If there's one place in the world that does not need anymore complicating situations or catastrophic meltdowns it's the Middle East. Historically, this region has had it's fair share of diplomatic horror stories and political unrest. On Monday, multiple countries decided to cut all ties with the tiny country of Qatar because of allegations of showing support to terrorist groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda. These ties include, but are not limited to, diplomatic, economic, and travel options. At the moment of the story breaking, the world realized that Qatar would deal with a wave of consequences and response.
Standard and Poor's
Standard And Poor's is an international agency that is one of the leading provider's of credit ratings. The agency announced that it was downgrading Qatar's credit rating. "The agency says it has lowered the rating on Qatar's long-term debt to AA-minus from AA and has put the country on credit watch with 'negative implications'." as reported by ABC News. It is feared that the diplomatic crisis will cause fiscal instability and a halt in economic growth within the country.
Turkish Support
Despite internal opposition within the Turkish Parliament, they passed two military cooperation deals. The passing of these deals came one day after the Turkish President openly showed support for Qatar.
One of the deals will bring in as many as 3,000 Turkish troops to the Turkish military base built in Qatar in 2014. The other would guarantee the training of gendarmerie force troops for the Qatari military.
Other unforeseen ramifications
There were various other happenings and results of this situation that have transpired since Monday when the story broke.
Some expected and some not so much. The Emir of Kuwait travelled to the United Arab Emirates to try and mediate the situation to a peaceful agreement. France and Germany are also in the process of trying to aid in bolstering a swift resolution. In a surprising announcement, the Justice Ministry of the United Arab Emirates reminded social media users that they could face prison for openly showing support for Qatar.
Though a diplomatic disaster it may be, it also shows a shift in thinking amongst the countries of the Arab world and of the global Muslim community. Actions like this demonstrate that they will no longer stand for the perversion of their religion and their culture by one group of extremists. From the Imam's in London refusing funerary services and prayers for the dead terrorist to the various countries cutting ties with Qatar, it's a exemplifies a global stance on terrorism.
