Saudi strengthens front against Iran by making truce with Qatar

Al-Ula: Saudi, that had politically and economically blocked Qatar, since June 2017, has decided to make a truce with Qatar. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar, was invited for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) meeting, held in the Saudi. Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman surprised everyone by being present at the airport to welcome Sheikh Tamim. Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman expressed satisfaction saying that this GCC meeting brought everyone together. Saudi had already announced the decision to remove political and economic blockades against Qatar. Indications are that this is a part of Saudi tactics against Iran.

The 41st GCC meeting started in the Saudi Arabian city of Al-Ula, from Tuesday. GCC includes Six Arab countries, namely the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi. The meeting is held to discuss the cooperation between the Gulf countries and other regional issues. Saudi Crown Prince specially called all the heads of states, including Qatar, over the telephone, to invite them for the conference. Before the meeting, Saudi announced the withdrawal of all the sanctions against Qatar and opening of the border and airspace. This seems to be the beginning of the new relationship between Saudi and Qatar.

The cooperation agreement between Saudi and Qatar will be signed in the presence of Jared Kushner, advisor to US President Donald Trump. Egyptian President Fateh Al-Sisi also will be present to welcome the cooperation between Saudi and Qatar. Saudi mouthpiece claimed that this newly developing cooperation would be historic over the last three and a half years, taking into account the tension prevailing between Saudi and Qatar.

In June 2017, Saudi, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt boycotted Qatar. At the same time, these countries had severed all the diplomatic and economic ties with Qatar. Saudi and the Arab allies had accused Qatar of supporting the Iranian terrorist activities. Saudi had accused Qatar of funding Hezbollah, the Iran affiliated terrorist organisation. Along with the sanctions, tension had been created between the allies, Saudi and Qatar. During this period, Iran had developed friendly relations with Qatar. But the Trump administration in the United States started efforts to bring the GCC countries together once again. The newly developing cooperation between Saudi and Qatar shows that the efforts are being successful. But the question, whether Qatar will sever ties on all levels with Iran, remains unanswered. Despite this, the indications are that Saudi Arabia has strengthened the front against Iran by making truce with Qatar.