There might not have been a better opportunity for Qatar to find its way back to the bosom of its neighbors than the last GCC foreign ministers meeting in Riyadh. The extraordinary summit, which came about due to enormous Kuwaiti diplomatic efforts, succeeded in creating a chance for normalizing relations between Qatar and fellow GCC states Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain. Many sought to analyze and interpret the recent developments as per their whims or according to what their alleged sources said. However, the truth is that only a few really know what the ministers really agreed on in Riyadh and what went on behind the scenes. Yet the one constant when it comes to dealing with Qatar is that, unfortunately, the Gulf state has proven that it cannot be trusted and that it does not live up to its commitments, even when such commitments are documented and signed off on. And while it is too late now for Doha's old guard to make amends and enhance their reputation, the door is still open for Doha's new guard to deliver on the required commitments. As such, the two-month grace period which is said to have been granted to Doha sounds like a wise decision since we have not yet reached the point of no return: Qatar has not responded by recalling its own ambassadors yet, while Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain have not required the Qatari representative in their respective countries to leave nor have they resorted to closing borders or sought more severe punitive measures. However, the main question is defining what exactly the required commitments from Doha are, and this certainly seems to be a case where what remains hidden from public knowledge is most likely far more interesting. Yet, what is clear so far is that Qatar appears to be serious about repairing relations with its neighbors. And perhaps the most significant indication of this intention is the recent flirtatious comments issued by the Doha-based controversial sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi. The Egypt-born sheikh seems to have taken an interesting U-turn and has gone from previously attacking Saudi Arabia and the UAE to issuing a statement declaring his love for both countries. Of course, it remains to be seen if Qatar will really end its support for the Muslim Brotherhood (an organization now classified as a terrorist group by Qatar's neighbors) or if the intention is to put them on the shelf for a while, before using them again. And is Doha really serious about no longer using Al-Jazeera as a podium for broadcasting the Brotherhood's agenda? Or will it simply stop it at one end while continuing to do so via the new Qatari media outlets being established in London? Last but certainly not least: Has the Qatari leadership finally understood that “the ends justifies the means” policy which it adopted in its endeavor to become an “international player” has resulted in more losses than gains? I say this because the Qataris must have realized that any potential hope of having the world's superpower bow down to them in their capacity as chief financier of the Muslim Brotherhood has evaporated. The Qataris seem to have hoped to gain influence by propelling the Brotherhood's state project across the region following the 2011 revolutions. Indeed a shrewd politician should realize when it is time to end the game and how and when to cut losses. And I am not only referring here to the billions of dollars spent on supporting the Brotherhood but to priceless losses when it comes to relations with fellow GCC countries. Furthermore, if Qatar, by seeking to irritate its neighbors, is trying to place itself as “the most suitable alternative,” then it must be aware that all it is really gaining is the enmity of its traditional allies and if anything, this will weaken and not strengthen its status! Unlike what some Qatari government advisers seem to want for their neighbors, no one wants any harm for Qatar and we - Gulf states and Arabs in general - all are genuinely happy for any success they achieve whether on the political, economic, cultural or sports level. Indeed, such successes can only help enhance our status as Gulf and Arab countries, and to be honest, I cannot understand how these advisers are able to convince themselves and others that Qatar's success is not possible unless its neighbors fail! Therefore, we should make use of this real opportunity to end the rift. The conflict must end not just for obvious historical and geographical reasons but also for the sake of security, economy and the capability of confronting upcoming challenges. We need to understand that what is at stake is the potential Gulf Union project, which is the only ongoing project that is capable of serving as a safety valve, not just for securing the future of Doha itself, but for that of the Gulf and the entire region. — Al Arabiya
— Faisal J. Abbas is the Editor-in-Chief of Al Arabiya English. Follow him on Twitter: @FaisalJAbbas
