In the wake of Israeli airstrikes on Hamas leaders sheltered in Qatar, historian and columnist Dominic Green joined Chicago’s Morning Answer to unpack the geopolitical fallout and broader implications for the Middle East, Europe, and the United States.
Green said Israel’s message was clear: “the worst kind of terrorists should have nowhere to hide.” He criticized Britain and France for condemning Israel’s actions, calling their stance “a disgrace.” While the Trump administration condemned the strike as a violation of Qatari sovereignty, Green suggested the careful wording from Washington was less about principle and more about creating diplomatic space to end the war on terms favorable to Israel.
The conversation also turned to Qatar’s influence. Green noted that the Gulf state has hosted Hamas leadership, operates the global news outlet Al Jazeera, and poured billions into Western universities while presenting itself as a neutral mediator. He argued Qatar has used its wealth to buy “immunity for the consequences of its actions,” leaving the U.S. in an awkward position as it counts Doha both as an ally and as a host to groups hostile to American interests.
On U.S. media debates, Green dismissed Tucker Carlson’s recent comments about offering condolences to Osama bin Laden’s family as “nonsense,” pointing out Carlson’s silence on Israeli victims of Hamas. He described this posture as part of a broader trend of nihilism on the American right.
The interview also explored Britain’s trajectory under Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Green highlighted the arrest of Irish comedy writer Graham Linehan for social media posts as evidence of an erosion of free speech in the UK, warning that foreign visitors could face similar risks. He linked this trend to Europe’s weaker free speech traditions compared to the U.S. and cautioned that Britain is aligning with a “repressive European-style internet” rather than America’s open model.
On immigration, Green was skeptical of Starmer’s stated intent to tighten enforcement, noting that his cabinet appointees have opposed tougher measures in the past. He argued the systemic failures in Britain—on speech, security, and governance—mirror challenges seen in the United States, and predicted the UK would face financial and political crises before significant change occurs.
Green concluded on a lighter note, quipping that Britain might be better off paying to keep Prince Harry in California rather than welcoming him back.