The Qatari demand for internationalizing the two holy mosques is on weak grounds. It can be best termed as derogatory, ludicrous, and even surprising. The demand contradicts the spirit and principles of Islam as well as Arab values. It not only insults the Kingdom, but also the Islamic sanctuaries. The unfortunate reality is that Doha's intention is full of political malice and rooted in foreign incitements, mainly the Iranian hand. Iran has been constantly seeking to divide Muslims and interfere in Arab affairs, especially as it enjoys Islamic and Arab influence. Iran has tried it earlier when it attempted to politicize the Haj. It had created chaos during the pilgrimage at the Holy Kaaba. The Kingdom firmly fended off Tehran's attempts to impose its own ideas that had no relevance to the Haj. It also turned down conditions aimed at causing sectarian divisions that spoil the Haj and only serve the policy of exporting the Khomeini Revolution. And now, Qatar has joined hands with Iran in its game of politicizing the Haj and calling for internationalization of the holy places, brazenly violating past agreements and charters. It shows how far Qatar has stooped in aligning with Iran's schemes against Arabs and Muslims. It is clear that the two countries are not only conspiring against the Kingdom, but also the entire Arab world. Reeling under charges of supporting terrorism, Doha is now clearly attempting to divert the attention of the world to other crises which it itself is trying to initiate. It is the Trojan horse of the Persian Empire, constantly seeking to mess with the security of the Arab countries. The Qatari call is illogical and unrealistic simply because it lacks any legal or religious credibility. It is only a reflection of Iran's expansionist designs, and is an echo of what Tehran has been constantly demanding. But there is no doubt that it poses a real danger to the security of the region, particularly the Gulf in particular. As Foreign Minister Adel Al-Juber said, "It is a declaration of war." No country has the right to make such a demand and treat the holy places as disputed lands or a piece of real estate. They are sacred places and cannot be desecrated. Instead of making efforts to fight terrorism, Qatar has identified with Iran's hostile moves against the Kingdom and the Arab world. This Iran-Qatar axis will not be tolerated.
