The world is often an ugly contest where bare-knuckle power is the only prize that matters. Why would Qatar go to such great lengths and expense to influence US policy and public narrative? The answer is complex, but then, the world is rarely simple.Ĭritical to understanding what follows is for the reader to check their moral biases at the door. It leaves the viewer begging the question of “why”. Understand though, “Blood Money” is a jumping-off point. Cernovich, his production team, David Reaboi, Jack Posobiec, and others perfectly perform the urgent and vital job of highlighting mechanisms of foreign influence operations. “Blood Money” is a punchy and lucid overview of a dirty, hidden aspect of the geopolitical game.
The dollars are staggering, with $24 million just to Brookings alone. Jack Posobiec‘s segment beginning at 2:45 shines a light on a practice little-known by the average American – lobbying specifically for a foreign nation.Īdditionally, as J Michael Walker notes at 16:55, major “think tanks” such as Institute often receive financial support, in exchange for their efforts to shape policy on specific issues. This great piece by Mr Reaboi provides additional color.įurther, “Blood Money” highlights a second concurrent type of influence operation being carried out by Qatar in the US. It will never be critical of the ruling Al-Thanis.Īs highlighted throughout “Blood Money” by David Reaboi (especially at 6:20 into the film), the major effort of Qatar’s media efforts is to promote and sustain a radically anti-Western agenda. AJ is partially state-funded by the massive sovereign wealth of Qatar, and carries out aggressive reporting against Israel, KSA, and other Qatari rivals. Qatar is home to the prominent pan-Arab media outlet, Al Jazeera. What it does do very, very well is public relations and sponsorship of specific radical Islamic factions.
Nor does it secure its agenda through military might. Qatar’s rival, Saudia Arabia, is at 8.8%.Īs can be seen, Qatar does not spend its wealth on an equitable standard of living for all of its subjects. By comparison, China spends 1.9% of its GDP on its military budget. Given its minor military budget ($1.91B, or 1% of GDP), Qatar has obviously chosen a different force multiplier for maintaining its relevance. Qatar’s oil and natgas revenues comprise about 60% of its annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – $191B. Qatar holds the third-largest known reserves of natural gas, and as of mid-2019, is jockeying with Australia for being the leading natgas exporter in the world.