Qatar power transfer seen as historic move in Arab world

By Ayman Adly/Staff Reporter

The smooth and voluntary transfer of  power by HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani to HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad  al-Thani is unprecedented in the history of the Arab world, particularly the Gulf region,  Dr Mohamed al-Misfar, professor of political science at Qatar University, said yesterday in a comment on Qatar TV.

He said he had seen that there was a consensus among many politicians, sociologists, mediapersons and university professors in the Gulf region that HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad is an amiable and much loved personality. He also enjoys a deep perspective in discussing all issues of the area.

Dr al-Misfar said that the new Emir had a strong presence and participation in all the events and activities of the local society. “He shares  the sorrows and joys of his citizens and he is also a very generous person. ”

He said that HH Sheikh Hamad had been always frank and transparent with his people, indicating that he was a pioneer and exemplary as he thanked his people as he quit, while other rulers cling to their seats despite the rejection of their people.

Thousands of Qataris yesterday swore allegiance to the new Emir and offered their sincere congratulations for the exemplary and extraordinary transition of power, with great hopes of a better future and continuous steady progress.

Most Qataris agreed that HH Sheikh Hamad transformed  Qatar into a highly-developed modern state with his wise policies, giving the country its distinguished international fame and position. They also strongly believed the new Emir HH Sheikh Tamim would follow the same course and take the country to further successes locally and internationally.

Doha-based eminent Islamic scholar Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi said that HH Sheikh Hamad had given people a gift of festivity by handing in power in a peaceful and organised manner to young leadership to carry on the process of his great achievements.

“I have known them closely and I know that they rule the country on the basis of justice, wisdom and mercy. They are also well-qualified and well-informed about the world and able to rule efficiently. Further, they have unique stands on various issues such as the Syrian cause,” he pointed out.

Meanwhile, a number of  Independent school officials welcomed the decision, indicating that June 25 would be a historic day for the nation and the world as well for the future generations.

“Such transfer of power is considered a civilised example to be followed not only in  the Arab world  but internationally to give young people an opportunity to shoulder the responsibility  of the next stage to attain more progress for our beloved country,” said Mohamed Mandi al-Emadi, director of Wakra Independent School.

Almost all school officials praised the efforts of HH Sheikh Hamad throughout his rule to transform Qatar into a leading modern state and said they had great expectations about the new era.

Various ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions in Doha have also voiced similar views about the transition. The Ukrainian Ambassador in Doha, Yevhen Mykytenko, described the move as heroic and courageous for a better future for Qatar and its people.

The Sudanese Ambassador, Yassir Khidr Khalafalah, said that the Sudanese people would never forget the support given by HH Sheikh Hamad to their issues, which he is sure would go on during  the rule of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim.

Syrian Ambassador Nizar al-Haraki described the move as completely unconventional in the Arab world and described it as one of the unique actions of HH Sheikh Hamad. He also affirmed that Qatar would continue to be the largest supporter of  the Syrian people in their difficult situation.

The Ecuadorian Ambassador to Qatar, Kabalan B Abisaab, described the move as a unique model for a civilised and democratic regime and considered it as a quantum leap regionally and internationally.

Indonesian Ambassador Didi Seif Al Hadi said such transfer of power reflected the deep Qatari concept of the necessity to  work for the common good of the country and people.

The Omani Ambassador, Mohamed bin Nasser al-Wahibi, said the important and historic steps taken by HH Sheikh Hamad would set in motion a new phase in the history of Qatar.