Qatar: Former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies at 74
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who ruled Qatar for nearly two decades, has died at the age of 74. His leadership was marked by significant economic and media developments in the country. (sources: bbc, aljazeera, reuters, dw)
Sheikh Hamad led Qatar's transformation into a wealthy nation and oversaw the establishment of Al Jazeera. He ruled from 1995 until 2013, when he passed leadership to his son.
- Sheikh Hamad took power in 1996 after a bloodless coup against his father.
- He was instrumental in Qatar's rise as a gas-rich nation.
- His tenure included the launch of Al Jazeera and a bid for the FIFA World Cup.
Why it matters
Sheikh Hamad's leadership significantly shaped Qatar's modern identity and global presence.
↓ Congress can act on this
This story is connected to SJRES53: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Qatar of certain defense articles and services. — legislation your representatives can act on.
SJRES53 · 119th Congress
A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of Qatar of certain defense articles and services.
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About this bill
What SJRES53 actually does
This story is about Qatar: Former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies at 74. This bill would block the notified sale described in the resolution, including MQ-9B aircraft and associated munitions/services.
If passed, it would:
- block the notified sale described in the resolution, including MQ-9B aircraft and associated munitions/services • force Congress and the administration to revisit the terms of this Qatar arms transfer.
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