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As the Saudi-led quartet signed at a Gulf Arab summit on Tuesday a reconciliation deal with Qatar after more than three years of rift, Egyptian analysts believe the deal is positive for Arab unity and stability, yet it acts like an intent test awaiting for Qatari positive stances to prove earnestness in the coming stage.
The quartet comprising Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt severed ties with Qatar in early June 2017, accusing Doha of supporting terrorism and interfering in their internal affairs, charges that Qatar has always denied.
Through the agreement, signed in Al-Ula city northwestern Saudi Arabia during the 41st Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit, the Arab quartet hopes to win Qatar on their side in a bid to limit the regional expansion of Iran and Turkey and stop Doha s alleged support for extremist groups challenging the four states.