Islam Times - Saudi Regime to Dump Nuclear Waste Near Qatar: Report

Islam Times - Saudi regime plans to build a military base and nuclear dump on a proposed project that would turn the peninsula of Qatar into an island, in a move set to worsen Persian Gulf tensions.

In a pointer to Riyadh’s obstinacy towards neighboring states, the Sabq online newspaper has reported on Sunday that authorities are considering digging a 60 kilometer (37.5 mile) canal, measuring 200 meters wide and up to 20 meters deep, running the entire length of the strip of Saudi territory that borders Qatar.

The newspaper said that a 1-kilometer stretch of land north of the channel, bordering Qatar, would become a "military zone," permanently ending land trade between the two Gulf countries and tightening the blockade.

The Sabq reported that the project will cost 2.8 billion Saudi Riyal ($750 million), take 12 months to complete, and be financed by the private sector as well as Saudi and United Arab Emirates (UAE) investment authorities.

The Saudi government has not commented on the reports but sources said the project is waiting for licensing.

This hostile plan comes amid a worsening dispute which began in June 2017, when Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain cut diplomatic relations with Qatar and imposed a land, sea and air blockade, after accusing Doha of supporting "terrorism". Qatar continues to vehemently reject the allegations as "baseless".

On June 22, the block, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, issued a 13-point list of demands, including the shutdown of Al Jazeera TV, limiting ties with Iran, and expelling Turkish troops stationed in the country as a prerequisite to lifting the blockade.

Qatar rejected all the demands, denouncing them as attempts to violate its sovereignty.