has long been criticized for shaping political narratives. The admission that paid journalists have risen to political roles as MPs raises concerns about the integrity of democratic processes in the region, particularly in countries navigating complex rivalries like those between Qatar and the UAE.

Morocco-Qatar Relations: A Shifting Dynamic

Morocco’s relationship with Qatar has been multifaceted. During the 2017 crisis, Morocco’s neutrality and humanitarian support, including King Mohammed VI’s visit, were well-received by Qatar. However, the recent accusations on social media, amplified by users like @hodanews24 on April 19, 2025, suggest a deterioration in ties, with claims that Qatar is using its media influence to destabilize Morocco. While these claims lack concrete evidence, they reflect broader anxieties about foreign interference in Moroccan politics, especially given Qatar’s history of supporting media narratives that align with its interests.

Regional and Global Reactions

The disclosure has sparked outrage and debate across the Arab world, with X users like @saad6081203659 questioning the effectiveness of Qatar’s strategy, noting that while it may have funded media and politicians, the broader impact on regional stability has been negative, often fueling chaos during events like the Arab Spring. Others, such as @marwane60326213, defend Qatar, highlighting its investments in Morocco and support during the 2022 World Cup, illustrating the polarized views on Qatar’s role in the region.

Conclusion

Hamad bin Jassim’s admission of Qatar’s payments to Arab journalists highlights the complex interplay of media, politics, and foreign influence in the Middle East. As regional dynamics evolve, with countries like Morocco navigating their relationships with Qatar amidst historical support and current tensions, the revelation underscores the need for transparency in media and political spheres. The international community, including bodies like the EU, continues to grapple with Qatar’s influence operations, as seen in Qatargate, making this a critical issue for global diplomacy.

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