It was a shocking news not only for Qataris but all the citizens of the Gulf when on June 5, three GCC countries made a sudden announcement of cutting relations and imposing a blockade on Qatar. It was like dropping a bomb on millions of people who for centuries have been living as a single family in the region.

The precipitous move of the blockading countries received nothing but full condemnation from the whole world in general and people of the Gulf in particular. The reckless diplomatic offensive launched against Qatar by brotherly countries in a hasty manner was a show of sheer disappointment and the sense of disappointment increased hundredfold when the perturbed people came to know about the baseless charges on which the whole political-cum-diplomatic blunder had been constructed. False and baseless allegations were rejected by the world community with a unanimous voice. Their fate could not be different!
They say every cloud has a silver lining. Qatar too learnt a lot from the blockade imposed on it by its neighbours neglecting all international and established norms of truth and justice. Now about two months after facing the siege, Qatar knows very well about its strengths, weaknesses, friends and foes. We have revisited our policies and reset our future targets; among them diversification of economy and achieving self-sufficiency are at top of the priority list. Masks have been unveiled from the faces of green-eyed monsters and we have also learnt “in time of need” who are our “friends indeed”.
From the folds of this ongoing siege, there occurred the emergence of a new Qatar. Rather, I feel no reluctance in saying it is rebirth of Qatar. The imposition of sanctions against Qatar with blocking of sea, air and land routes has helped us open new trade partnerships and explore new suppliers. The days of doing business as usual are over.
The siege has not affected Qatar, its people and the economy due to the country’s wise leadership, the unity of its people and the trust over the country’s leaders; rather we have been able to reset our future goals and current strategies. On the other hand, the move exposed neighbouring countries’ disrespect for international laws and conventions and showed the world their heartless attitude towards human rights.
The blockading countries have violated WTO (World Trade Organisation) Convention and GCC trading rules. They have also violated the Chicago Convention 1944 by imposing restrictions on Qatar Airways for using their airspace. The international courts are looking into these matters and Qatar will stand victorious in these legal battles.
On the human rights front, around 3,000 complaints have been filed through the National Human Rights Committee. The blockade was against humanity, Qatari citizens and citizens from the blockading countries were affected and bi-nation families faced forced-separation and many people were deprived of their rights to do business, carry on with their jobs and continue with their studies.
Owing to this crisis, investors from other countries are taking this opportunity to replace ones belonging to the blockading countries. Contractors of mega projects have been replaced and projects were not put on hold. Qatar has an open business market for foreign investors which will help Qatar’s economy grow at a higher pace and will make the country a destination of choice for international investments.
The Emir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in his marvelously-articulated speech said: “We are called upon to open our economy to investments and initiatives so that we produce our own food and medicine, diversify our sources of income, achieve our economic independence through bilateral relations of cooperation with other countries, in our geographical environment and worldwide, and on the basis of mutual interests and mutual respect. We also call upon ourselves to develop our educational, research and media institutions, as well as our sources of soft power at the international level and with the interaction of the best national, Arab and foreign expertise. All of this of course will be in cooperation with the residents in our country who work, contribute and live with us, and who stood with us throughout this crisis.”
Now, Qatar will focus more on certain sectors, which demand urgent improvement like food security. Qatar is focusing on reliable suppliers and will not rely on one supplier in future and we will support the “made-in-Qatar” initiatives to boost national manufacturing and production.
Now economic openness and diversification is the cornerstone of our journey on the road of development and prosperity and these golden principles will be followed with full dedication and commitment though the country and the nation was already following the same path to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030. The crisis has given a new impetus to the older moves.
His Highness the Emir highlighted this policy in his speech in these words: “On numerous occasions I have directed our institutions to pursue a policy of economic openness and diversification. At this stage, this is no longer a matter of luxury for us, but a binding and inevitable course of action, leaving no room for complacency. This is the responsibility of all of us, government and business community alike. This crisis has helped us identify the shortcomings and obstacles in determining Qatar’s national, political, economic and independent identity and in deciding to overcome and surpass these obstacles.”
This crisis has also showed the world our ethics and our morality. Though the “force majeure” clause which legally allows Qatar to suspend or terminate gas supplies to neighbouring countries, we did not opt to do so. We feel the pain of separation with our brothers in Gulf due to this siege and hope these distressing distances will soon disappear through dialogue which will ensure sovereignty and self-esteem of all countries involved but I also think that this crisis has proved a blessing in disguise for Qatar in a broader spectrum.
(Essa al-Sulaiti is chairman of Essa al-Sulaiti Law Firm.)

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