Qatar must start afresh

An aggressive foreign policy since 1995 has failed Qatar in its relationship with its GCC neighbours which is now at a nadir. This low point pops the question: what does the country want from the international stage as it dabbles in the domestic affairs of other countries?

It has opened itself to criticism by backing the Muslim Brotherhood, which indoctrinates youth, who are then sent to foment trouble in other countries.

Doha has a big ego and does not appear to have a clear, principled policy, which makes it sway to the right and the left by entering into fragile alliances to serve short-term interests. It has spent billions of dollars to gain clout in the region and has courted different political streams and parties. Take for instance its support to Hamas and its revolution against Israel while it forges separate economic partnerships with the Zionist entity.

The leadership in Doha may be keen on easing tensions in Lebanon even as it extends support to the militant Hezbollah and other extremist organisations. Many members of suspect groups have been offered Qatari nationality. These naturalised citizens then use Doha as a base to spread their venomous and destructive agenda which calls for destabilising the security of the GCC countries and undermining their close economic and political ties built over centuries.

Look at the numbers. It is believed that Qatar has allocated $4 billion budget for the functioning of its foreign ministry which is more than the total budgets of some countries. This recklessness has brought with it disastrous results. The magic wand it once brandished is gone as the magician stands exposed. Qatar is now an undesirable mole in many Arab countries, especially those wracked by revolutions, prodded on by Doha.

Relations with its neigbouring and brotherly GCC states are in a shambles. The latter view its actions with suspicion and do not believe it is one of them as the country has failed to make good on its promises. It has shades of a chameleon on the run which changes colours to suit its sinister agenda. Promises are meant to be broken and even written and signed agreements are cast aside. A change in leadership last year has made no difference as it treads a dangerous path. Faces have changed, but the goal remains the same.

Kuwait tried to play mediator at a meeting last November in Riyadh when differences came to the fore. An agreement was then reached on non-interference, but Qatar did not comply and instead began to direct Al Jazeera, its state media, to run down the sovereignty of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain. Qatar was soon confronted with proof at a meeting held early this year. It denied any role as Kuwait again tried to find common ground to resolve the disputes. The Qatari foreign minister said he would not sign unless he gets approval from Doha, which prompted the three states to pull out their envoys from Doha. Ten days after the joint Saudi, UAE and Bahrain action, Qatar has started escalating the issue instead of finding ways to a resolution.

What does Qatar gain by breaking ranks with its fellow Gulf countries? How does it benefit by flaying from outside the flock, by sending its men to support opposition groups which promote sectarian strife? Its tentacles have even spread to Yemen where it has provided moral, financial and logistical heft to the Houthi rebels, who have done their bit by destablising the surrounding countries.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain have, therefore, rightly said ‘enough is enough’ through their joint diplomatic action against this regional adventurism.

How can Qatar salvage its faded pride and eroded credibility? It must start by walking the talk and owning up to past follies while doing some soul searching. Playing both sides is only detrimental to its interests. The ball is in Doha’s court.

— malzarooni@khaleejtimes.com