BEFORE THE UKRAINE BURNS.. LETS GO BACK TO THE GCC ISSUES!

Yesterday, I stated the only way the events of the Crimean referindum would pull me away from addressing the issues surounding the GCC was if the Russians took the next step in their Master Plan in the Ukraine.

Well, if you listened to the Ukrainian spokesman from Kiev today, you might believe that next phase was underway.

The stories of Russian troop movements into key towns that support critical infrastructure support to the Crimean started popping up today, but nobody is really sure how much of this is "hype" and how much of this is fact.

Again, pictures are worth a thousand words and the pictures of Russian air assets in key border towns seem to be unavailable.... at least right now.

So, lets see what tomorrow brings to the world's table and we shall move on from there.

Now, back to the topic worthy of discussion, at least for now; the GCC and why it's under pressure.

Several times over the past two or three years, I've mentioned the issue of the failing relationship between the GCC leaders and the "West / US".

As I was reading the attached story tonight,  a very well written piece by the way, I convinced myself the time had come to once again comment on the consequences of what obviously seems to be the new US policy towards the Middle East.

Again, the simple truth of the matter is, the GCC is continuing to lose confidence in the relationships with the US and the West.

As this confidence slides, the comfort level of survival slides proportionately!

Those who have always been seen as somewhat on the fence are now being identified as potential enemies.

Is the rift between Qatar and the Saudi government for real?

You bet it is!

Is this "change" the direct result of the changed US policy towards the Middle East?

Is this "rift" a byproduct of the ongoing paranoia brought on by the Arab Spring.. an Arab Spring that was supported by the West / US?

Yep!

 What the world has witnessed last week was more than a fracture surfacing in the GCC.

What the world witnessed last week was the destabilization of the GCC at a time when the stability of the GCC could be fare more destructive than in the past.

Yes, several of the GCC members have had their differences in the past, but this is not the 70s and this is not about bragging rights.

The balance of power in the Middle East is faltering and the policies of the West / US are doing little to stabilize the pending crisis.

Yes the situation in the Ukraine is dangerous and yes it could lead to rising tensions between old enemies, but other regions of the world and the events taking place there cannot be overlooked and what took place last week with the GCC is a dangerous reminder of that truth.

Again and again, the effects of a decisive leader in the region / the US /  changing it's course and doing so with what appears to be little coordination with "old friends" is having an impact that many will not be able to predict.

I may very well go back to addressing the events of the Ukraine by this time tomorrow, but what is taking place in the Middle East must be addressed.

A weakened, destabilized and fractured GCC will be a prime target of the Persians and a aggressive Tsar who sees everything going his way.

"Nothing will really change".

If that is the thought process of those who should be listening, then we all better be ready for other "changes" that will seem to come right out of the clear blue sky.

https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/commentaryanalysis/539078-saudi-moves