Qatar should back down for its own good

Ayear and several sanctions later, Qatar has refused to mend its ways. And there is not even a trickle of sympathy for the nation at the regional or international level. There is little for the UAE and its allies to fear for their economies, but Qatar would do well to not widen the rift further because it involves its maritime, air and land borders. The Gulf nations — members of the GCC — have historically functioned in a more or less synchronised manner against destabilising forces such as Iran, sectarian extremists, the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas and Hezbollah, thus offering stability and security in the region. The UAE, Saudi Arabia and the other nations are well aware of the need for a unified and stronger regional voice. But Qatar doesn’t seem aligned with that view, and instead has emerged as a supporter of chaos and instability. It was against such belligerence that the Quartet — Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt — imposed sanctions on the country last year. The quartet succeeded in isolating the country and the boycott has proven costly for Qatar.

Economically, there has been a downfall. Qatar’s construction sector, a key driver of the economy, was partially dependent on overland routes for its supplies. The nation’s foreign reserves have dropped to $39.7 billion, down by $6.3 billion compared to the same period last year. The flow of visitors — over 50 per cent from the region — dipped pressuring the nation to come up with drastic policy changes like visa-free entry to citizens from 80 countries. The US decision to pull out of the nuclear deal with Iran has added to its woes. The economic sanctions on Iran will have a ripple effect on the country as Qatar relies on Iran now for its market needs. But the nation continues to be impervious. Qatar should back down for its own good. It should stop its resources from reaching terrorists; it should stop inciting terrorism; it should initiate legal process against terrorists living on its land; and it should ensure such groups are not aided politically. The leadership should take note and join the Arab states in finding a solution if it does not want to continue being the loser in this stalemate.