The U.S. Must Demand Qatar’s Cooperation in Extraditing Khaled Meshaal

The recent indictment of Khaled Meshaal, a key Hamas leader, marks a pivotal moment in the United States’ efforts to hold Hamas accountable for its acts of terrorism, including the kidnapping and murder of U.S. citizens. Meshaal, long a central figure in the Iranian-backed Hamas organization, resides in Qatar—a U.S. ally but a nation without an extradition treaty with the United States. This poses a critical challenge for U.S. diplomacy, one that demands bold action and a rethinking of the U.S.-Qatar relationship if Meshaal is to be brought to justice.

Khaled Meshaal, despite his relative obscurity to the general American public, has played a pivotal role in Hamas’ decades-long campaign of terror. From 1996 to 2017, he led Hamas’ political bureau, overseeing the group’s operations and helping secure crucial financial and military backing from Iran. Even after stepping down from his official leadership role, Meshaal has continued to influence Hamas’ direction, recently assuming senior leadership in the wake of the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh.

The U.S. indictment of Meshaal comes after years of terror attacks orchestrated by Hamas, which have claimed countless lives, including American citizens. In light of this, the United States has every right—and indeed, a moral obligation—to seek Meshaal’s extradition. His role in the murders of hostages, including Americans, should make his prosecution a top priority. Extraditing Meshaal to the U.S. for trial would not only provide justice for victims but would also send a powerful message that the U.S. will not tolerate terrorism, even from leaders hiding behind the shields of friendly governments.

Qatar, while formally an ally of the United States, has long played a dangerous double game. On the one hand, it has positioned itself as a key partner in the Gulf, hosting a major U.S. military base and engaging in diplomatic and economic cooperation with Washington. On the other, Qatar has openly provided sanctuary to Khaled Meshaal and other Hamas leaders, enabling them to direct terror operations from its soil while evading justice.

This cannot continue. It is unacceptable for a supposed ally to harbor a leader of a designated terrorist organization. Khaled Meshaal’s residence in Doha is not merely an inconvenience—it represents a serious breach of trust. The U.S. cannot turn a blind eye to this any longer. It must demand that Qatar either turn Meshaal over or risk the consequences of harboring a known terrorist.

Republican lawmakers such as Senators Ted Budd and Rick Scott have already called for stronger action, with Budd noting that the U.S. should expect a “major non-NATO ally” like Qatar to comply with any extradition request related to terrorism. The logic is unassailable. By refusing to cooperate in extraditing Meshaal, Qatar not only undermines U.S. anti-terrorism efforts but also calls into question the depth of its commitment to the U.S.-led international order.

While Qatar does not have an extradition treaty with the U.S., this does not mean the situation is beyond remedy. The U.S. has significant leverage in its relationship with Qatar. Economically, politically, and militarily, Qatar benefits immensely from its alliance with the United States. The country’s close ties to Washington have elevated its status in the region, ensuring its security and influence.

This leverage must be brought to bear. The U.S. should utilize every diplomatic tool available—from economic pressure to security cooperation reviews—to make clear that Qatar cannot continue to protect Meshaal without consequences. As Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) pointed out, Qatar’s reluctance to cooperate threatens the integrity of the U.S.-Qatar security partnership, a cornerstone of the U.S. presence in the Gulf. The U.S. must remind Qatar that this partnership is not unconditional and that harboring terrorists such as Meshaal undermines its credibility as a U.S. ally.

Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY) has rightly urged a “ramped up pressure campaign” to force Qatar’s hand in cooperating with U.S. authorities. This pressure must be both public and private, and it must convey that there will be repercussions if Qatar continues to offer refuge to Meshaal and other Hamas leaders.

The U.S. demand for Meshaal’s extradition would also serve a broader purpose. It would signal to other countries that terrorism will not be tolerated, and that any state offering sanctuary to terrorists will face international consequences. Qatar is not the only country with a complex relationship with terrorist organizations, but it is uniquely positioned as a wealthy Gulf state, seeking legitimacy and security while continuing to harbor Hamas leadership.

This duality must end. The world cannot allow states to sponsor terrorism in the shadows while benefiting from international partnerships. U.S. leadership is critical in this moment—not only to ensure justice for American victims but to reassert the global principle that terrorism cannot hide behind the protective veil of state sponsorship.

In the final analysis, the question of Khaled Meshaal’s extradition is about more than a single terrorist leader. It is about the principles of justice and accountability. It is about the U.S. holding its allies to the same standards it demands of its adversaries. And it is about ensuring that no terrorist leader can evade justice, regardless of where they seek refuge.

Qatar must now decide whether it stands with the international community against terrorism or if it continues to shelter the very leaders who perpetuate violence against innocent civilians. The U.S. must use every tool at its disposal to ensure that Qatar makes the right choice—and that Khaled Meshaal is brought to justice for his crimes.