Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa’s ambassador to the U.S., was expelled after reports of his ties to terrorism surfaced. Secretary Rubio cited significant extremist associations, prompting frustrations in Pretoria. MEF’s outreach highlighted Rasool’s activities with terrorist entities, leading to his cold reception and ultimate expulsion.
On March 14, 2025, Ebrahim Rasool, the South African ambassador to the United States, was declared persona non grata and expelled from Washington by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This expulsion was prompted by a report and outreach from the Middle East Forum (MEF) that raised concerns about Rasool’s connections to terrorism and his history of extremist remarks.
Rasool had recently faced isolation in Washington, having encountered difficulties securing meetings with State Department representatives and significant Republican figures since President Trump assumed office. According to a report by Semafor, this situation led to frustrations within Pretoria, South Africa’s capital.
Sam Westrop, the director of MEF Islamist Watch, highlighted Rasool’s extremist background in a December 2024 article in Focus on Western Islamism. He detailed Rasool’s contacts with high-ranking officials from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, along with his support for Iran’s regime and its affiliate, Hezbollah. Additionally, Rasool’s associations with American Islamist organizations, particularly links to the controversial SAAR network, raised further concerns.
Rasool’s diplomatic credentials had been accepted quietly by President Biden in the waning days of his administration. Prior to his tenure in Washington, Rasool played a role in influencing the International Court of Justice regarding allegations against Israel. MEF communicated Rasool’s extremist positions and critical social media presence to administration officials and Congressional members, contributing to his cold reception in Washington.
The expulsion of Ebrahim Rasool underscores the U.S. government’s stance against individuals linked to terrorism and extremism holding diplomatic positions. The Middle East Forum has played a crucial role in drawing attention to Rasool’s controversial ties, which ultimately led to significant diplomatic repercussions. This development signifies the importance of aligning U.S. foreign diplomatic practices with national security interests.
Original Source: www.meforum.org
