ocr: Qatar is a traditional emirate. Its government and religious establishment is dominated by Amir Sheilch Rhalifa, who took power in a bloodless coup in 1972. His designated successor is his son, Sheilch Hamad. Although the A1 Thani family has several sub-groups, the Amir and his immediate relatives are unchallenged. The largely middle-class pro-democracy movement has called for reform of the 35-member Advisory Council. The Amir's response has been to introduce more techno crats into the cabinet. However,he maintains a tight rein on hinance,personally signing all govemment checks over 250,000 Qa ...
