The Saudi-led embargo against Qatar is nearly five months old and looks set to continue for the foreseeable future. Kuwait has sought to act as a mediator in the dispute but has little to show for its efforts so far. Nevertheless, Kuwaiti Emir Shaikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al Sabah made an impassioned speech for the dispute to be resolved on 25 October.
Speaking at the opening of the National Assembly, the Emir warned there is a serious risk of the dispute escalating and causing the collapse of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). But prospects for a resolution look as slim as ever. Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman told Reuters this week that “Qatar is a very, very, very small issue.” Meanwhile Qatar’s latest trade stats show that it has managed to shrug off the impact of the restrictions imposed in June (MEES, 9 June). (CONTINUED - 726 WORDS)
