"The Menendez episode fits with #Qatar’s broader strategy of buying clout — sometimes legally, often not — to evade accountability for things like terror finance and human rights abuses. Qatar continues to host the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East and reaps the benefits of its status as a major non-#NATO ally, even as it backs terrorist groups and violates human rights. To sustain this insane arrangement, Qatar courts U.S. lawmakers and lobbyists as a matter of survival.

Menendez faces up to 222 years in prison. Qatar, however, continues to buy immunity in Washington, Brussels and beyond. Qatar must be held to account. Authorities here in the United States should investigate the Qatari role in this scandal — and put Qatar on notice that there can be no alliances with a partner who relies on bribery to protect its standing."-@NatalieEcanow#TerrorFinance #Corruption
#Qatar