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GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — The emir of Qatar, Sheik Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, on Tuesday became the first head of state to visit the Gaza Strip since Hamas militants seized the territory five years ago, showering unprecedented political recognition on the Islamic militant group.
The landmark visit highlighted the changes that have swept the region during the Arab Spring events, pushing once-shunned Islamic movements to the forefront of Mideast politics. Qatar has encouraged these changes by backing efforts for the ouster of secular regimes. The emir may use his leverage after Tuesday to lure Hamas hardliners away from their patron Iran, the regional rival of Qatar.
