The conflict between Saudi Arabia and Qatar has spread quickly beyond the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The spat came to a head June 5, when GCC members Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates were joined by Egypt in severing diplomatic and trade ties with Qatar, which is also a member of the political and economic alliance. In the days since, countries in and beyond the region have begun reassessing their diplomatic relationships with each party in the dispute to decide whose side to take. Weighing the Options For the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain, pressuring Qatar is a common cause. Like their close ally Saudi Arabia, these states blame Qatar for fomenting regional instability and resent the criticism of their governments and political systems that emanates from Qatari media outlets. They are also nervous about Iran's influence in the region.