Al Jazeera: Propaganda or Journalism?

“Caliphate” a simple word, that can evoke memories of imperial theocracy, a system that once took over the Mediterranean and the Balkans. Yet, as we look at Qatar’sz increasing influence in Europe, we have to consider what such a concept can look like in the modern age. The 21st-century “Caliphate” is no longer built through conquest but through wealth, media influence, and strategic alliances.

Although Qatar is a small country with a troubled backwards political system, it has become a great force on the global stage. Its wealth helps to shape the world's influence and politics in Europe. The Balkans has become a key area where Qatar increased its influence, considering its history and recent wars. This raises the question: How can we protect free speech whole also resisting the influence of foreign state-run narratives?

A Balkan Gateway

When Yugoslavia collapsed in the 1990s, the region splintered along ethnic and religious lines. In the chaos, radical Islamist ideologies supported by foreign powers, took root. During the Siege of Sarajevo, fighters from Chechnya, Central Asia, and the Gulf joined the Bosnian army, forming the El-Mujahid unit. Gulf states used this opportunity not just to assist but to expand their influence into Europe.

This influence remains clearly visible today. Al Jazeera Bosnia, Qatar’s largest foreign-language media outlet after Al Jazeera English, reflects Doha’s geopolitical goals. In Sarajevo, the spread of conservative Islamic dress and ideology mirrors Qatar’s promotion of political Islam. These drastic new norm shows how external forces have shaped local narratives and identities.

The Media as a Weapon

Qatar’s soft power is most evident through Al Jazeera. Supporters see it as a news outlet, but critics accuse it of spreading divisive narratives. One example is its misrepresentation of military helicopters firing on civilians during Egypt’s unrest, which fueled tensions in the region. While such incidents are isolated, they fit a pattern of media manipulation designed to destabilize regions outside of Qatar.

This influence isn’t limited to the Balkans. Spanish MEP Hermann Tertsch warned, “Qatar has conquered Europe. Its interests are everywhere, from football to politics.” This was apparent during the 2022 “Qatargate” scandal, where Qatar allegedly bribed European officials to silence criticism of its human rights record. The scandal flagged concerns about Qatar’s growing presence in EU institutions and its ability to sway decision-making.

Selective Free Speech

The EU has been inconsistent in how they handled foreign media influence. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EU banned Russian outlets like RT (Russia Today) and Sputnik for spreading propaganda. Yet, no action has been taken against Al Jazeera, despite evidence of its divisive narratives. Critics argue that Qatar’s large investments in European infrastructure and sports often overshadow concerns about its media practices, and officials conveniently oversee Al Jazeera’s propaganda.

German MEP Denis Radke has emphasized exactly how critical it is to address this issue without alienating Europe’s Muslim integrated communities. He said, “We have millions of perfectly integrated Muslim people in our society. It’s up to them to help distinguish between Islam and Islamism.” If the West Fails to confront Qatar’s influence, this can can create deeper divides, by stereotyping Islam and harming efforts to integrate communities.

The Challenge of Censorship

Banning state-sponsored media is complicated. Czech MEP Aleksandr Vondra acknowledged this, saying, “If Al Jazeera acts as a media arm of Hamas or spreads propaganda, we might understand the need to limit it. But we must tread carefully to avoid undermining our principles.” Others argue that censorship only strengthens authoritarian regimes. Belgian MEP Tom Vandendriessche added, “Censorship is the tool of those in power who fear being replaced. Lies must be countered with truth, not silence.”

The collective West is a well-known advocate for free speech and voicing individual opinions, but they face a difficult decision: compromise its values to counter foreign influence or find alternative ways to address harmful narratives without restricting free speech. Qatar’s role in the Balkans reveals how open societies can be manipulated, by using Free Speech to your advantage.

“Can society; secular, Christian, or Muslim, resist the narratives of foreign governments?”

Stefan Tompson

Founder Visegrad24

Europe’s Crossroads

The question at hand is whether Europe can resist foreign influence while upholding its democratic values. Qatar’s actions in the Balkans show how ideology can be exported under the guise of media and cultural exchange. Through wealth and soft power, Qatar has promoted ideas that challenge Europe’s secular and non-confirmative values.

But this issue goes beyond Qatar. This will test Europe’s ability to safeguard its sovereignty and principles. The solution does not lie merely in bans or censorship but in strengthening institutions, building societal resilience, and working with Muslim communities to counter radical ideologies. As Stefan Tompson asks, “Can society - secular, Christian, or Muslim - resist the narratives of foreign governments?” The answer lies in defending the values that make open societies strong.

Heike Claudia du Toit

Writer | Journalist | Copywriter | Linguistics Honors Candidate