Observers eye Qatar coup history, Arab calls to oust Tamim

CAIRO – 18 June 2017: “Qatar’s Tamim’s administration threatens Qatar’s relations with its brotherly Arab and Islamic countries, so replacing the Qatari administration with a new acceptable ruler may resolve the Arab-Qatari rift,” observers told Arab media outlets lately.

Qatar witnessed three coups in 40 years and, according to observers, “the fourth might be approaching,” amid Arab demands to change the Qatari administration. Many Arab and regional countries have cut or severed diplomatic ties with Qatar on charges of supporting terrorist groups and strongly allying with Iran and Israel.

“Qatar’s Tamim’s administration threatens Qatar’s relations with its brotherly Arab and Islamic countries, so replacing the Qatari administration with a new acceptable ruler may resolve the Arab-Qatari rift,” observers told Arab media outlets lately.

In order to anticipate future scenarios, historical events must be put into account, most importantly the three coups in 40 years as well as a number of attempted depositions.
In 1971, Qatar officially declared its independence, after 55 years under British control. It is considered as the most important achievement that happened during Sheikh Ahmed’s rule.

The first coup (1972)

Although the Gulf country witnessed a huge development during Sheikh Ahmed’s era, Crown prince Khalifa bin Hamad took over power through a military coup in 1972, appointing his son Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani as the crown prince.
Bin Hamad ruled Qatar for 23 years until his son, in his turn, led a coup against him.

The second coup (1995)


Like father, like son. In 1995, Khalifa bin Hamad decided to leave Qatar on an extended European tour. After Khalifa’s departure, Hamad bin Khalifa announced, in a televised statement, that he was deposing his father, becoming the Emirate’s new ruler.

Third Coup (2013)

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani takes over as Emir after his father abdicates. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa announced in a brief televised address that he would hand over power to his 33-year old son and Crown Prince Sheikh Tamim bin Khalifa. Many international organizations and political analysts saw what happened in 2013 as a coup and that Hamad had stepped aside because he knew of his son’s intention to do away with him as he did with his own father back in 1995.
Here are some of Qatar’s significant historical moments:

Failed coup attempt (2000)

A cousin of the Emir and 32 other people are jailed for life for planning a foiled coup in 1996.



Al Jazeera satellite network (1996)

Al Jazeera satellite TV launched as an independent channel funded by the Emir. Based in Qatar but broadcasting to much of the Arab world, it had established a reputation for its news coverage and willingness to tackle controversial issues.

Soft coup (2003)

The Emir names his younger son Prince Tamim as crown prince, replacing his other son Prince Jassim.

First written Constitution (2005)
Qatar's first written constitution comes into effect, providing for some democratic reforms.

Restoring relations with Saudi Arabia (2008)

Saudi Arabia and Qatar agree final delineation of borders and pledge to boost co-operation after diplomatic relations restored in March, 2008.

Qatar's first legislative elections (2011)

Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani says elections to the advisory council will be held in 2013.