By David HARDING | – Doha (AFP) – Qatar will leave OPEC next month in order to focus on gas production, the Gulf state’s new Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi announced Monday, denying the surprise move was a result of Doha’s bitter feud with oil-rich Saudi Arabia. Qatar has been a member of OPEC since 1961 […]
Qatar warns of Long-Lasting Impact of Saudi Blockade
Doha (AFP) – Qatar’s ruler said Tuesday “crises pass” but warned of “long-lasting” scars from an acrimonious diplomatic dispute that has seen Doha isolated by Saudi Arabia and its allies for more than a year. In an annual address to the nation, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani pointedly called on other Gulf states to […]
Qatar a Beneficiary of Saudi Khashoggi Debacle
Doha (AFP) – Global diplomatic fallout from the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Saudi Arabia’s Istanbul consulate may help Qatar in its political stand-off with the kingdom, experts said. The backlash may force Riyadh to ease sweeping sanctions imposed on Doha since the dispute erupted between the former Gulf allies in June 2017. The […]
Qatar Seeks to Join NATO, Saying It Is “Stronger” Despite Year-Long Saudi-led Blockade,
Doha (AFP) – On the first anniversary of a bitter Gulf diplomatic rift, Qatar’s foreign minister on Tuesday declared his country stronger than ever and said it was open to dialogue with its regional rivals. Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani also rebuked Qatar’s foes for “imaginary victories” against the small Gulf state, the target of a […]



