The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Thani, abdicated rule on Tuesday, in favor of his son, 33-year old Crown Prince Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim, one of Qatar’s most recognizable faces in the West, who serves as prime minister and foreign minister, is also expected to leave his post soon. The Emir told the nation that his decision was in order to “have a new generation carry the responsibilities … with their innovative ideas.” The 61-year old ruler took control away from his father in a bloodless coup in 1995 and made no secret of his intent to pass the mantle of leadership to his son.
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