Former Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad Dies Aged 74
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Numerous world leaders have paid tribute to Sheikh Hamad, a remarkable world leader who masterminded his country's rise from a fledgling nation to an economic powerhouse that forever changed the fate of his country.
Establishment-critical narrative
While Sheikh Hamad no doubt transformed Qatar, he also oversaw various controversial chapter's of the country's history. He used his country's wealth to prop up the Islamic Brotherhood in the region, as well as anti-government protestors during the Arab Spring, causing rifts between Qatar and its neighbors and ultimately fueling regional instability.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Sheikh Hamad will be remembered for his staunch defense of Palestinians. Not only was he the first Arab leader to visit the Gaza Strip and actively speak about its plight, he funded numerous humanitarian projects that gave its people an essential lifeline.
