At the time of going to press on Wednesday, the Arab countries that are boycotting Qatar were set to deliberate on the crisis at a meeting in Cairo. While it may be too early to comment on what Qatar's stand will be, Doha gave some indication of it on Tuesday when its foreign minister stated that a response to the demands had already been prepared. This Qatari statement, coming just a day before the Cairo talks, indicates that Doha is still adamant on holding on to its wayward position. It seems unconcerned of the grave consequences if this standoff persists for long. It also indicates that poor reasoning and a lack of strategic vision still dominate the Qatari thinking. This will prove to be the country's undoing, driving it through a dark tunnel, from which there is no easy way out. One fails to understand the logic behind Qatar's rebellious stance. It harps on sovereignty, though the demands put forth by the Arab countries in no way infringe on its sovereign rights. The countries are only asking Qatar to stop meddling in their internal affairs. In reality, it is Qatar that is trying to violate the sovereignty of its neighbors by interfering in their affairs. The recent recordings aired of Qatari rulers conspiring against these countries are proof enough. They have also revealed Qatar's complicity in financing terrorist groups, which in the end, will only devour the country. The extension of the deadline by itself indicates that the Arab states are flexible and are looking to bring about a settlement. But Qatar seems to be blowing all optimism to the winds with its continued obstinacy. It may have missed an opportunity to end the crisis once and for all.
