Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister has recently expressed his intentions to resolve the three year quarrel with neighboring country Qatar. Since 2017 Saudi Arabia and the UAE have imposed a boycott on diplomatic and transport ties with Qatar after accusing it of supporting terrorism, Qatar denies all accusations. Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani expressed that this boycott has not benefitted any country involved and is ready to put this dispute to rest. But a UAE ambassador does not believe this animosity will be resolved anytime soon because there has not been any introspection. The tension between these countries were escalated after the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The Saudi minister is hopeful that the election of new President Joe Biden will help regional stability in the Middle East.
For the Middle East as a whole, resolving this dispute will lead to more international cooperation, and it will definitely be an economic boost for the biggest oil distributer in the Middle East, that being Saudi Arabia. There will also be an increase in trade through the Persian Gulf. This could beneficial for all of the Middle East and set an example of advancement possibilities if countries try to find middle ground. It is hard to tell the effect that this possible resolution will have on Saudi Arabia’s relationship with the US especially with the election of Joe Biden, but Prince Faisal seems confident that the defense cooperation between the two countries will not change.
Although steps are being made towards peace among these countries, I do not believe it is for any other reason than the countries’ personal benefits. From a realist perspective, the three countries have noticed that they are making no progress and figured that the only way for advancement and prosperity in their own countries is through cooperation with each other. Saudi Arabia and Qatar will always have their wits about each other even if it seems like they are nearing a good relationship. I feel Saudi Arabia is looking at potential economic advancement with a new trading partner, and perhaps Qatar is hoping to find military and defense comfort. Seeing how the US has supported Saudi Arabia, the question is drawn if Qatar is only in it for a chance at some of that military support.