The Gulf state is daring to flex its diplomatic, cultural and military muscles. And the effects are being felt from the Shard to Syria
Peter Beaumont, foreign affairs editor
guardian.co.uk, Saturday 7 July 2012
".....The change of tack in Qatar's policy from acting as mediator in a series of crises, including between Yemen's government and Houthi rebels and in Darfur, to a more interventionist stance has not been without its risks.
In the immediate aftermath of the revolution in Libya, western diplomats in Tripoli complained bitterly about Qatari interference. Qatar's activism on behalf of Syria's opposition and the suspicion that it has been involved in channelling arms to its members has drawn criticism both public and private.
It has led some to speculate that Qatar will not be able to sustain its influence. It has been remarked that, while it has benefited from the distraction of neighbours like Saudi Arabia at the start of the Arab spring, the long-term consequence of Qatar's actions in the last year and a half – not least its support for Sunni Islamist movements – may be drawing it closer to Riyadh in the increasingly apparent sectarian divisions thrown up by the Arab spring, not least the conflict in Syria......"
No comments:
Post a Comment