Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

‘Intransigence’ Prolongs Commercial Boycott of Qatar | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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People exchange money at a money exchange office in Doha, Qatar, June 11, 2017. REUTERS/Tom Finn


Riyadh- Observers believe that the anti-terrorism states’ boycott of Doha is heading towards prolongation as some western officials declared that there isn’t an imminent solution for the Qatari crisis with expectations for additional sanctions which would put more strains on Qatar’s economy.

“The Qatari economy has been undermined due to the boycott of the four states whether on the level of commerce, transportation, shipping, and imports and exports,” Economist Salah Bernawi told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper.

Bernawi said that Doha is seeking new transit lines that are going to be costly, increasing the losses suffered by Qatar Airways as well as other economic segments in the private and public sectors.

Economist Dr. Jibril al-Zain stated that the geopolitical conditions and developments along with statements made by European ministers have shown understanding to the reasons behind the boycott but there is a belief that negotiations might take long because of the Qatari intransigence and slow response to the demands of the anti-terror states.

Zain added that the Qatari crisis is heading towards prolongation and probably additional sanctions, in a way that leads to the greatest damage in the history of Qatar’s economy.

In the same context, Dr. Salem Baajaja said all indicators show that the boycott of Qatar will be prolonged and this will expose the country to more economic losses due to the isolation.

“The continuous boycott will complicate the Qatari economy and let it face a disastrous fate and a negative rating,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.