Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani

3 Stories

Qatari Emir Abdicates, Hands Power to Son, 33

Peaceful handovers unusual among Gulf Arab dynasties

(Newser) - The emir of Qatar has abdicated and will hand the reins to his 33-year-old son, who in turn becomes the youngest monarch in the region. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, 61, announced the news on national TV yesterday, though he didn't say when Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani would...

Qatar Emir Visits Gaza in Nod to Hamas

Palestinian government concerned over the visit

(Newser) - The emir of Qatar received a hero's welcome in Gaza today, becoming the first head of state to visit the Palestinian territory since Hamas seized control of the coastal strip five years ago. Sheik Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani's visit gave Gaza's Hamas rulers an important diplomatic victory....

Syrians Gunned Down in Line at Bakery

As emir of Qatar calls for Arab League troops in Syria

(Newser) - Syrian security forces fired at random on civilians waiting in line at a bakery in Homs today, killing five of them and injuring nine others, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, as violence continues to grip the country. Security forces also raided a university dorm in Aleppo, arresting nine...

3 Stories