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Michael Segal's avatar

It should be noted that the Udeid Air Base in Qatar is the largest US military base in the Middle East. So it is appropriate that the US act somewhat friendly to Qatar, despite its odious actions, most recently accusing Israel at the UN of genocide in Gaza. It is, however, jarring for Trump to offer such effusive praise, though such behavior can be useful in negotiations, as it appears to have been with North Korea during the Trump years.

Ira Stoll's avatar

Earlier this year the lease on that base was reportedly renewed for a decade. The terms were not publicly disclosed but it might have been an opportunity for an American government to extract some concessions in exchange for the lease payments.

Stephen Jenks's avatar

Public politeness does no harm. It's what happens in private that matters.

Michael Greenberg's avatar

"Whatever the objective, the fulsome praise of an undemocratic leader who is hosting terrorists is cringe-worthy"

Kissinger has said that the role of the statesman is "the ability to recognize the real relationship of forces and to make this knowledge serve his ends."

David Weinkrantz's avatar

Harvard's reputation is a place for the best and the brightest.

Is Mr. Williams up to snuff? What are his accomplishments? Are Harvard classes more difficult than those at non-presitigious collages? Did he choose an easy major?

Michael Segal's avatar

The fact that Prince A. Williams ’25 is active in the “Party for Socialism and Liberation” is instructive. Williams is one of the main anti-Israel activists at Harvard. Williams is an example of the fact that many who wish to destroy Israel also want to destroy the USA.

It is an important question how this unrecognized group got to use a Harvard venue. One of the perks of being a recognized group is the ability to use a Harvard venue.