Yesterday’s Washington Post report that US intelligence officials had found evidence the “fake news” hack that precipitated the Qatar blockade was actually a plot that originated with the leadership of the United Arab Emirates has fueled an angry response from Qatari officials, who say such actions are a violation of international law.
Qatari Communications Office head Saif bin Ahmad al-Thani said the Qatari government found it particularly unfortunate that “this shameful act of cyber terrorism” was committed by a fellow member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), despite myriad GCC agreements forbidding such hacking.
The hacking targeted Qatar’s state news agency the QNA, with hackers planting a fake story on their website quoting Qatar’s Emir praising Hamas and Iran. The false quotes fueled a blockade against Qatar led by Saudi Arabia, in which the United Arab Emirates has eagerly participated.
Qatar had been investigating the hack for some time, and has asked the FBI to help with the investigation. US officials say they intercepted communications revealing that the plot was discussed the day before the hack took place by senior UAE officials.
If this ultimately proves true, it’s not only a violation of deals the UAE is a party of in the GCC and Arab League, it’s an incredibly dishonest way for them to have provoked the Saudi-led anti-Qatar crisis. This may further reflect that this split, far from being a misunderstanding, is a more dramatic incident that’s going to remain a divisive issue in the Persian Gulf for a long time to come.
Far from being intimidated, the Qataris may be enjoying this sport.
We are focusing on superficial reality show, The housewives of Gulf. The real issues are still murky, although one can observe the outline of various parties’ interests. Saudi Arabia under Crown Prince Najaf — hand picked CIA old hand — brought the country into financial, military and poliitical dead end. Trump bear embrace was so over the top, grotesque, and destabilizing to the sensibilities of the Middle East. Iran’s threat so overblown, Qatar’s energy relationship with Iran — nothing new, and nothing special. But US plans for Libya have stalled as various countries from Middle East support various groups in Libya. Yet, as annoyed as US is at Turkish and Qatari support for Tripoli Government, in opposition to Gen. Hefter and the Parliament in Tobruk — the truth is, neither US nor France, or any other brave European country was to send in ground forces and thus — these groups kept each ither in check, and nobody could win. US is being delusional that Egypt wants to help by shoring up Tobruk authority, as Egypt only supports what is in Egypt’s interest. So, being pissed at Turkey and Qatar, for both Libya and Syria — US had an easy time convincing Crown Prince Najaf to go agressive on Qatar. Palace coup in Riyadh was the result. As Riyadh surveyed its landscape, saw Yemen war deteriorate into genocide of its Shia population. For no other reason then to please US, impose never elected President Hadi, a Sunni stranger jn Shia North Yemen. Rigadh is seeing its loud supporter UAE trade briskly with Iran, Oman never bought into the anti-Iran rethoric. Kuwait is in panic as it has over 40% Shia population. Bahrain with iver 80% is on lockdown. Splitting north from south, would return Yemen to a more sustainable state that existed before artificial unification. Another nation building going haywire. Syrian investment going badly. Iraq, ditto. I believe Saudi Arabia is discretely looking for solutions, a more inner focused Saudi Arabia will emerge. Egypt will take sweet revenge — as it angles for a more prominent role in Sunni Arab wotld. As its relationship with both China snd Russia has rebalanced its dependence on Saudi Arabia. And is now ready to provide counter balance to Saudi led, US inspired strategy. All Trump has done is providing enough fuel to fan the flames of contradictions, to allow the crisis clarify real, sustainable positions US has in the region. If there are any left. Do not expect Trump to build alliances in shifting Middle East sands. He is testing the soundness of foundations.