The Kuwaiti Foreign Minister has been quoted as saying that Qatar is ready to hold dialogue on the ongoing dispute and listen to the concerns of the Gulf countries. However, Qatar's attitude on the ground does not seem to suggest this reconciliatory position. The causes of the crisis are quite clear. It had to do with maintaining the region's security and stability for the good of overall development and growth. But Qatar remains adamant, opting to ignore the legitimate demands in favor of pursuing a political agenda, which shows all signs of engulfing it from every direction. Maintaining a stiff, selfish position, away from the common policy beliefs of the region, is nothing short of political suicide. Qatar has even sought protection from outside forces against its own brothers, digging in even further. Simply putting up an accommodative front with empty words, cannot resolve the inherent differences in the GCC. The Gulf and Arab demands are not illusionary by any means. They are real and need to be immediately addressed by Doha. Every element of proof points out to the errant ways of a one-time close family member. As a matter of fact, Qatar has been playing with meaningless words for the past many years. It has been playing with the region's emotions by flaunting a picture of camaraderie and brotherliness. Several concessions have been made to Qatar based on solidarity and friendship. But what did the region get in return? Nothing but a slap in the face. As events have proved over time, Qatari sentiments were nothing but deception of the worst order. And it is continuing to play the emotional card in the hope of hoodwinking a by-now wiser region. Hopefully, Doha will see reason and return to the fold, not only for the good of the entire region, but for its own sake.
