Since the eruption of
Qatar-Gulf Crisis on 5th June, now almost four months have gone. With no end in
sight, this crisis drags on. It’s still far from over. It’s limping towards
nothing except to further increase distances among former friends of Gulf
region. The prolonged siege and failure to reach some compromise from both
sides, is snowballing ire that is bringing potential ramifications for both
sides.
Both sides want resolution of this crisis, but on their own terms. Frustration
is on rise with passing time, not only within Gulf region but also among Muslims
all over the world because Gulf region is the most important region for Muslims
in World. Its stability, peace, unity and strength does matter a lot for Muslims
scattered throughout world.
Echoes of this crisis were badly hurting when diplomats from Qatar and the four
states boycotting it exchanged heated words at an Arab League meeting last
month. It was a bleak outlook, foreshadowing a lasting stalemate mired in
existing issues, at least for months to come, and may be for years.
Clashes, disputes and mistakes are not uncommon among nations but wise nations
and leaders always go for some face saving solutions in such stalemates. A lot
of examples of face saving solutions exist even in this modern world. We can see
much stronger countries showing big heart just for the sake of ending disputes
in larger interests. Stubborn adherence to one’s own stance always aggravates
the situation. Leaderships from Qatar and Saudi led bloc should not mind in
learning from other countries that how they ended their disputes diplomatically.
Quite recently China and India remained engaged in border standoff i.e., Doklam
Standoff, for more than two months from this June to August. During this dispute
bellicose rhetoric was launched severely from Chinese side. India also responded
in same manner. Position of China, militarily and economically, was much
stronger than India. China’s stance was also more logical because China wanted
to build a road in a border area controlled by China disputed with Bhutan.
Indian Army penetrated that area which even doesn’t have any land contact with
India. But after two months of dispute China and India ended this dispute in
totally unexpected style. Indian Army left that region, Chinese left the plan of
road construction in that area. Previously existing status quo was restored.
Nobody claimed victory after resolution. Even media from both side avoided
launching furious comments despite this fact that China has accepted the terms
of India.
Why not here, Gulf countries in favor of larger interests can’t hug Qatar and
bury a few bitter months of past?
Russian-Turkey rapprochement after Turkey shot down Russian Fighter Jet in
Syria, November 2015, is another example where dispute was ended amicably after
apology from Turkish side.
Why not here, Qatar may modify its policies and accept some demands of Gulf
adversaries in a larger interest of this region?
The stiffness from blockading countries is pushing Qatar more and more into
Iran’s sphere, albeit most of Qataris would not be happy with this but it has
become a compulsion for them to move towards Iran more.
Regarding Turkey, demands of Gulf Countries seem to be baseless. Turkey is
posing no threat for their region. Saudi led bloc is turning a blind eye towards
immediate threats and trying to see the issues that might come after decades.
Immediate threat is from growing Iranian Influence in Syria, Iraq and
particularly in Yemen where Shiite population is in majority. And now, changing
scenarios in the region are forcing Qatar and Turkey to align with Iran.
Similarly Muslim Brotherhood might be a threat for Egypt but intensity of this
threat is not so severe that friendship with Qatar should be sacrificed.
As far as there is question of Al-Jazeera network, it must be acknowledged that
internationally only voice of Al-Jazeera has won credibility for this region. A
few shortcomings may exist in Al-Jazeera but it doesn’t mean that it should be
closed down. The concerns of Gulf nations must be discussed with Qatar and Qatar
must take seriously their concerns.
The existence of Iran, its strength, International Position, Iranian Influence
and Expansionist tendencies should be kept on table while formulating policies.
Iran, itself, is not such a weak country that it can be smashed to smithereens
by an alliance of a few neighboring countries. Pushing your own friends into
rival’s sphere is just the height of madness, and not the height of wisdom.
To end this crisis, Ice must be broken by showing big heart from both sides
following the examples of other countries for ending disputes.