Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE and Egypt Cut Diplomatic Ties with Qatar

Saudi Arabia and three other Arab nations broke diplomatic relations with Qatar  Monday, pointing to Doha’s ties to terrorism and the need to maintain national security. Riyadh ended all land, sea and air contacts with Qatar; the United Arab Emirate (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt cut ties with Doha on Monday. Arab media reported that the coordinated move dramatically escalates a simmering dispute over Qatar’s support of the Muslim Brotherhood, the world’s oldest Islamist movement, and adds accusations that Doha even backs the agenda of regional arch-rival Iran. The four Gulf states announced the closure of transport ties with Qatar and gave Qatari visitors and residents two weeks to leave their countries. Qatar was also expelled from a Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen.