The first deadline set by Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt for Qatar to respond to their legitimate demands has expired. The demands include Qatar stopping all kinds of support for terrorism, and shutting down its Al-Jazeera network, which is known for its destructive agenda against Arab societies. Qatar's options are clearly limited. The boycott is expected to be even harsher than it was in the previous weeks despite its attempts to tap new routes to work around its isolation. All countries are now aware of the real, suspicious role played by Qatar throughout the decades. It has extended various forms of support to terrorists. It has spent huge amounts to find a position for itself in the world community, even though it may have been at the expense of Arab security. The shortsightedness of Qatari politicians has led them to play ball with dubious organizations that are hell-bent on harming Arab interests. In the process, it has become an accomplice to the crimes committed by these organizations in the Arab and Muslim world. By toeing the Iran line, Qatar has proved that it is a strong backer of terrorist forces. After all, Iran is an established supporter of terror elements. There is no excuse whatsoever for Qatar to adopt the Iranian agenda. It is an Arab Gulf state, having rights and obligations. It has violated them to achieve a set of objectives that has nothing to do with its interests. The present crisis proves that the Qatari political decision-makers lack strategic vision. Otherwise, they would not have brought the country to its present state of chaos. It is hoped that good counsel prevails and Qatar returns to the Arab fold.
