Qatar-Saudi relations evolve based on Amity/Enmity patterns Under the Persian Gulf security environment

The main purpose of this paper is to study how the patterns of amity/enmity in the Middle East transform with an emphasis on Qatar-Saudi relations after the crisis between two countries. Since 2003, new conditions have been imposed on security relations in the Middle East that have increased security inter-dependencies. The consequence of these developments is to intensify competition and hostility in government relations, polarization change, security interconnections, mistrust and instability in the Middle East security complex in general and the Persian Gulf region in particular. Therefore, it is important to examine the types of patterns governing countries' relations in this security complex. The key question is how the Qatar-Saudi amity pattern in the Persian Gulf sub-region has evolved into a pattern of tension and incompatibility? Using theoretical tools available in regional security theory, this paper illustrates an up-to-date analysis of the dynamics of security in the Persian Gulf regional context. The method used in this study is descriptive-analytical and attempts to analyze the regional security complex designed by Buzan with emphasis on the patterns of amity / enmity between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The findings show that the patterns of amity / enmity have gradually evolved between the countries of Middle East and Persian Gulf since 2003. And therefore Qatar-Saudi relations have intensified on regional superiority, Brotherhood and Salafist approach confrontation, Al Jazeera programs, and the nature of orientation toward Iran. According to results as a whole, the Qatar-Saudi crisis reflects a shift in traditional regional patterns of power. Thus the lasting legacy of these developments is the distrust among the leaders of the Persian Gulf states and the possible polarization in the region.