Qatar: Saudi Arabia Opens Its Door to Hajj Visitors

The blockade of Qatar has already interfered with the country's political and economic activities, but perhaps not the religious activities of its people. Saudi Arabia will open the Salwa border crossing to Qatari Hajj pilgrims, without the burden of electronic permits, the Saudi Press agency reported Aug. 17. King Salman also ordered that Saudi-chartered planes be sent to ferry Qatari pilgrims from Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province to Jeddah and from there to pilgrimage sites. Qatar's foreign minister said he welcomed the decision but cautioned that the Hajj pilgrimage, which will begin either Aug. 29 or 30, should not be politicized....