WHEN several Middle Eastern countries cut diplomatic ties with Qatar, many were caught by surprise. Some would say “about time too”, while others might say “you can’t win when you fight your big brother”.
Qatar, despite its enormous wealth, has been punching way above its weight. For a number of years now, it has tried to exert its influence around the region and beyond. Apart from huge investments in many parts of the world, including buying the iconic London department store Harrods, it has been muscling itself into regional and global affairs. Its powerful global media networks have been playing the role of judge and jury on many regional issues, often critical of its neighbours, much to the chagrin of the ruling elites of these countries.
While one could applaud Qatar’s move to take some form of leading role, it posed a major issue when this directly challenges the often acknowledged, though tacitly, primary position of Saudi Arabia. In other words, do what you want to, except never challenge the big brother, let alone undermine his dominance. This apparently was what happened.
What is interesting to note is that this announcement came soon after the Saudi-organised conference where Muslim leaders had all gathered in Saudi Arabia to discuss about fighting terrorism, as well as the display of close ties between the Saudis and the United States.
Trump himself confessed after the announcement that he was happy to hear of the actions against Qatar and he even mentioned that this country had been supporting terrorism. One wonders whether this was a request by the Americans for others to do their “dirty job”. As Qatar is one of the closest ally of the US, including hosting American forces, it would be interesting to see the fallout of this relationship. All considered, it would hurt Doha more than Washington.
Nonetheless, it has been known that the Qataris have been playing a role that some observers feel have gone too far. They have been playing a dangerous game. History has shown us that a state may be wealthy, but it needs more than money to exert influence. Power is not money alone.
Besides, the agenda of Qatar is often questionable. To put it bluntly, why would a small state want to play the big game, and to what purpose? Even if it has regional leadership dreams, again, for what purpose?
History has taught us that with money, states feel incumbent upon themselves to start flexing their muscles, but wait a minute, without the wherewithal of power?
The Qataris have missed arguably the most important ingredient of power — a mighty military machine. When you have a population of about 2.6 million people and is highly dependent on foreign workers, you have a problem of building a powerful military. Money can buy you the best machines, but it has to be manned by good professional citizens. More importantly, you need manpower — a dedicated and loyal population.
There are small states with small populations that have managed to build a credible defence force, but often with the existence of national service to keep the population vigilant and ready at all times. Not too sure about the Qataris on this score. Money does make you lazy sometimes.
Apparently, the Qataris have been supporting Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood and, more importantly, have been doing business with Iran, which is arguably Saudi’s mortal enemy. The war in Yemen, which strangely has escaped the world’s attention, is a proxy war between the Sunni Saudi-led coalition against Shias, led by Iran.
Qatar has also been alleged to interfere in the internal affairs of its neighbours by using its funds as well as through its powerful media.
The measures taken by a collective of countries against Qatar appears quite dramatic. Not only are ties severed, even the airspace of these countries are closed to Qatar aircraft, affecting Qatar Airways dramatically. As Qatar is highly dependent on imports, including food, such an economic strangulation could well prove to be devastating.
Coincidentally, I was travelling through Abu Dhabi and Dubai about 24 hours after the announcement of the “punishment” imposed on Qatar. As the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of those countries that form part of the Saudi-led group against Doha, the news dominated the media. In fact, I was told so severe is the “punishment” that even the land border between UAE and Qatar has been closed. Interestingly, this has come during the holy month of Ramadan. So much for contemplation and patience — part of the virtues of fasting.
There are some efforts under way to help mend this rift within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) grouping. The emir of Kuwait, often dubbed the wise old man of the Gulf, is trying to mediate the crisis. As the GCC is a powerful and influential group (the inner circle of Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries), what it does would have a global impact. If this rift escalates further, it’s not good news for everyone.
Malaysia has come out with a statement to basically say “wait and see” — arguably the best approach for now as we are friendly to both sides. It is a delicate matter. After all, we are close to them, but we are not part of the family. When family members fight, they might not appreciate an outsider’s interference. Best to leave it to the family members themselves to sort out their problems.
ABDUL RAZAK BAGINDA is president of ICON Centre for Global Affairs, Kuala Lumpur.