Saudi Arabia
and 8 other counties (Egypt, UAE, Baharin,Yemen, Maldives, Libya, Mauritania
and Comoros) have cut their diplomatic ties with Qatar this week. Saudi led group
has accused Qatar of helping terrorist organization and having close
relationship with Iran. These countries have shut down their sea, land and air
boarders with Qatar. American President also has supported the Saudi lead ban
on Qatar.We all
are aware about the ongoing sectarian violence in Middle East. Saudi is leader
of Sunni Muslims and Iran is leading the Shia block. Qatar is a Sunni dominated
country and Shias comprises of 20% of total Muslim population in the country.
Despite being a Sunni majority country, Qatar has refused to toe the line of
Saudi lead Sunni block. Qatar wants to have a better relationship with Iran and
it has also supported Iranian Nuclear Deal. Qatar has links with several terror
organizations. When Hamas was dumped by their Iran due to conflict of interest
in Syria, Qatar became patronage of Hamas and has helped Hamas with dollars,
support and arms. Qatar has also supported different rival groups in Syrian
Civil war. It is alleged that Qatar along with Turkey has supported Al Nusra
Front in civil war. Al Nusra is considered to be an affiliated with Al Queda.
Qatar is also considered to have close relationship with Muslim Brotherhood and
it had supported previous Egypt Government of Mohamed Morsi. Another major
factor in this crisis has been the Al Jazeera channel. Al Jazeera has often criticized
Arab world particularly Egypt. Many of its correspondents have been jailed In
Egypt. This channel is advocate of liberal & progressive values (even
though Qatar is an absolute Monarchy) in Middle East and which is not liked by
Arab world. Qatar
is the largest producer of Natural Gas in the world is an extremely wealthy country.
It will be hosting prestigious FIFA World cup of 2022 even ahead of China.
Qatar has economic interests all over the world. Qatar hosts the American Navy’s
5th fleet. Qatar has been heavily dependent on its Arabian neighbors
(mainly Saudi Arabia) for import of food and other essential items. There have
been panic buying of food & other essential items in Qatar. As of now Qatar
is surviving by airlifting of essential items but this can’t continue for
long/. Iran has offered water and other items to Qatar. Qatar Airline has been
forced to go via Iranian Airspace to fly to western countries. This crisis has
put a question mark on FIFA 2022 tournament.It
seems that America might have given the go-ahead to Saudis for this action in
last month’s Riyadh submit. Many Americans have criticized American stand on
this crisis. When American 5th fleet was forced to leave Saudi
Arabia, it was Qatar which came forward and gave its land for the American
base. This crisis has put China, India, Japan and other countries in a tight
spot as they have good relationship with both the blocks and they can’t alienate
any of them. Qatar is home to millions of expats. Indian, Bangladeshi, Nepalis,
Sri Lankans, Pakistanis, Egyptians and Philippines form the largest group of expats
in Qatar. The Qatari economy will cripple if these foreign labors leave Qatar. Iranians
and Russians may come to aid of Qatar and this blockade of Qatar can force
Qatar to openly join Iranian camp. Qatar was only one liberal force in Middle
East and this was not liked by Arabians Kings and Emirs. It is the first sign
of division on Sunni camp and it is believed that other Sunni countries like
Indonesia, Turkey and may be Pakistan can’t openly back Saudi Arabia in this
sectarian war. Americans can’t afford to lose an ally like Qatar in Arab world
and the world (Mainly Asian economies like India, China and Japan) can’t afford
to lose the supply of Natural gas from Qatar. A long crisis will send the crude
& natural gas price northwards and it will negatively impact world’s
economy. We have enough problems in Syria and Iraq. So this crisis must be
peacefully solved soon for stability if Middle East.
No comments:
Post a Comment