Reports: Saudi-Qatari Reconciliation Talks Break Down

Talks between Saudi Arabia and Qatar to resolve a years-long dispute among Sunni nations have reportedly broken down. In mid-2017, Riyadh, in conjunction with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt, severed relations with Doha and imposed a trade embargo on the tiny nation, primarily over its ties to Shi’ite Iran and alleged support for hardline Islamist organizations such as the Muslim Brotherhood. The matter thrust the United States between a rock and hard place, given Washington’s close ties with all parties. The Trump Administration views the Saudis and Emiratis as especially crucial allies in its efforts to curb Iranian expansionism and prevent the Islamic Republic’s potential nuclearization. At the same time, Qatar hosts the largest US military base in the Middle East, which is central to regional operations, foremost in Afghanistan. Doha is reportedly pressing for its citizens to once again be allowed to travel to the boycotting nations, as well as for renewed access to those countries’ airspace and the reopening of Qatar’s only land border, which is shared with Saudi Arabia. According to numerous sources, Riyadh first wants Qatar to more closely align its foreign policy with that of other regional players.