Q&A

Why the row?

A number of Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, accuse Qatar of backing radical Islamist groups and being too close to Iran – Saudi’s regional rival.

What is happening?

Diplomatic relations have been cut, land and maritime borders closed, air links suspended and restrictions placed on movements by Qataris who are panicbuying in supermarkets. The currency has plunged, and the country’s banking sector is floundering. Qatar is the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas and analysts fear the crisis will push up prices.

Is Qatar important?

Apart from gas, Qatar is home to the forward HQ of the US military’s Central Command. Its Al-Udeid air base is a launching pad for coalition jets bombing IS in Iraq and Syria. Qatar has sometimes played the role of an intermediary state in the region. It helped secure the release of hostages in Syria’s civil war, including some held by an Al Qaeda affiliate. It also hosted talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban.

Will it give in?

Qatar is sticking to its guns for the moment, urging mediation, and has not indicated it will make concessions. A less serious rift three years ago ended with Qatar reportedly agreeing to stop backing the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood. It never did.