A few years ago Qatar had a “honeymoon” with the Iranian regime, and it is important to watch for the possibility that Qatar will return to the Iranian bosom. This sort of thing could occur if the White House continues its policy of appeasement toward the Iranian regime. In that case the Gulf states – and especially Qatar – might conclude that the United States is too weak to depend on, and it will bet on the winning horse in the Middle East. This matter is, of course, connected with events in Syria, because if Asad wins the war, the Iranians will come out on top, and the Sunni world, under the leadership of the Muslim Brotherhood will be dealt a mortal blow.
Israel must monitor the developments closely and be ready to take the necessary steps to safeguard its security vigorously and dispassionately. The region is closer than ever to a many-layered and many-sided crisis because there are too many centers of tension that neither Israel nor the West can influence. The Arab and Islamic world is headed for an explosion, and Israel must defend itself from the shrapnel that will fly in every direction.
Originally published in the June 28, 2013 issue of Makor Rishon, translated from Hebrew by Sally Zahav with permission from the author.