Qatar: Lessons from how a small state survived a big blockade

The end of the Saudi-Qatari row is good news for the US. It also highlights how nimbleness and internal resilience can overcome high-pressure tactics from bigger neighbours.

Global Affairs Correspondent
Qatar's ability to stand up for itself grew as its relations with key Western countries flourished.PHOTO: AFP
  • Published
    Jan 9, 2021, 5:00 am SGT
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

A simple hug in a desert resort, and it was all over. Almost four years of bitter dispute between Saudi Arabia and its small neighbour, Qatar, ended this week as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman embraced Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Qatar's head of state.

The move is good news for the Middle East, and a boost for the incoming Joe Biden administration in Washington, which will no longer have to contend with yet another strategic complication in a region complicated enough.

Please or to continue reading the full article.

Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month

  • Latest headlines and exclusive stories
  • In-depth analyses and award-winning multimedia content
  • Get access to all with our no-contract promotional package at only $0.99/month for the first 3 months*
Subscribe now

*Terms and conditions apply.

Join ST's Telegram channel here and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

Topics: