The Hindu - Qatar: Small in size, big in other ways, Jun 25, 2013

"A rare voluntary transfer of power from the Emir to his son is a precursor to the country's growing importance in the region. On Tuesday, the 61 year-old Qatar Emir Sheik Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani handed over his power to his 33 year-old son Sheik Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The Prince will soon start putting together a new government that may be in contrast to the old guard. This marks a departure from the usual method of transfer of power in the region — death or a coup. And this change is significant for many reasons."
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