US cancels planned war games with Arab allies over Qatar

The United States military has cancelled a number of planned war games with its Persian Gulf Arab allies over their persisting dispute with another key Arab ally, Qatar, in an apparent attempt to press an end to the months-long row.

The US military’s Central Command made the announcement on Friday, without much elaboration, and only pointing to Washington’s rising concerns over the dispute between a group of Saudi-led countries and Qatar.

The US views the Persian Gulf region, which is home to the US Navy’s 5th Fleet and other key military bases, strategically.

“We are opting out of some military exercises out of respect for the concept of inclusiveness and shared regional interests,” said Central Command spokesman Air Force Col. John Thomas in a statement in response to queries from the Associated Press.

“We will continue to encourage all partners to work together toward the sort of common solutions that enable security and stability in the region,” he added, without offering further details.

SS