Global Geo-political Series: Erdogan steps up criticism of Qatar blockade

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who already indicated that he is on the side of Qatar in a recent Middle East feud, in which several countries like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, United Arab Emirates have severed diplomatic ties with Qatar citing the latter’s support for extremist ideas, terrorist groups and meddling in other countries’ affairs, has stepped up his criticism of the Qatar blockade. Mr.  Erdogan has slammed the isolation of Qatar, likening the diplomatic stranglehold of the small but wealthy peninsula by neighboring Gulf countries to "a death sentence." His criticism comes amid isolation by nine countries.

Qatar is facing restricted airspace access, as well as maritime access since the diplomatic curtain fell around its borders. Qatar Airlines, a major global flight operator, is no longer allowed to use the airspace above Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the UAE. Saudi Arabia has also closed off Qatar's sole land border. In a weekly parliamentary address, the Turkish leader said that the isolation of a country’s population is inhumane in every respect. He also called it anti-Islamic. He also refused to believe the allegations, "Qatar is not the one who supports terrorism, quite the opposite. Along with Turkey, it is the country with the most resolute stance against ISIS which has caused grave damage to our region…….It is almost like a death sentence has been issued for the country. Cutting of food, pharmaceuticals whatever you can think of the country is being squeezed, the airspace is being closed that is what the country is faced with."

He urgently called for diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue and called on all countries involved to engage in dialogues for a peaceful solution.