In his October 23, 2019, deposition in the civil case Matthew Pittard and Matthew Allende v. H.E. Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani et al. (Case No. 8:19-cv-1784, M.D. Fla.), Canadian businessman Alan Bender provided extensive testimony based on his interactions with high-level Qatari officials, including meetings in Doha. Bender described what he portrayed as Qatar’s systematic efforts to exert influence in the West through financial incentives, media control, and recruitment of assets—a strategy he linked to “entryism” via ties to groups like the Muslim Brotherhood.
Strategic Motives: Survival Through Influence and Wealth
Bender testified that Qatar’s actions stemmed from vulnerability following the 2017-ongoing blockade by Saudi Arabia, UAE, and allies. Officials told him that after initial concerns post-blockade, they concluded: “We knew the trick. Money. We just need to control the people who control them.” Bender quoted officials boasting of unlimited funds from oil/gas revenues (projected to last 220+ years), joking Qataris were a “chosen nation” who “don’t work” but earn $100-200 million daily.
- The Power of Money: Bender described Qatar hiring Italian hackers (“the engineers”) for surveillance, underground fake account networks, and lavish payments to influence targets. Officials reportedly said they outspent rivals: “Saudis, Emiratis are doing it… we beat them at the money we pay.”
- Controlling the Narrative: In secure palace meetings (no electronics allowed, cellphones confiscated), officials allegedly said: “Now you’re here. Whatever you cannot ask us outside Qatar, you can ask us now. We will answer all your questions.” Bender claimed they monitored plaintiffs’ communications pre-lawsuit and viewed settlements as admissions of wrongdoing.
- Defeating the U.S.: Bender alleged Qatar bribed FIFA officials ~$400 million to win the 2022 World Cup bid over the U.S., framing it as “David and Goliath” with cash as the weapon. Officials reportedly celebrated beating America to enhance global image.
Ambitions for White House Control
Bender claimed Qatar’s “main goal is to control the White House” and “bring in more Sisters in the Senate,” using money to recruit across parties.
- Next Steps: Officials allegedly nodded to existing congressional recruits beyond Omar and said Americans were “the cheapest of the cheapest costing officials.” They targeted weaknesses (money, sex, secrets) for control.
- Targeting the Judiciary: When Bender asked about recruiting federal judges, officials replied “bigger than that” for influence but would do so “cautiously and very carefully” if needed, suggesting recruiting the case judge as an “opportunity.”
- Military and Intelligence Assets: Bender testified officials hinted at payroll assets in U.S. military (soldiers at Al Udeid base), embassies in Doha, and broader systems, boasting confidence in evading U.S. scrutiny (e.g., changing passport names).
Feelings Toward Donald Trump and the Republican Establishment
Bender described Qatar viewing Trump-era alignment with Saudi Arabia as a threat, countered by funding anti-Saudi narratives and recruiting “progressive” Democrats.
- Republican Obstacles: Officials allegedly funded efforts against lawmakers like Sens. Ted Cruz and Tom Cotton pushing Muslim Brotherhood terrorist designation.
- The “Progressive” Counter-Strategy: Focus shifted to Democrats for narrative control on Middle East/Muslim Brotherhood issues, using media recruitment post-2017 failed press conferences.
Ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and “Sister” Ilhan Omar
Bender testified Qatar used the Muslim Brotherhood for “entryism,” calling Omar and Linda Sarsour “Sister Ilhan” and “Sister Linda”—terms reserved for Brotherhood members.
- The “Sister” Title: Officials reportedly referred to them this way, claiming Brotherhood allegiance.
- The “Jewel of the Crown”: Omar was allegedly Qatar’s top asset/Trojan horse, groomed pre-political interest due to family background (father’s violent interrogations in Somalia). Quote: “If it wasn’t for our money, she would be another black Somali refugee working part-time at Starbucks.” Funded via indirect methods (PayPal, contracts); she swore allegiance to Turkey’s Erdogan (Qatar ally).
- Information Sharing with Iran: Bender claimed Omar accessed sensitive/classified info via committees, passing it to Qatar (then Iran). Officials said she showed “full obedience,” with dirt for control.
- Financial Control: Payments through third parties, family in Somalia, inflated World Cup contracts; no objections to demands.
These allegations remain unverified beyond Bender’s testimony, which emerged in a labor/dispute lawsuit (later involving expanded claims; case status varied, with voluntary dismissals noted in some dockets). Reports highlight Bender’s past Saudi ties and potential regional disinformation dynamics; no corroborating evidence has been publicly confirmed for the influence claims.
Source Alan Bender Deposition Transcript: Matthew Pittard and Matthew Allende v. H.E. Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani et al., Case No. 8:19-cv-1784 (M.D. Fla. Oct. 23, 2019).
Written with the help of Gemini AI and Grok AI.
Writing by Dr. Dannielle Blumenthal 