Qatar's Emir Transfers Power to Son
June 25, 2013
by VOA News
Qatar's emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani is stepping down and handing power to his son, the country's 33-year-old crown prince.
The 61-year-old emir announced the move Tuesday in a speech broadcast on state television. He says the time has come for a new generation to lead.
Major changes in Qatar's foreign policy are not expected, because Sheikh Tamim was already playing a role in running the country.
The emir led Qatar since 1995, after taking over in a bloodless coup from his own father. In recent years, the country has pressed its influence in the region, notably backing the rebels who toppled Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi and those who are now fighting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Qatar is the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas. It has invested its wealth globally, including stakes in German car maker Volkswagen, British department store Harrods and the French football club Paris Saint-Germain. In 2022, it will host the football World Cup.
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