Strikes on Qatar's liquefied natural gas facilities could cripple global energy supplies for years, not months. Patricia Cohen explains why infrastructure damage—unlike the temporary Strait of Hormuz blockade—signals a prolonged economic crisis affecting everything from fertilizer costs to AI data center development. Qatar produces 20% of global LNG; Iranian attacks destroyed nearly 20% of its production capacity, requiring 3-5 years to repair unlike temporary transit disruptions. Energy price increases trigger cascading economic effects: inflation, higher interest rates, reduced consumer spending, and potential recession as the U.S. economy depends 70% on consumer spending.