Saudi Arabia’s sudden denunciation and isolation of Qatar on June 5 plunged the region into uncertainty. Soon followed by Egypt, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and other smaller nations—as well as the Hadi government in Yemen and the Haftar government in Libya—the kingdom broke off diplomatic relations and imposed an air, sea, and land blockade on Qatar. Though the current crisis echoes the 2014 GCC rift, the rapid escalation of tensions over the past few weeks carries significant implications for unity, security, and balance of power in the Gulf and beyond. 

Four experts provide different perspectives on the crisis and what it means for the region. Please join the discussion by sharing your own views in the comments.