A diplomatic and economic crisis broke out this week between Qatar and a group of other Arab states led by Saudi Arabia, which want Qatar to end its support for Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood, among other demands. What could be the impact on Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea – countries that have strong ties with one or more of these Mideast powers?

For now, Sudan and Somalia have announced officially neutral positions, but they may yet face pressures or be offered inducements to take sides. In this podcast, reporter Jason Patinkin speaks with Professor Harry Verhoeven, a lecturer at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service in Qatar who has written extensively on the politics and international relations of the Horn of Africa.