| |
| | Elections in Qatar: A Window of Democracy Opens in the Gulf |
 | | On June 27, 1995, the new emir of Qatar, Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, assumed power from his father, Khalifa bin Hamad Al-Thani, in a bloodless palace coup while the latter was traveling in Switzerland. |
 | | Even before officially becoming ruler of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad was known for his efforts at reform, particularly in reducing the privileges of the ruling family and senior officials. |
 | | In December 1998, the deputy assistant minister of education and higher education, a woman, issued a statement announcing that "in accordance with the orientation of His Highness, the Emir bin Khalifa Al-Thani," she would apply the democratic process in all aspects and at all levels of her ministry. |
| www.mepc.org /journal_vol6/9906_bahry.asp (4544 words) |
|