Speed Reading — Qatar - Level 3 — 200 wpm 

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Six Arab countries have cut ties with the tiny nation of Qatar. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Libya and Yemen have all cut relations with Qatar because they say Qatar gives money to and supports terrorist groups. Saudi Arabia said it has cut ties to protect its own national security. It said Qatar was home to many "terrorist and sectarian groups that aim to create instability in the region". The Qatar government said this was not true and that there are no facts that show there are terrorist groups in Qatar. It said the other Arab countries are acting unfairly towards Qatar. It also said that the decisions of Arab countries would, "not affect the normal lives of citizens and residents" in Qatar.

Qatar is now facing an uncertain and difficult future, unless normal relations are restored. Air, land and sea links have been closed to Qatar from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain. This will cause a lot of trouble for people living in the tiny Gulf Arab country. Most of its food enters by truck from Saudi Arabia and there is already rush to buy food in supermarkets. Qatar Airways will also be badly affected because it has to change its routes, so flights will take much longer. The construction of eight stadiums for the 2022 soccer World Cup could also slow down as building materials have to enter Qatar via Saudi. Citizens from Saudi, the UAE and Bahrain have been banned from going to Qatar and have 14 days to leave.

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