Dr. Khalid bin Mubarak Al-Shafi, Editor-in-Chief of The Peninsula, speaking at the symposium held by Qatar TV.
A number of academics, economists and media personnel have stressed that Qatar has succeeded in tackling the siege in all sides whether in diplomacy, economy or media.
During a symposium organised last night by Qatar TV marking 100 days of the siege, they said that Qatari diplomacy played a vital role during the crisis. Since the first day, it had shown a coordinated position for Qatar unlike the siege countries which were contradicting and afraid of dialogue.
On the first day of the crisis, Qatar denied the statement which was attributed to H H the Emir, and said that its agency was hacked. It also said such types of disputes must be discussed through dialogue and there was nothing better than to sit on the negotiation table.
Qatar has always welcomed any dialogue that respects its sovereignty, and that it will not accept dictation from any country that is why the world has said that Qatar is on the right track. It also maintained its relations with these countries sending messages in all occasions.
On the other hand, the siege countries were contradicting on their positions, sometimes accusing Qatar of supporting terrorism, at times saying Qatar has good relations with Iran.
The siege countries have no desire to solve the crisis, instead the crisis has passed through gradual process starting with disputes, then withdrawal of ambassadors.
Another aspect that gave Qatar a good position is that Qataris were united behind Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the world was monitoring that, while these countries were expecting something different.
The guests also confirmed that the Qatari media had played a good role in revealing the lies committed by media of the siege countries. The media had shown Qatari attitudes and didn’t abuse any country, while the media of the siege countries intended to abuse Qatar. The Qatari media published what the siege media had published so readers could see the truth. The siege countries punished their people who showed sympathy with Qatar and even those who kept silent also got punishment and sent to jail. So it can be said that Qatar succeeded morally before succeeding politically, and the Qatari model of dealing with crisis became a model to many countries which can be studied in universities.
“Qatar, since the beginning of the crisis, has explained its position to the world and all the countries, that Qatar’s Foreign Minister visited, have welcomed Qatar’s position. The siege countries on the other hand didn’t convince itself or its people, that is why their foreign ministers were contradicted in every country they visited,” said Dr. Khalid bin Mubarak Al-Shafi, Editor-in-Chief of The Peninsula.
The economic dealing with the crisis was very strong that in just 24 hours Qatar opened new lines to import goods from other countries instead of the siege countries. The government had given directions to private sector and all facilities to offer new alternatives and it succeeded in doing that.
The media of the siege countries were spreading lies and saying that 2022 World Cup companies were threatened and preparing to leave Qatar.
The crisis was a chance to be self dependent and focus more on local production to achieve self-sufficiency. A number of projects have been achieved, like the opening of Hamad Port, which can handle around 30% of the trade exchange in the region and will be a competitor to Jebel Ali port. Many companies came to sign agreements with this port. Now businesses have become more confident in the Qatari market.
