Boycott anniversary: Qatar passed the third anniversary of the boycott imposed by Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE on 5 June. While there remains a significant amount of diplomatic activity to end the dispute – much of it focused around Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah – there has as yet been no convincing sign it is close to a resolution. Indeed, a flurry of leaked recordings and unsubstantiated rumours seemingly designed to destabilise or embarrass Qatar and members of the ruling family have been circulating online in recent weeks, suggesting some at least are intent on maintaining the standoff.
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