Qatar's Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani replaced the state's crown prince on Tuesday, naming his fourth son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, as his new heir apparent. According to the official Qatari News Agency, the Emir issued an order "accepting the stepping down" by the Heir Apparent Sheikh Jassem bin Hamad al Thani from his post. The official announcement said that earlier, the Qatari ruler has received a letter from Sheikh Jassem, stating the reasons behind his decision to step down. According to diplomats, Sheikh Jassem has been asking for wider powers, but this was rejected by his father. Sheikh Jassem has been Sheikh Hamad's Crown Prince since October 1996.