The Obama administration’s deal to allow a Hamas office to operate in Qatar backfired on the United States, according to experts. During the Obama administration, the U.S. government allowed Hamas to open an overseas office in Qatar, in 2014, and the move was considered a major breakthrough since the militant group had reason to believe the U.S. was open to some sort of dialogue.
However, according to experts, the decision has had major implications for the region and the U.S., as the office has allowed Hamas to extend its reach. Hamas, designated by the U.S. and other countries as a terrorist organization, has been known to use its office in Qatar to organize funds and spread its message throughout the region.
Furthermore, the presence of Hamas in Qatar has enabled the militant group to strengthen its ties with Iran. According to experts, the U.S.’s decision to allow Hamas to operate in Qatar has allowed Iran to gain a greater foothold in the region.
The U.S.’s move to allow a Hamas office in Qatar has also damaged its relations with its Arab allies. According to experts, the presence of Hamas in Qatar has caused a schism between the United States and its allies, as Qatar, a staunch ally of Iran, has become a major supporter of Hamas.
The Obama administration’s deal has backfired in many ways, according to experts. It has allowed Hamas to gain a greater foothold in the region, enabled Iran to gain a greater influence, and caused a schism between the U.S. and its Arab allies. As a result, the decision to allow a Hamas office in Qatar has had major implications for the region and for U.S. foreign policy.