Politics

The politics of Qatar takes place in a framework of an absolute monarchy whereby the Emir of Qatar is not only head of state, but also the head of government.

Executive Branch

In Qatar, the ruling Al Thani family continued to hold power following the declaration of independence in 1971. The head of state is the Emir, and the right to rule Qatar is passed on within the Al Thani family.

Politically, Qatar is evolving from a traditional society into a modern welfare state. Government departments have been established to meet the requirements of social and economic progress. The Basic Law of Qatar 1970 institutionalised local customs rooted in Qatar's conservative Wahhabi heritage, granting the Emir pre-eminent power. The Emir's role is influenced by continuing traditions of consultation, rule by consensus, and the citizen's right to appeal personally to the Emir.

The Emir, while directly accountable to no one, cannot violate the Shari?a (Islamic law) and, in practice, must consider the opinions of leading notables and the religious establishment. Their position was institutionalised in the Advisory Council, an appointed body that assists the Emir in formulating policy. There is no electoral system. Political parties are banned.

The influx of expatriate Arabs has introduced ideas that call into question the tenets of Qatar's traditional society, but there has been no serious challenge to Al Thani rule.

In February 1972, the Deputy Ruler and Prime Minister, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad, deposed his cousin, Emir Ahmad, and assumed power. This move was supported by the key members of Al Thani and took place without violence or signs of political unrest.

On June 27, 1995, the Deputy Ruler, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa, deposed his father Emir Khalifa in a bloodless coup. Emir Hamad and his father reconciled in 1996. Increased freedom of the press followed, and the Qatar-based Al Jazeera television channel (founded late 1996) is widely regarded as the only example of free and uncensored source of news in Arab countries.

Consultative Assembly

The Consultative Assembly (Majlis as-Shura) has 35 appointed members with only consultative tasks.

Legal System

Qatar has a discretionary system of law controlled by the emir, although civil codes are being implemented; Islamic law is significant in personal matters.

Foreign Relations

Qatar achieved full independence in an atmosphere of cooperation with the UK and friendship with neighbouring states. Most Arab states, the UK, and the US were among the first countries to recognise Qatar, and the state promptly gained admittance to the United Nations and the Arab League. Qatar established diplomatic relations with the USSR and People's Republic of China in 1988. It was an early member of OPEC and a founding member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

In September 1992, tensions arose with Saudi Arabia when a Qatari border post was allegedly attacked by Saudi forces resulting in two deaths. Relations have since improved and a joint commission has been set up to demarcate the border as agreed between the two governments.

The territorial dispute with Bahrain over the Hawar Islands and the maritime boundary dispute with Bahrain were solved by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. In the 2001 decision, Bahrain kept the Hawar Islands and Qit'at Jaradah but dropped claims to Janan Island and Zubarah on mainland Qatar, while Qatar retained significant maritime areas and their resources. The agreement has furthered the goal of definitively establishing the border with Saudi Arabia and Saudi-led mediation efforts continue.

Military

Qatar's defence expenditures accounted for approximately 4.2% of gross national product in 1993. Qatar maintains a modest military force of approximately 11,800 men, including an army (8,500), navy (1,800) and air force (1,500).

Qatar has recently signed defence pacts with the United States and United Kingdom. Qatar plays an active role in the collective defence efforts of the Gulf Cooperation Council (the regional organisation of the Arab states in the Persian Gulf; the other five members are Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, and Oman). Qatari forces played an important role in the Persian Gulf War.