ABSTRACT
The sudden demise of Shaikh Ahmed created political uncertainty in Qatar and immediately brought up the question of succession. Having taken charge of the country, Shaikh Jasim not only settled this vital political issue but also acted as mediator between Britain and bin Saud, who wanted a British protection treaty. While Qatar witnessed severe economic recession during the first decade of the twentieth century, both British and the Ottoman governments focused their attention on the internal matter of Wakra, which led to growing Anglo-Ottoman tension. However, the growing arms trade and the Ottoman occupation of Zakhnuniyah island once again brought up the question of the proposed Qatar treaty. Furthermore, the Zakhnuniyah crisis laid bare the power and functions of the kazi of Zubara, which extended as far as islands such as Hawar.
