All this talk of an "end" to the Gulf Crisis to me implies a reversion to a past relationship. This to me belies the fact that the events of 2017 and beyond have had a profound impacts on people's families, perceptions of regionalism, foreign affairs and trade. Whatever happens
to repair relationships at least formally will not be an end to a crisis but rather the start of a new phase of GCC relations. To suggest it will be business-as-usual is to fall into the trap of Gulf essentialism: I.e. These spats come and go, but it will always remain the same
It makes more sense to talk about aspects of the relationship. Trade for example, you think Qatar will once again rely on Saudi for imports after they were suddenly all curtailed? To do so would be foolish and just leave the country as vulnerable as it was in 2017
Those who stepped up and helped, Iran and Turkey, maligned atm by Saudi, especially after the Khashoggi case. Qatar shouldn't abandon them, nor would it be realistic for the GCC countries to expect them to (they probably dont). This itself is an example of things that are
indelibly changed. Of course the most interesting aspect is the social angle. There was much talk of a rupture in relations, especially with accounts like @uae_3g undermining the very fabric of what was considered to be respectable public conduct. Some will forget, but I'm
Curious how the younger generation of people living here will take this experience forward, into politics, trade economics etc. It was a rupture in the region, and will have lasting impact
