Why Tucker Carlson Is Suddenly the Most Watched Man in the Middle East

Tucker Carlson’s interviews with Arab monarchs are reshaping how American conservatives understand the Middle East—and exposing unexpected ideological overlap

In recent weeks, Tucker Carlson has been quietly reshaping his global image—and nowhere is this more evident than in the Middle East. From his high-profile sit-down with Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal to a headline-grabbing interview with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Carlson has positioned himself as something more than a polarizing figure in American media. He’s becoming, oddly enough, a sought-after interlocutor among the Gulf’s ruling class.

About the Author

Faisal Al Mutar

Faisal Al Mutar

Faisal Saeed Al Mutar is a social entrepreneur and founder of Ideas Beyond Borders, an organization advancing free thought, innovation, and policy reform in the Middle East. He has spoken on global platforms including TED and has been recognized with the President’s Volunteer Service Award by Barack Obama and an honorary doctorate from Whittier College.