A report issued by the Arab Strategy Forum, in cooperation with the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, identified five important events that may lead to reshaping the future of the Arab world politically, socially and economically in the coming decades. These events included the crisis of political Islam, the rise and fall of Daesh, the risk of militias, the Qatar boycott, and the reforms taking place in Saudi Arabia.

The report was launched at a panel discussion ahead of the forum, led by Hussain Ibish, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute, and Mohammad Al Hammadi, editor in chief of Alroeya newspaper.

The boycott of Qatar by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt that began in early June 2017 resonated on a regional and global level.

According to the report, the standoff, which is now well into its second year, influences relations not only between these countries, but also between their friends and allies within the region and beyond, and even affects the decisions of great powers, such as the United States.