Rouhani inauguration: Qatar proves hostility to Arab states

CAIRO- 5 August 2017: As Hassan Rouhani is sworn in for a second term as president of Iran, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani finds a way to show support for the Shi’ite state amid the Arab boycott of his regime over terror-related accusations.

Emir Hamad delegated Qatari Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani to attend Saturday’s inauguration ceremony of Iran’s president. Hamad’s move is considered provocative to its neighboring countries that severed diplomatic and economic ties with Doha two months ago.

Observers said that Qatar’s participation in the ceremony proves its “irresponsible steps” to ignore demands set by Arab countries, which include downgrading diplomatic ties with Iran and cutting off any joint military cooperation with it.

Last week, a number of UAE newspapers commented on the visit in this regard.

Al-Bayan newspaper stated that this visit showed disrespect to Arab martyrs who died in the fight between the Arab coalition and the Iranian-backed Houthi militias in Yemen.

Al-Khaleej newspaper also stated that Tamim’s regime leans wholeheartedly to Iran and its people, and opposes Gulf countries.

Al-Watan newspaper said that Iran benefits from Qatar’s relationship to interfere in the affairs of Arab countries.

Since the beginning of the Arab crisis with Qatar, Iran has tried to take an advantage of the situation, flying in food to Qatar and allowing Qatari flights into its skies.

Qatar’s relations with several Arab and Gulf states have been strained since May 24, when the Qatari state-run news agency reported Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s statements regarding Gulf foreign policy with Iran, describing it as “unwise.”

On June 5, 2017, several countries, including Egypt, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, severed diplomatic ties with Doha over accusations of Qatar backing and funding terrorist groups.

On June 23, 2017, the four Arab states boycotting Qatar sent Doha a list of 13 demands, including downgrading diplomatic ties with Iran and cutting off any joint military cooperation with it.