Staff Reports
The Empire State Building recently found itself at the center of controversy after it was lit up in the national colors of Qatar, a Muslim nation. This move has angered many Americans, particularly given that it occurred just two months after the deadly attack by Hamas terrorists on Southern Israel. It seems that the Empire State Building often lights up in special colors to celebrate various occasions, and the building’s administrators used their social media account to announce the lighting ceremony in honor of Qatar’s “National Day.”
Confusion and Anger Abound as Empire State Building Lights Up to Honor Muslim Country with Known 'Terror Tentacles' via @WestJournalism https://t.co/b1VYY7yDte
— Outdoor Alchemy (@Alchemist196) December 20, 2023
While the decision to observe the Qatari holiday may not come as a surprise due to Qatar’s ownership of 10 percent of the property, the timing of this lighting ceremony has raised concerns. Qatar has been known to harbor Palestinian terrorists, and its involvement in funding terrorism goes beyond Hamas. The country has reportedly provided support to groups such as the Janjaweed, Al Qaeda, and the Taliban. Furthermore, Qatar has used its state-funded channel, Al Jazeera, to carry out extensive propaganda campaigns against Israel. Despite Qatar’s denial, there is evidence to suggest its involvement in supporting terrorism.
Critics argue that the United States and other Western countries should treat Qatar as a hostile nation. Some have called for Qatar to be held accountable for its support of Hamas and other extremist groups. The Middle East Media Research Institute suggests that Qatar is not actually an American ally, despite Washington’s handling of the country due to its oil production. Qatar is one of the top oil-exporting countries globally and, as a result, has gained some leniency for its actions.
Both Qatar’s detractors and those who criticized the lighting of the Empire State Building are justified in their concerns. It is time for Qatar to be held accountable for its sponsorship of terrorism, and lighting an iconic building in the colors of one of the world’s worst enemies is truly an outrage. The controversy surrounding this event serves as a reminder that the fight against terrorism must always remain a top priority, regardless of any other considerations.
