Naz Shah Goes to Washington, Riyadh's Shifting Sands, and Trump's Return to Office

By Winfield Myers ● Nov 11, 2024

Smart Brevity^® count: 5.5 mins...1427 words

Today’s MEF Dispatch includes an MEF Action Alert urging the United States to block British Member of Parliament (MP) Naseem (Naz) Shah from entering the country this week because of her links to designated terrorist organizations, as detailed by Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL), who cited Shah’s terrorist ties in a letter urging Secretary of State Antony Blinken to revoke Shah’s travel privileges. Readers are encouraged to join Rep. Mast by signing up for our MEF Action campaign to tell U.S. authorities to prevent Shah from attending a November 13 Washington, D.C., conference hosted by a prominent American Islamist organization. Shah has a history of associating with organizations with ties to Hamas and other similar groups.

In the Middle East, we contend that Donald Trump’s return to the White House should spur Saudi Arabia to end their soft approach to the Houthi terrorists and return to the goal of defeating them. This move is important because, as we note, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has shown that he responds to American actions that affect Saudi Arabia. We also examine the implications of the relationship between Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and President-elect Trump, the sad condition of Christians in Egypt, and more.

Terror Links Could Derail British Member of Parliament’s Visit to U.S.

By: Anna Stanley

A British MP’s planned visit to the U.S. faces scrutiny over her connections to Hamas-linked charities.

Why it matters: Allowing entry to politicians like Naz Shah with ties to terrorist organizations undermines U.S. security policies and public trust.

This controversy highlights the identical nature of the threats from Islamist-aligned public officials that faces both America and the United Kingdom.
Naz Shah’s affiliations and sentiments demonstrate her overt support for Islamist ideology, and a an apparent disdain for her own British society.

Driving the news: Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) is leading efforts to bar Shah from entering the U.S., citing substantial evidence of her links to Hamas-affiliated NGOs.

Shah is scheduled to speak at a D.C. conference hosted by the Muslim Public Affairs Council, an organization with its own lengthy history of espousing Islamist extremism.

Background: Shah has faced previous controversies, including suspension from the Labour Party for antisemitic remarks and associations with controversial organizations.

Her ties to the Palestine Return Centre and Friends of Al-Aqsa have been scrutinized due to their connections to Hamas.

MEF Action Alert: Tell U.S. Authorities to Stop British MP Naseem Shah from Traveling to the United States

Naseem "Naz" Shah, a British Member of Parliament, is scheduled to attend a conference in the United States on November 13, 2024. Concerned about her extremist statements and terrorist links, U.S. Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) sent a letter this week to Secretary of State Antony Blinken asking him to revoke Shah's travel privileges.

By signing up, you can join Congressman Mast by sending pre-written letters to the U.S. State Department and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Your emails will urge U.S. officials to rescind Shah’s travel privileges due to her extreme affiliations and offensive remarks. Tell consulate officials that Shah’s visit could promote division and instability during a period of rising global tensions and increased hate crimes aimed at Jews and Israelis.

Why This Matters:

Shah, a British Labour MP, has been linked to organizations and individuals associated with controversial ideologies:

Links to Hamas and HT: Shah has spoken on panels organized by the Palestinian Return Centre, which has ties to Hamas. The chair of this group has been sanctioned by the United States for being a senior Hamas member. Furthermore, Shah has been associated with fundraising efforts for Friends of Al-Aqsa, an organization known for its support of Palestinian causes that some view as extremist.
Previous Controversies: Shah has made statements that have been criticized for promoting extremist views, including a proposal in 2014 to relocate Israel within the United States and endorsements of figures like Winnie Madikizela-Mandela which included controversial quotes about violent resistance.

Take Action Now:

Signing up and sending your emails takes only a moment, yet your participation can significantly impact the decision-making process regarding Shah’s visit. The more voices that join this call to action, the stronger our message becomes. Use social media, texts, and emails to raise awareness about why it's crucial to prevent individuals with such affiliations from influencing American audiences.

With Trump Returning, Saudi Arabia Should Stop Appeasing the Houthis

By: Michael Rubin

The Kingdom’s softened approach to the Houthi rebels is under scrutiny as Trump returns to the political stage.

Why it matters: Saudi Arabia’s muted strategy toward the Houthis could affect the security of the Kingdom while inadvertently enabling Iranian aggression.

With tensions in the Red Sea rising, a firm stance from the U.S. must be in place to reshape the conflict dynamics.
The Kingdom must posture itself staunchly against Iran and its proxies, and President Trump’s return to the White House is an opportunity to do so that must be seized swiftly.

Saudi Arabia’s cautious diplomacy: Riyadh has stopped seeking to defeat the Houthis, focusing instead on maintaining quiet at its southern border.

This strategy mirrors Israel’s previous approach to Hamas, prioritizing short-term stability over conflict escalation, and will likely only delay an inevitable escalation of hostilities in the future.

Trump’s potential influence: The return of Trump could signal a shift in U.S. support for Saudi Arabia, encouraging a more assertive stance against the Houthis and Iran.

Reinforcing Saudi defense and aligning strategic goals might alter the current regional power balance.

WATCH: Jacob Goldberg on Understanding Mohammed bin Salman’s Saudi Arabia

By: Marilyn Stern

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s recent policy shifts reveal a pragmatic approach to global politics.

Why it matters: MbS’s evolving strategy could redefine the balance of power and regional alliances in the Middle East.

His approach underscores a move from religious, Wahhabi ideology-driven to pragmatic and economically-focused policies.
These changes may affect Saudi Arabia’s relationships with major powers like the U.S., China, and Russia.

Breaking with tradition: MbS has sidelined the traditional Saudi ruling dynamics, focusing on individual leadership and economic diversification.

This includes significant reforms in royal family politics, gender roles in society, domestic governance, and forward-looking economic strategies.

Reevaluating foreign alliances: Recent geopolitical moves, including consideration of joining BRICS, reflect Saudi Arabia’s strategic hedging.

This shift highlights the Kingdom’s adaptation to perceived changes in U.S. support and regional threats.

Egypt Shows Contempt for Christians by Forcing Coptic Funerals into Streets and Alleyways

By: Raymond Ibrahim

Coptic funerals in Egypt are forced into public spaces due to government restrictions on churches.

Why it matters: The forced outdoor ceremonies demonstrate the systemic discrimination Coptic Christians face in Egypt.

Such actions undermine their constitutional rights and ignite concerns over religious freedom.
The situation reflects broader issues of Islamist-inspired religious intolerance in the region.

Government inaction: Despite promises, Egyptian authorities continue to keep numerous churches closed, citing dubious security threats.

This practice not only disrespects the deceased but also penalizes Copts for their faith.

Historical context: The closure of churches and forced public ceremonies have been ongoing issues, with similar incidents reported as far back as 2015.

These actions by the authorities echo a long-standing pattern of appeasing extremist sentiments at the expense of religious minorities.

Trump and Netanyahu, Newly Empowered, to Reunite; Israel Risks Overplaying Its Hand

By: Lazar Berman

The re-election of Donald Trump marks a pivotal moment for Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Why it matters: Netanyahu’s strengthened political position could redefine U.S.-Israel relations and regional stability.

Trump’s presidency may offer Netanyahu an ally less critical of humanitarian issues in conflicts with Iran and its proxies.
However, Israel risks overplaying its hand, particularly with contentious policies like West Bank annexation.

Biden’s final months: President Biden, in his remaining time, has the opportunity to shape a lasting foreign policy legacy.

His actions, or lack thereof, could influence U.S. foreign relations long after his term.

Potential pitfalls: While Netanyahu may find a more supportive ally in Trump, he must navigate internal and external pressures tactfully.

Missteps could lead to diplomatic challenges and exacerbate tensions with the U.S. and Palestinian authorities.