“So far, the most likely motive appears to be to cause a rift between the American government and its allies.”
American investigators have uncovered disturbing evidence that Russian hackers may have set off the ongoing diplomatic crisis in the Middle East with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, and the UAE having cut ties with Qatar. Now, evidence is emerging that a story on Qatar’s state media website that recently sparked uproar may have been planted by Russian hackers. If so, this stunning development hints at the growing prowess of hackers and their ability to shape geopolitics.
Specifically, a May 23rd article published by the Qatar News Agency was allegedly the result of a hack. The news article contained some words in support of both the Iranian and Israeli governments. Saudi Arabia is geopolitically opposed to both Iran and Israel. Officially, Saudi Arabia does not recognize Israel. While the country does recognize Iran, the two nations have clashed politically and in proxy wars throughout the region.
The article cited “good” relations with Israel and hailed Iran as an “Islamic power.” The comments, while favorable, were not over the top and exacerbated an already widely held perception that Qatar was warming to Iran and Israel. The Qatari government quickly denounced the May 23rd story as planted. Now, American investigators have not only uncovered evidence of a hack, but also that Russia may have perpetuated it.
As of now, it’s not clear if the hacks were sponsored by the Russian government or criminal organizations. However, American officials believe little happens in Russia without the government’s consent. So far, the most likely motive appears to be to cause a rift between the American government and its allies. With the Middle East already so tense, even small developments could quickly snowball into major crises.
Qatar hosts one of American’s largest bases in the Middle East—the al-Udeid Air Base, which houses roughly 10,000 American troops and United States Central Command. Qatar has been vital in America’s war on terror. Qatari troops were also participating in Yemen on the side of the Sunni government and its Saudi backers. These troops have been pulled in recent days. Iran has allegedly been supporting Shia rebels.
To be clear, if the hacking did happen, it would be the straw that broke the proverbial camel’s back. Tensions in the region have been simmering for years. Qatar has been friendly to the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and the Palestinians under the control of Hama in Gaza. The Qatari government also owns al-Jazeera, which has been among the most critical investigative presses in the Middle East.
