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Sheikh Tamim’s early rule was marked with controversy due to support of Islamist groups, which resulted in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE withdrawing their ambassadors in 2014. However, following a visit to Britain later that year, international relationships thawed and, at the time of writing, the RAF and USAF base assets in Qatar in support of operations in the Middle East. The trouble flared up again in 2017, with the so-called Qatar Diplomatic Crisis, which resulted in the same three countries, together with Jordan, Egypt and others, closing their borders to trade, over support to Iran. The crisis was not resolved until January 2021. Although a treaty has yet to be signed, Qatar has improved relations with Israel, including providing substantial aid to Palestinians and allowing Israeli citizens to attend the World Cup.
Sheikh Tamim has also spent more time on domestic affairs than his father. Although an absolute ruler, he streamlined and strengthened government institutions and reformed labour laws. This resulted in improved conditions and workers’ rights and, in 2021, the establishment of a minimum wage, the first in the region. A wide-ranging infrastructure improvement resulted in new roads, a metro system, and the construction of a new airport. However, the greatest achievement of his reign to date was the FIFA World Cup. There was considerable international opposition due to the climate, safety of migrant workers constructing the stadiums, women’s and LGBT+ rights and limited availability of alcohol, resulting in claims that Qatar was ‘sportswashing’ its reputation. Nevertheless, the event was an overall success. As a sign that he has not forgotten his military roots, Sheikh Tamim invited his whole Sandhurst platoon to attend the event, all expenses paid, with some having the time and inclination to remain for the whole competition.
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