Doha 4 Jul (ANA) - Qatar's swiftly shrinking relations with its Gulf neighbours could result in World War 3, a think-tank has claimed. The Gefira foundation, which specialises in economic and financial matters related to geopolitical events, said the rivalry, if left unsolved, could result in a “mother of all wars” exploding within the Middle East. Using World War One and Two as examples, the research group claimed large-scale conflicts are usually triggered by a “single event”. But the nature of the rivalry and strife for power and influence in the Gulf region could also lead to “such disastrous consequences”. Evoking Cold War associations, the research foundation said the “game of alliances” began when the Saudi-led group stuck off diplomatic ties with Qatar. Gefira continued: “Qatar having lost the protection of the Arab world” has sought ties with Turkey. While Iran, Iraq and Syria “stand on the sidelines and watch the developments.” Published yesterday, the blog post reduces Saudi Arabia’s claims against Qatar as nothing more than an attempt to “assert dominance” over their neighbours.

Qatar and Saudi Arabia have collaborated in the recent years to overthrow the Assad presidency in Syria and replace it with a Sunni Muslim leader that would allow the creation of a pipeline from Qatar to Europe, for the benefit of the Gulf countries. Qatar has repeatedly and strongly denied it funds extremist groups. The nation also slapped down the demands of the Arabs states which included a promise to shut down the Al-Jazeera TV network. Doha officials claimed such a demand violates international law.(ANA)

FA/ANA/4 July 2017-----