What drama is greater than nations unleashing a firestorm of their hearts against a rogue state like Israel and the United States, after destroying a piece of land and its innocent people in Gaza? It’s as if the earth is beginning to spew the flames, fires, and molten lava boiling from the injustice of Masonry on the ground. And how about the shelling of a Gulf capital that hosts the largest American airbase in the region among 14 bases in Doha, standing just a stone’s throw away? The glow of American promises no longer deceive anyone. For years, illusions of protection for the Arabs under the slogan of “security umbrella” have been sold. We received the message loud and clear: the attack on Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar was carried out by Israel, yet we fail to learn. Instead, it becomes a shackle binding Arab decision-making—especially Doha—and leaves the land exposed to aggression. The latest strike on Doha not only exposed the falsehood of American protection but tore apart the last veneer hiding the truth: American bases were not built to protect Arabs, but to serve Israel and Washington’s interests. Israel above the law, with Washington as its cover. The first sees international law as mere paper it can tear at will. From Gaza to Beirut, and up to Doha, American illegitimate vetoes tear through, with the aggression remaining the same and American cover unwavering. Washington, which lectures the world on “human rights” and “sovereignty,” remains silent when an Arab state's sovereignty is violated. This is not mere double standards but a full partnership in aggression. Fourteen Israeli aircraft violate Qatar’s sovereignty, while fourteen American bases remain silent? They are like a seductress in a toxic relationship, sending our Arab countries joyfully to death with full betrayal. But this is not the first, nor will it be the last.

The lie of the American umbrella has become clear: the American bases in the Gulf are not a “protective shield,” but a political hostage-taking that makes sovereignty subordinate to Washington’s decision. When Israel bombed Doha, American aircraft did not move, no defensive missiles were launched, and not even a serious protest statement was issued. The only message was: protecting Israel first, everything else is just details. Is there a clearer testimony that the American umbrella is an illusion? After the construction of Al-Udeid Base in 1996 at a cost exceeding one billion dollars, with Qatar covering 60% of that—around $650 million—and investing further to expand and modernize it. In 2019, then-U.S. President Trump visited and announced that Qatar would invest $10 billion in developing the base, including building new facilities and upgrading infrastructure. So what is the purpose of these bases? What does “alliance” with the United States mean if Qatar’s sovereignty is violated openly?

This double standard is no longer hidden. International law is a selective tool used against opponents and buried when it comes to the favored ally. Experiences have proven that only national will is the real guarantee. Anyone who believes the American umbrella protects them is truly exposed. Those relying on this toxic relationship will find themselves victims, just as the bustard bird (a symbol of vanity in Arab culture) entices its prey with foolish steps before leading it to death. Egypt faced pressure, asserted its will, and refused to turn its sovereignty into a pawn in anyone’s hands. Saudi Arabia drew a clear sovereign line that rejects bargaining, emphasizing that its security lies in its own hands, not Washington’s. As for other Arab capitals, their only choice is to follow this path; otherwise, they will remain prisoners of foreign bases that do not protect but drain them.

Isn’t it time for Arabs to wake up from this deadly illusion? Time does not allow for politeness or waiting anymore. Sovereignty is not preserved by relying on foreigners but through courageous national decisions. Today, America and Israel are no different from the bustard, described by Arabs in the past as a foolish, opportunist creature that changes its colors, feeds on everything, but leaves behind only destruction. They are, in truth, like a seductress in a toxic relationship, promising love while draining you, or like a manipulative psychiatrist building her fame on others’ wounds. Let’s expel their playful bases, build an independent Arab security system, and restore dignity before interests. Otherwise, the entire Gulf will remain exposed to repeated aggression. When that happens, regret will be too late. Let’s learn from Afghanistan, which, despite poverty and weakness, forced the US to withdraw after two decades of occupation. Is it rational for Gulf states, with their wealth and stature, to remain prisoners of the illusion of Western protection?

Finally: the bombing of Doha was the clearest warning. Anyone who believes the American umbrella protects them will find themselves exposed. Sovereignty is not maintained by slogans but through independent decisions and political will that refuses to be blackmailed.

By Dr. Ibrahim Jalal Fadhlon