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Courtesy of Ministery of
Foreign Affairs
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| HH Sheikh Hammad
Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar |
In the 2000 Republican Presidential primaries,
Senator John McCain and then-Governor George W.
Bush were vying for the title of "reformer."
When, the Texas Governor delivered a policy speech
with a large banner in the background that read
"a reformer with results", Senator McCain,
clearly not amused, scoffed, "If he’s
a reformer, then I’m an astronaut." The
rest is history; but, the thought of a political
reformer remains a virtual trump card for those
in positions of leadership.
Since he rose to power eleven years ago, reform
has been at the forefront of the agenda of Qatar’s
Emir, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani. Sheikh
Hamad has not let up on this theme. In a speech
before the Doha Development Forum, for example,
he said, "Sustainable reform must originate
from genuine conviction." Indeed, Sheikh Hamad
had pushed for reform for some time, even before
coming to power. As an example, when he was Heir
Apparent, he established the Planning Council, a
body that continues its work towards bureaucratic,
political and social reform today.
The Qatari people recognize and appreciate Sheikh
Hamad’s work and he continues to enjoy enormous
popularity. Since Qatar is ranked as one of the
wealthiest countries in the world on a per capita
basis, Qatari nationals are particularly pleased
with his reign. Wealth is now flowing in as the
nation’s vast gas reserves are developed commercially,
resulting in ever growing support for the Emir and
his reform agenda.
One of the first reforms implemented by His Highness
was the closure of the Ministry of Information,
a relic of the past, when control of the press-
not freedom of the press- was the modus operandi.
The very willingness of Sheikh Hamad to address
this issue earned him wide spread acclaim. Other
reforms he has spearheaded include Municipal elections
where both men and women were allowed to vote and/or
stand for election. It is widely believed that because
the Emir took this step in the late 1990s, Qatar
is credited with having prodded neighboring Gulf
states, such as Bahrain and Kuwait, to allow their
own female populations to participate in elections.
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Courtesy of Ministery of
Foreign Affairs
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| HH Sheikh Tamim
Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Crown Prince of Qatar |
In 1999, His Highness suspended the 27-year-old
constitution and appointed a large committee of
experts and constitutional scholars to draft a new
constitution, reflecting the needs of a more progressive
and sophisticated populace. A referendum was held
in 2003 and the new constitution was approved by
a 97% majority of voters. The constitution grants
new rights and freedoms to citizens and allows more
participation in government than before.
The constitution defines the family as the basis
of society, providing it the protection of the law.
The state is also charged with protecting children
from corruption and exploitation, as well as fostering
education, public health and the arts and sciences,
all of which have been strong themes the Emir has
championed.
The man being groomed to eventually succeed the
Emir is the Crown Prince and Heir Apparent, Sheikh
Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. Like his father, the Emir,
Sheikh Tamim is a graduate of the prestigious Sandhurst
Military Academy in Britain and he has been appointed
head of the armed forces. Sheikh Tamim is the Chairman
of the Qatar National Olympic Committee, working
closely with the International Olympic Committee.
The recently married Sheikh Tamim is accustomed
to international exposure and has handled his role
admirably, graciously representing Qatar at numerous
international events.
Internationally, Qatar’s role has risen beyond
all expectations, particularly considering its modest
size and population. Within the Gulf Cooperation
Council (GCC), Qatar’s role has taken on increased
significance as Qatar has demonstrated a willingness
to cooperate for the benefit of the region. For
example, natural gas exports from Qatar to other
countries throughout the Gulf has been going one
for years. Beyond the Middle East, Qatar has excellent
relations with France, England and the United States.
Aside from the close military and political relationship
Qatar enjoys with the United States, there is a
growing economic relationship. Under the Emir’s
leadership, a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement
(TIFA) was signed in the Spring of 2004. This agreement
allows the two countries to essentially formulate
the basis for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Qatar hosts to two US military bases. This arrangement
seems to be mutually beneficial considering this
Gulf peninsula is located in the heart of the volatile
Middle East. Assured of its security, Qatar has
hit its stride and has begun to thrive.
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Qatar
