Saudi Arabia has been leading the diplomatic and economic onslaught of Qatar since mid-2017. It was the first country to implement a blockade of Qatar, with Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following suit soon afterwards. Even though the causes behind the conflict between the two countries were not immediately outlined, the questions remained – why did Saudi Arabia blockade Qatar?
After months of debating on the issue, both sides of the conflict eventually released statements that admit to a series of causes. In Saudi Arabia’s declaration, it stated that the reasons for the blockade included Qatar’s support of terrorist organisations, the country’s interference in the internal affairs of other countries, and what it thought was Qatar’s reluctance to comply with its Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) partners. Qatar has defended itself by saying that it doesn’t support terrorism, and that it is open to negotiations to resolve the conflict. Instead, Qatar claims that the blockade was motivated by dissatisfaction with its foreign policy, and particularly its independent stance in international disputes, including the agreement with Iran that resulted in Qatar restoring diplomatic ties.
Various international experts and organisations have shared their views on the conflict between Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Yet, the most obvious explanation is that the Saudi-led blockade was a reaction to Qatar’s policy of ‘economic and military independence’ – which, according to the International Crisis Group, was not in line with Riyadh’s foreign policy directives. The blockade was thus a form of punishment by Saudi Arabia for what it deemed insubordinate behaviour. It also served as a warning to other countries in the region, as it demonstrates that any breach of Saudi foreign policy directives will be met with serious diplomatic and economic repercussions.
The International Crisis Group has also pointed out that although the GCC exists to guarantee the security of the Gulf states, it has been used by Saudi Arabia for more than just that. Riyadh has been known to use it as a tool to impose consensus among the Gulf states, and it likely did the same this time by enforcing a blockade on Qatar. This suggests that the blockade is more than just a security strategy, but a tactic to gain diplomatic leverage and set a precedent of obedience within the region.
At the same time, the blockade also serves as a way for Saudi Arabia to reassert its regional dominance and strengthen its own position. The blockade of Qatar is symbolic of the lack of trust between both countries and reflects the frustration of Saudi Arabia with Qatar’s policy of economic and military independence. The blockade is thus one of many power struggles between the two nations, and its effects on the region and its citizens must not be ignored.
Economic Impact
The economic implications of the dispute have been evident for some time now. The blockade severely disrupted the supply chains of both countries, leading to shortages in essential goods. Moreover, the UAE and Bahrain have imposed restrictions on the movement of goods and people between Qatar and their respective countries. This further complicated the situation, as it made it harder for businesses in Qatar to send and receive supplies from the outside world.
The blockade has also affected the region’s economy in other ways. For starters, it’s slowed down the growth of the region’s tourism industry, as tourist arrivals have dropped significantly since the blockade began. This has had a direct impact on the economy, as revenue from tourism is expected to decrease by up to 36 percent in the coming years.
Furthermore, the blockade has had a ripple effect on the region, as it has led to an increase in volatility in global energy markets. This is due to the fact that Qatar is one of the most important producers and exporters of natural gas in the world. As a result, the dispute has led to a decrease in confidence in the oil markets, which has subsequently caused the price of oil to fluctuate.
Overall, the blockade has had a significant economic impact on the region. Although the exact economic toll of the blockade is difficult to measure, it is estimated that it has cost Qatar and Saudi Arabia millions of dollars in lost trade and investment opportunities.
International Reactions
The blockade of Qatar has received a range of reactions from the international community. For starters, the European Union has expressed its concern over the dispute, stating that it could have a detrimental effect on the stability of the region. In addition, the United States has expressed its commitment to helping the two sides resolve their differences and move towards a peaceful resolution.
Furthermore, the United Nations has called for an end to the conflict, and has urged both sides to engage in dialogue in order to prevent further escalation. In addition, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has condemned the blockade, stating that it has caused “undue hardships” to vulnerable populations, particularly those in Qatar, and has called for a swift resolution of the crisis.
Lastly, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has pressed both countries to resolve their dispute in a peaceful, amicable manner. Moreover, the OIC has underscored the importance of respecting the principles and provisions of the international law, as well as the rights of populations affected by armed conflicts.
Regional Implications
The dispute over Qatar has highlighted the complex power dynamics in the Middle East, as well as the significance of regional interests in international conflicts. The blockade serves as a reminder of the significance of regional powers in the international arena and the ability of countries to use the tools of diplomacy to impose their own agendas. This is especially relevant in a region that has numerous unresolved conflicts.
The dispute between Qatar and Saudi Arabia is evidence of the power of regional actors and their ability to influence global developments. More importantly, it serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting diplomatic solutions that take into account the concerns of all parties involved. In the end, it is the only way to ensure that the dispute is resolved in a manner that is beneficial for the entire region.
Implications for the GCC
The dispute over Qatar has also served to highlight the inefficiencies and shortcomings of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). As the leading diplomatic and economic coalition in the region, the GCC has been instrumental in promoting stability and economic development throughout the Middle East. The dispute over Qatar is an example of how the GCC has struggled to effectively manage regional political disputes and negotiators have yet to find a solution.
Moreover, the dispute has highlighted the lack of unity amongst the countries of the GCC. Despite the presence of many common interests, there are still disagreements amongst the countries of the GCC, which has led to rifts and a lack of trust between the countries of the region. This has hindered the effectiveness of the GCC and has contributed to the stagnation of the region.
The dispute between Qatar and Saudi Arabia has put the GCC in a difficult position. As the leading diplomatic and economic coalition in the region, the GCC has to respond to disputes such as the one between Qatar and Saudi Arabia in a way that does not further destabilise the region. It is thus crucial that the GCC takes immediate action to restore order and find a solution to the dispute.
Conclusion
The dispute over Qatar has demonstrated the complicated power dynamics in the Middle East and the ability of regional powers to influence global developments. Although there are many issues that need to be addressed before a peaceful resolution can be reached, it is clear that the dispute between Qatar and Saudi Arabia has had far-reaching economic and political implications for both countries and the region as a whole. The blockade has been a major point of contention and has negatively affected the economic and diplomatic relations between the two countries, as well as the GCC as a whole. In order to resolve the conflict, both sides must come to the negotiating table and negotiate in a manner that is beneficial for all parties involved. The results of this dispute will have far-reaching consequences for the entire Middle East, and it is thus imperative that a swift resolution is reached.
