For the past two decades, the Qatari regime has been adopting contradictory policies towards its allies as well as its enemies. It is suffering from an identity crisis where it fails to grasp realities and act accordingly. These contradictory policies constitute the core of the problem, aggravated during the era of Tamim and his father, Hamad. The delusion the country dwells on has caused it to cross swords with tens of countries. Even though these countries pursue their own different policies, they all agree that Qatar is living in its own world of fantasy. Tamim and his father hold the illusion that they are all-powerful, able to do just about anything they want. The tiny emirate has gas fields and an American air base, enough for its rulers to lose touch with the real world and flex their make-believe muscles. Qatar has a long history of treachery and betrayal, seeking protection from foreign elements, only to hurt others in the region. It would have maintained this policy, had it not been for the determined move made by the four countries to boycott Doha. The world has now seen through Qatar's games. The combined action against it has brought it down from its high pedestal. The reputation of the country has been severely hit, both internally and externally. The Qataris are paying for the misadventures of Tamim and his father, who have made the country a haven for men wanted for crimes elsewhere. Qatar's dilemma is vivid by the differing stance adopted by it foreign minister. When he goes abroad, he cuts a sorry figure, seeking sympathy by giving sob stories of a country under siege. But when he returns to Doha, he is a striking picture of grandeur, deceiving the people and putting up a brave front: "We have not been affected." "We have numerous other options." "We will never bow..." Qatar needs to wake from its delusionary state or face defeat on every front. It is hoped that good sense will prevail in Doha, at least for the good of the common people.
