Shifting geopolitics and economics make picking the diplomatic champion from the Qatar World Cup more challenging.

A reckoning over the Palestinian issue was always coming for those countries that normalised ties with Israel.

Australia’s options to put Qatar on notice start with recalling its ambassador. The next step could go further.

The UAE earned goodwill for a deal with Israel, but the US is still struggling to win backers for its hard line on Iran.

<p>The tiny Gulf nation wants to be a world stage for sport, but a regional boycott isn’t helping.</p>

The countries are expanding bilateral relations in the energy, investment, and security sectors.