Principal Government Officials
Chief of State: Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani
Head of Government: Prime Minister Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani
Head of Government: Prime Minister Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani
The head of state is the Amir, and the right to rule Qatar is passed on within the Al Thani family, specifically to the current Amir’s sons. Shaykh Tamim bin Hamad, the Amir’s second son by Shaykha Moza bint Nasir al-Misnad, is the Heir Apparent and Deputy Amir, and has no rivals for succession. Politically, Qatar is evolving from a traditional society to one based on more formal and democratic institutions to meet the requirements of social and economic progress. The country's constitution formalizes the hereditary rule of the Al Thani family, but it also establishes an elected legislative body and makes government ministersaccountable to the legislature. In current practice, the Amir's role is influenced by continuing traditions of consultation, rule by consensus, and the citizen's right to appeal personally to the Amir. The Amir, while directly accountable to no one, cannot violate the Shari'a (Islamic law) and, in practice, must consider the opinions of leading families and the religious establishment.
The opinions of the people are institutionalized in the Advisory Council, an appointed body that assists the Amir in formulating policy. Elections in 1999, in which both men and women participated, resulted in the formation of a municipal council. One woman candidate was elected to the municipal council in 2003. Municipal elections were held for the fourth time in 2011, and Advisory Council elections will be held for 2013.
There has been no serious challenge to Al Thani rule. As the most visible sign of the move toward openness, the Al Jazeerasatellite television station based in Qatar is considered the most free and unfettered broadcast source in the Arab world. In practice, Al Jazeera rarely criticizes the ruling Al Thani family or addresses Qatar’s domestic issues.
The opinions of the people are institutionalized in the Advisory Council, an appointed body that assists the Amir in formulating policy. Elections in 1999, in which both men and women participated, resulted in the formation of a municipal council. One woman candidate was elected to the municipal council in 2003. Municipal elections were held for the fourth time in 2011, and Advisory Council elections will be held for 2013.
There has been no serious challenge to Al Thani rule. As the most visible sign of the move toward openness, the Al Jazeerasatellite television station based in Qatar is considered the most free and unfettered broadcast source in the Arab world. In practice, Al Jazeera rarely criticizes the ruling Al Thani family or addresses Qatar’s domestic issues.
FOREIGN RELATIONS
Qatar achieved full independence in an atmosphere of cooperation with the U.K. and friendship with neighboring states. Most Arab states, the U.K., and the U.S. were among the first countries to recognize Qatar, and the state promptly gained admittance to the United Nations and the Arab League. Qatar established diplomatic relations with the U.S.S.R. and China in 1988. It was an early member of OPEC and a founding member of the GCC.
In September 1992, tensions arose with Saudi Arabia when Saudi forces allegedly attacked a Qatari border post, resulting in two deaths. Relations have since improved. In December 2008, Qatar and Saudi Arabia signed a land and maritime border agreement while pledging mutual cooperation on a number of industrial and commercial issues.
For years, both Qatar and Bahrain claimed ownership of the Hawar Islands. The case was eventually referred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. The ICJ issued a ruling in June 2001, which both sides accepted. In the agreement Bahrain kept the main Hawar Island but dropped claims to parts of mainland Qatar, while Qatar retained significant maritime areas and their resources.
Qatar achieved full independence in an atmosphere of cooperation with the U.K. and friendship with neighboring states. Most Arab states, the U.K., and the U.S. were among the first countries to recognize Qatar, and the state promptly gained admittance to the United Nations and the Arab League. Qatar established diplomatic relations with the U.S.S.R. and China in 1988. It was an early member of OPEC and a founding member of the GCC.
In September 1992, tensions arose with Saudi Arabia when Saudi forces allegedly attacked a Qatari border post, resulting in two deaths. Relations have since improved. In December 2008, Qatar and Saudi Arabia signed a land and maritime border agreement while pledging mutual cooperation on a number of industrial and commercial issues.
For years, both Qatar and Bahrain claimed ownership of the Hawar Islands. The case was eventually referred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. The ICJ issued a ruling in June 2001, which both sides accepted. In the agreement Bahrain kept the main Hawar Island but dropped claims to parts of mainland Qatar, while Qatar retained significant maritime areas and their resources.
