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Qatar cannot have it both ways

Saudi Arabia and the UAE believe this is primarily an issue of trust and loyalty to the Gulf Arab cause, for a peaceful future for its people.

The trouble with Qatar's foreign policy is that it wants to play every side. It likes to be seen as a soft power, while remaining an important member of the Gulf Cooperation Council. It desires to be both peacemaker and power broker - which it is not. This predicament is harming ties with other GCC members. Saudi Arabia and the UAE believe this is primarily an issue of trust and loyalty to the Gulf Arab cause, for a peaceful future for its people. Here, Qatar has often behaved in a way that has let down the Gulf. If Doha's past and present actions are anything to go by, there is a looming trust deficit. And this deficit is now being played out in the open. Recent statements purportedly by Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani have only added to tensions and increased suspicions about Doha's real intentions. On Sunday, media reported that Sheikh Al Thani had a phone conversation with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani during which he sought stronger ties between the two countries. In this scenario, it wouldn't be wrong to say that suspicions have grown to fears. How committed is Doha to the Gulf cause when it supports terror groups like the Muslim Brotherhood, Hezbollah and Hamas who enjoy Iran's patronage and support?
Gulf nations are clear that Iran is fomenting trouble in the region after its nuclear deal with the West. There is ample proof of Iran's military involvement in Bahrain, Syria, Yemen and Iraq. Its proxy Hezbollah is major political and military player in Lebanon. These are testing times for the GCC and it's sad and unfortunate that Qatar is not playing by the rules that have kept the group together against common threats to their unity. US President Donald Trump, during his visit to Saudi Arabia last week, said Washington would work with the Gulf countries to put and end to Iran's war-mongering and the militias it has set loose on the region. Denials of the Amir's statements have not convinced the Gulf states and Egypt. To mend ties, Qatar must first oust extremist groups from its midst and restore trust with the GCC. It should then clear the air on Iran. Doha cannot forever remain a contradiction to itself and to its GCC partners.

• MENA