Bandar returns to politics to spearhead crisis with Qatar

There are no hidden messages in the controversial return of the Saudi Prince Bandar Bin Sultan to the political arena, but his return proves that the crisis between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, which is still “active” behind closed doors, Al-Arab Al-Yawm online newspaper explained.

The newspaper said much effort is being exerted to hide details of the crisis. Leaked information pointed to the fact the crisis went far beyond being only diplomatic. It is rather connected to regional and international changes.

The newspaper said Bandar’s return is the worst news for Qatar because of the power he held in the past, as well as his past record regarding hostility with Doha.

Bandar’s return to run the Qatari dossier, the newspaper said, came in response to a Saudi decision taken following advice from the UAE.

The newspaper expected the former Qatari Emir, the father of the current ruler, is stubborn enough to undermine any reconciliation efforts with his son Emir Tamim Bin Hamad. Therefore, Bandar’s return came as a reply to this point.

Doha refused Saudi demands to expel Sheikh Yousef Al-Qaradawi and other Muslim Brotherhood members, supporting Al-Sisi and changing the editorial line of Al-Jazeera.

On the Saudi arena, Bandar’s return constitutes new challenges to the Saudi security institution, which is headed by Emir Mohamed Bin Nayef. However, Bandar returned as the head of the National Security Council, the highest security institution in Saudi Arabia.

In the same context, informed Saudi sources said that the Kingdom is “worried” about a “Shia copy of ISIS” in the border areas adjacent to the Iraqi city of Basrah, a Shia stronghold.

Such an organisation ISIS would be eager to harm the Saudi borders from the Iraqi side, in addition to the Huthis, who are eager to harm Saudi borders in the south.