Natalie Ecanow Journalist Profile

Articles

Following Launch of October 7 Task Force, Turkey and Qatar Should Feel the Heat

1 month ago | fdd.org | Reagan Easter |Natalie Ecanow |Sinan Ciddi

The U.S. Justice Department just launched an October 7 joint task force. Now, all eyes should be on Turkey and Qatar. Announced on March 17, Joint Task Force October 7 (JTF 10-7) “will seek justice for the victims” of Hamas’s October 7 assault and “address the ongoing threat posed by Hamas and its affiliates.” JTF 10-7 will operate under the Office of the Deputy Attorney General and involve personnel from the FBI and multiple divisions of the Justice Department, with support from other agencies.
Syria’s New Authorities Vow to Shutter Captagon Trade

Jan 8, 2025 | fdd.org | Zachary Berman |Natalie Ecanow

Narcotraffickers who attempted to flood Jordan with over 27 million illicit captagon pills in 2024 may now be out of business. “When it comes to captagon and drug smuggling, we promise it is over and won’t return,” interim Syrian Foreign Minister Assad Hassan al-Shibani stated at a joint press conference with his Jordanian counterpart in Amman on January 6.
How Trump can reset the U.S.-Qatar relationship

Dec 25, 2024 | thehill.com | Natalie Ecanow

There was diplomatic whiplash when President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team reportedly instructed Qatar to summon Hamas leaders back to Doha. Only last month, reports emerged that the Qataris had ousted Hamas after the Biden administration conveyed that the terrorist group’s presence was “no longer acceptable.” The incoming administration apparently wants to revive Gaza ceasefire talks, and fast.
Qatar’s Corrupt Anti-Corruption Initiative

Dec 10, 2024 | businessandamerica.com | Jonathan Schanzer |Natalie Ecanow

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Qatar’s Corruption: Awards and Conferences Won't Fix Problem

Dec 10, 2024 | nationalreview.com | Jonathan Schanzer |Natalie Ecanow
What's next for U.S.-Qatar relations after the death of Yahya Sinwar?

Oct 25, 2024 | fdd.org | Natalie Ecanow

Natalie joins The Dispatch Live to talk about what the U.S. should do next to pressure Qatar to extradite remaining Hamas leadership and live up to its expectations as a key Middle Eastern ally.
How the U.S. Should Respond to the Death of Yahya Sinwar

Oct 21, 2024 | fdd.org | Jonathan Schanzer |Natalie Ecanow

Hamas chief and October 7 mastermind Yahya Sinwar is dead. In contrast with the recent series of strikes that culminated in the death of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, this was not one of those signature Israeli pinpoint operations driven by intelligence. It was dumb luck that a handful of young Israeli soldiers on patrol stumbled upon the most wanted man in Gaza. Regardless, the momentum of this war has unmistakably shifted. And now it’s crucial to capitalize on this shift in momentum.
How the U.S. Should Respond to the Death of Yahya Sinwar

Oct 21, 2024 | thedispatch.com | Jonathan Schanzer |Natalie Ecanow |Charlotte Lawson |Jonah Goldberg

Hamas chief and October 7 mastermind Yahya Sinwar is dead. In contrast with the recent series of strikes that culminated in the death of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, this was not one of those signature Israeli pinpoint operations driven by intelligence. It was dumb luck that a handful of young Israeli soldiers on patrol stumbled upon the most wanted man in Gaza. Regardless, the momentum of this war has unmistakably shifted. And now it’s crucial to capitalize on this shift in momentum.
Treasury Targets Hezbollah Financiers, Syrian Narcotraffickers with Fresh Sanctions

Oct 18, 2024 | fdd.org | Natalie Ecanow |Ahmad Sharawi

The United States imposed sanctions on Wednesday against a Hezbollah financing network and three individuals who generate revenue for Hezbollah by trafficking illicit narcotics.
Only the UN Could Present Qatar, Which Hosts Hamas' Leadership, as a Champion of Human Rights

Oct 13, 2024 | nysun.com | Natalie Ecanow

The United Nations just re-elected a veteran human rights abuser to a seat on the Human Rights Council. That tends to happen every year, but there is special cause for concern when the abuser is Qatar, which has long hosted the political leadership of Hamas. Last week, the United Nations General Assembly approved a second term for Qatar on the Human Rights Council. Doha will sit on the Council until 2027.