After the Saudi Arabia-led coalition of states decided to isolate Qatar and cut it off diplomatically and economically, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson expressed concerns over the feud, especially as it came after the visit of President Donald Trump to the region.
During his visit last month, Trump met representatives from 55 Islamic countries, and, among other things, wanted to forge an anti-Iran bloc and clip the wings of the Muslim Brotherhood. Qatar, however, plays a major role in supporting activities of the Brotherhood. The country also holds the third largest reserves of natural gas in the world, and as an oil tycoon, Tillerson understands the future of gas as a key source of energy. The US, hence, supports the Saudi Arabia-led embargo on Qatar.
Qatar is considered to be close to Iran, and this hampers the anti-Iran bloc led by the US and Saudi Arabia. The Gulf Cooperation Council countries, led by Saudi Arabia, expect Qatar to either surrender to their dictates or face the music. The GCC was formed after the 1979 Iran revolution, to present a united front against an aggressive Iran. It, however, failed to develop into a military bloc as the US remained the guarantor of the GCC’s security. After the second Gulf War, the US established military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
Saudi’s monetary influence will lead to more nations isolating Qatar, forcing the emir to fall in line or be overthrown. A military action will be possible only if the US backs the anti-Qatar front. The hefty cheque Saudi Arabia gave Trump for arms and infrastructure projects is seen as a token to secure American protection.
The next war will be for gas, and three nations hold the key—Russia, Iran and Qatar. The US will not allow this trio to lead the global economy, hence the need to isolate them.
It is the US which will call the shots and be the sole beneficiary of the current crisis. Money will be paid by rich states to the US for protection. The focus is now on Iran and the many sleeping cells that might create havoc and attack government establishments.
Awwad is a writer and political analyst.
