Qatar

On April 6, AGSIW hosted a dial-in briefing on recent developments in Qatar and Kuwait.

Russia hopes that engaging Gulf Arab countries could encourage their investments in Syria’s reconstruction process and facilitate Syria’s return to the Arab League.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s youth ambitions are behind the entry – and exit – from the Qatar standoff.

Aspects of the Gulf conflict have trickled down to North Africa and fault lines have further hardened in various states due to their own internal political and socioeconomic dynamics.

Biden will likely put weapons sales to the Gulf on the back burner, but, at the end of the day, the administration’s positions on arms sales will reflect continuity, not change.

Economic gains associated with the Gulf reconciliation will be narrow and limited, and any economic momentum should be channeled to tackle longer-term challenges in the region.

Why has Qatar so doggedly pursued policies that so often have such adverse repercussions on its relations with its closest neighbors?

Many Gulf states have shifted course on Syria, prioritizing concerns over growing Iranian and Turkish influence.