100 days of the big Gulf feud: now pick sides

© Fitria Ramli

Following 100 days of the blockade by neighbouring Gulf states, Qatar has maintained its defiant position. Last week saw the country open its $7.4bn port with a display of pyrotechnics and acrobatics described by Bloomberg as an “extravaganza”. That same piece examines factions that have formed and how Qatar is assessing the true level of its friendship with other nations. The article notes that, despite the front put on by the rich country, the situation in Qatar has – understandably – deteriorated, with expectations that growth will reach its slowest pace in almost quarter of a century. Furthermore, there are rumours the Qatari government has drawn up a list of countries that scaled back funding following the launch of the blockade – so they know who and who not to do business with when/or if the situation improves.