<P> Analysts said he would likely be under immediate pressure to reduce Qatar's support for the rebels in the Syrian Civil War, which Tamim had previously supported . He would be tasked with overseeing substantial upgrades to the national infrastructure, which have recently gotten underway . While some view Tamim as more religious than his father, most analysts expect him to retain his father's largely pragmatic habits of governing--using Islam to further objectives where useful, but not pushing strictly Islamic agenda items such as outlawing alcohol . </P> <P> In his inaugural speech to the nation, Tamim vowed that he would continue to pursue a central role for Qatar in the region but that he will not "take direction" in foreign affairs . He confirmed that he will commit to the highest possible level of integration with his Gulf neighbors . </P> <P> In fact, during his first months in charge he has prioritized the Gulf . In late October 2013, only a few months after taking charge, Sheikh Tamim took a regional tour of the Gulf . Even before his accession to power, he formally represented his father at the annual Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in Bahrain in December 2012 as well as in welcoming delegates to the Arab League Summit in Doha in March 2013 . </P> <P> Working in a government security post, he promoted stronger ties with Saudi Arabia, a neighbour and often contentious rival to Qatar . Tamim considers Qatar's rivalry with Saudi Arabia unproductive, as has been the case in the so far unsuccessful attempt to build a cohesive Syrian opposition . </P>

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