|
|
Article: QATAR LEADS THE WAY.
- Article from:
- The Middle East
- Article date:
- September 1, 2000
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2000 IC Publications Ltd. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
In the five years since Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani came to power Qatar has emerged from relative obscurity to play an important role in the Gulf region. The new Emir promised a relaxation of press censorship and greater transparency of government procedures and kept his word on both counts. However while such moves towards democracy have pleased Qataris, near neighbours have shown signs of consternation
When Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the current Emir of Qatar, succeeded his father in a bloodless coup in 1995, he promised rapid reform and progress for the tiny state, which had become extraordinarily sleepy under his father's rule. Subsequently, the Emir ...