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Why does Qatar seem to be in crisis?


We have been seeing in the news for some time now every now and again the mentioning of Qatar and the blockade that has been placed in it by other middle eastern countries. it took many of us by surprise why all of a sudden these country's would implement such a move.
In one of my previous blogs Iran vs Saudi the power struggle  i stated how middle eastern country's were forced to choose a side between Iran and Saudi this situation is basically a symptom of that specific problem.

Qatar is one the richest country's in the world. the biggest producer and exporter of LNG
its boasts of massive oil and gas reserves. the south pars/north dome field located in the Persian gulf is by far the biggest gas field in the world it is jointly owned by both Iran and Qatar this is where the complexity of the situation starts. if Qatar sides with Saudi it fears its stake in the gas field will be overtaken by Iran therefore seeing its wealth at danger it has no other option.
One extremely important advantage Qatar possess against the Saudis and its middle eastern ally's is that the US a huge ally of Saudi has the biggest american air base in the middle east situated in Qatar the Al-Udeid air base and due to this it makes this issue even more complex for the Saudis as it knows it cannot wage war directly on Qatar as there may be some major repercussions.

In June of 2017 Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the UAE banned Qatar in a wide variety of ways due to its relationship with Iran. it was given a 13 point demand list being delivered by Kuwaiti officials which after being met before its ten day deadline would see the ban lifted.

The 13 points:

1) Scale down diplomatic ties with Iran
2) Immediately shut down the Turkish military base
3) Sever ties to all terrorist, sectarian and ideological organisations
4) Stop all means of funding for individuals, groups or organisations that have been designated as terrorists by Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Bahrain, US and other countries.
5) Hand over "terrorist figures", fugitives and wanted individuals from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain to their countries of origin.
6) Shut down Al Jazeera and its affiliate stations
7) End interference in sovereign countries' internal affairs.
8) Pay reparations and compensation for loss of life and other financial losses caused by Qatar's policies in recent years.
9) Align Qatar's military, political, social and economic policies with the other Gulf and Arab countries,
10) Cease contact with the political opposition in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain
11) Shut down all news outlets funded directly and indirectly by Qatar
12) Agree to all the demands within 10 days of list being submitted to Qatar
13) Consent to monthly compliance audits in the first year after agreeing to the demands

The ban caused fear and confusion amongst Qataris and and its  residents and were seen rushing towards supermarkets in an attempt to stockpile water and food as most of Qatar's food and water is imported this was met by offers from Iran and turkey assuring Qatar of continued supply of necessities.
As many had thought the demands were not met an extension was given but nothing materialised. Saudi Arabia announced it wouldn't bee perusing the 13 demands but the blockade would carry on.

Since then Saudi Arabia has threatened Qatar at the Arab league quoting "enjoy your friendship with Iran. you will regret it soon". but as we know its impossible for Saudi to wage war due to the
american airbase and Qatar has powerful ally's including turkey and Iran.

T
he proxy wars in the middle east seem never ending and many nations around the world urge Saudi and Qatar to iron out there differences through dialogue.

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