Gulf states must fight terrorism together and not create tension among them

THE Gulf region has been hit by its biggest diplomatic crisis in years after Arab nations including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain cut ties with Qatar – accusing it of destabilising the region by showing support to Islamist groups. Yemen and Maldives later joined. Previously it was Syria and Iran, the countries which had drawn flaks for sectarian war, but the severing of ties with Qatar by others will only worsen the situation and may even open up newer dimensions for greater regional conflict.

More importantly, following internal feuds, proxy wars and battles against the IS, it is the worst time for a diplomatic divide to erupt in the Middle East when peace and stability need to be high on the priority. The fear that the break down of Gulf unity may make way to greater conflict can’t be ruled out as multiple forces are at work to worsen the situation. We urge for calm and sensible leadership from all and hope that the mediation taken by Emir of Kuwait will cease further escalation of tension and bring all of them back to the fold of unity again. Many blame the recent visit of US President Donald Trump in the region for the dramatic swing in the event; mainly aimed at isolating Iran and punishing Iran sympathizers in the region.

The coordinated move dramatically escalates a dispute over Qatar’s support of Islamist movements, including the Muslim Brotherhood, and its perceived tolerance of Saudi Arabia’s arch-rival, Iran. However, Saudi Arabia and others claimed they have taken the decision to isolate Qatar for its support to various terrorist and sectarian groups such as Muslim Brotherhood, al-Qaida and Islamic State outfits.

In the face of a spree of accusations, we want the Qatar government’s prompt and neutral actions to end all allegations. This is an unprecedented diplomatic crisis where five neighboring nations have gathered against one tiny member state. The aviation industry has faced the biggest setback. Qatar Airways, one of the region’s major long-haul carriers, suspended all flights to Saudi Arabia. Etihad, the Abu Dhabi-based carrier, said it would suspend flights to Qatar “until further notice” Many fear that the rift may cause havoc to the economy of the region, the worst hit to be Qatar and nobody to be unaffected.

Blaming Qatar for promoting terrorism must be resolved through discussion and not by creating division among the Gulf states. The world wants to see the Gulf states actively fighting terrorism together to save the Muslims becoming victims in the hands of Western countries.