Changes

On June 27, 1995, the Deputy Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa, deposed his father Amir Khalifa in a bloodless coup. An unsuccessful counter-coup was staged in 1996. The Amir and his father are now reconciled, though some supporters of the counter-coup remain in prison. The Amir announced his intention for Qatar to move toward democracy and has permitted a freer and more open press and municipal elections as a precursor to expected parliamentary elections. Qatari citizens approved a new constitution via public referendum in April 2003, which came into force in June 2005.  

On June 27, 1995, the Deputy Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa, deposed his father Amir Khalifa in a bloodless coup. An unsuccessful counter-coup was staged in 1996. The Amir and his father are now reconciled, though some supporters of the counter-coup remain in prison. The Amir announced his intention for Qatar to move toward democracy and has permitted a freer and more open press and municipal elections as a precursor to expected parliamentary elections. Qatari citizens approved a new constitution via public referendum in April 2003, which came into force in June 2005.  

In 1996 Al Jazeera launches the first independent Arab satellite news channel, breaking the monopoly of state controlled media in the region and in 2006 Qatar becomes the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and acts as the first Arab host of the Asian Games. [http://www.qatartourism.gov.qa/discover/index/1/207]

In 1996 [[Al Jazeera]] launches the first independent Arab satellite news channel, breaking the monopoly of state controlled media in the region and in 2006 Qatar becomes the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and acts as the first Arab host of the Asian Games. [http://www.qatartourism.gov.qa/discover/index/1/207]

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