World IN BRIEF : QATAR : Coup Government Recognized by U.S.

The United States quickly recognized this oil-producing Persian Gulf state’s new government after assurances it will work cooperatively with neighbors and the rest of the international community. Neighboring Saudi Arabia also declared its support for Qatar’s crown prince, who seized power from his father unexpectedly in a bloodless coup while the emir was vacationing in Switzerland. The dethroning was largely a formality, since Sheik Hamad ibn Khalifa al Thani, 45, was in effect already running the country. But Qatar placed two border brigades on alert, diplomats said. Meantime, the deposed emir, Sheik Khalifa ibn Hamad al Thani, 65, who himself grabbed power from a cousin 23 years ago, called the coup unacceptable. He vowed to return to his country “whatever the cost.”