Qatari PM kicked out for opposing Turkey

Amira al-Sharif

Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad, have always joined hands to carry out evil plans.

The latest sacking of Qatari prime minister, Abdullah bin Naser al-Thani, is the latest case in point. Al-Thani did one mistake, namely speak out against Turkish occupation of parts of Qatar.

Untouchable

According to the Qatari opposition, Turkey has been behind the sacking of the Qatari prime minister.

To the mother of the emir of Qatar, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, any reference to the Turkish occupation of parts of Qatar is unacceptable. This is particularly so with the presence of shared interests between the mother of the Qatari emir and Ankara.

Abdullah bin Naser al-Thani took over as the prime minister of Qatar seven years ago. In these seven years, he failed to win the trust of the Qatari ruling family, the reason why he was also put in the margins. However, his sacking brought him to the limelight.

Al-Thani used to attend regional and international events on behalf of Sheikh Tamim who was not welcomed in most of these events.

Repression

Khaled bin Khalifa bin Abdel Aziz was picked to succeed al-Thani at the top of the Qatari government.

Apart from becoming prime minister, Abdel Aziz was also asked to take over the interior portfolio.

The presence of this man at the top of the Qatari security establishment will only lead to increasing repression in Qatar, the Qatari opposition said.

It added that the people appointed within the new cabinet prove that the emir of Qatar does not trust anybody.

This is particularly true after the emir had received intelligence portending an imminent coup, an opposition activist said.

He added that Abdel Aziz has a record that does not cause any worries to Sheikh Tamim who is always keen on sidelining his political rivals.

The new prime minister and interior minister will most likely increase repression at a time opposition to Sheikh Tamim keeps rising, the opposition activist said.