Interview by Haroon Rashid Qureshi, 

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Liqaa Maki is a distinguished journalist and academic with nearly four decades of experience, currently serving as Senior Researcher at the Al Jazeera Centre for Studies. Holding a PhD in Media and Propaganda, Maki has built a career blending professional media work with deep expertise in political analysis and propaganda. His earlier roles include Executive Producer at Al Jazeera Net (2005–2018), producer at Al Jazeera Channel, professor of media at the University of Baghdad (1989–2004), and earlier editorial and war-correspondent work in Iraq. He has also been honored with awards such as Best Iraqi Journalist by the Iraqi Journalists’ Syndicate and the First Professor Award from the University of Baghdad, among others.

At the Emergency Arabic-Islamic Summit 2025, Maki was interviewed by Haroon Rashid Qureshi about the recent Israeli attack on Qatar, the responsibilities and unity among Islamic states, and whether collective action may follow from the ongoing diplomatic gatherings.

On the significance of conferences like this summit, Maki emphasized that such gatherings serve a crucial role in drawing attention to regional aggression, particularly Israel’s attack on Qatar, and in reminding neighboring and Muslim-majority countries of their duty to protect against external threats. He argued that Islamic states should not wait until they are directly affected but proactively establish mechanisms of mutual protection.

On unity and possible actions by Islamic states, he noted that there are 57 Islamic states which, together, hold considerable leverage. Potential measures could include restricting trade, adjusting political relations, and limiting Israeli access or influence, such as airspace restrictions. According to Maki, a tangible embargo would send a strong message. He acknowledged, however, that coordinating such a unified response among diverse Islamic nations, each with its own interests and vulnerabilities, is a significant challenge.

On the reaction to the attack on Qatar, Maki expressed shock at the audacity of the assault. Qatar, he observed, plays a mediator role between Israel and Hamas and maintains cooperative relations with the United States. An attack on such a state, particularly one far from immediate conflict zones, represents a new and serious escalation. He viewed it as not just a physical violation, but a signal that Israel believes it can act without regard for sovereignty or diplomatic norms.

On expectations from the summit, Maki was cautiously pessimistic regarding concrete actions. He expected declarations of support for Qatar and condemnations of Israel’s actions, possibly accompanied by the establishment of committees or working groups to explore responses. However, he believed that decisive, coordinated action involving multiple states would remain difficult without a unified political will and shared commitment.

Liqaa Maki’s insights at the Emergency Arabic-Islamic Summit 2025 highlight the tension between moral urgency and geopolitical reality. His commentary illuminates both the aspirations of Islamic states for coordinated action and the structural obstacles they face. As Muslim nations convene, his call is for not just statements, but strategy: for protecting sovereignty, ensuring justice, and restoring respect on the international stage.