Kuwait's Emir recalls the state foundations

What's really happening in Kuwait? It's as simple as the state's Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad decided, a few days ago, to use chapter 106 of the constitution, which gives him the authority to suspend the parliament sessions for one month time. By taking this decision, we can say the Emir has reminded all the parties of their responsibilities. The head of the state is trying to say that the Royal Dynasty, which is one of the state's foundations, wouldn't let the country fall in a wave of accusations and counter-accusations that would put the state's future in danger, especially amid the current internal and regional circumstances, which are critical. The verdict of the Kuwaiti constitutional court which announced the dissolution of the parliament elected last February, has surely complicated the political scene in the small Gulf state -- especially as the same verdict stated the necessity of restoring the previous parliament dissolved by Sheikh Sabah. From a legal perspective, this verdict should be understood as a very positive sign of a democratic regime taking root in Kuwait, as it dismissed a decree issued by the highest power in the state, only because it didn't meet the required legal criteria. However, on the political side, we have to remember that the judicially dissolved parliament was actually much worse than the one dissolved by Sheikh Sabah's decree, taking into regard that the February 2012 elections have set tribal and sectarian divisions within Kuwaiti society, highlighting the negative side of Kuwait's tribal culture over its positive side. The formation of the last parliament, as well as the performance of some of its members, have recalled the sectarian tension the Kuwaitis thought they had abandoned long ago. We could see some MPs talking the language of al-Qaeda, against others who seemed to be official representatives of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Forces, and one wonders whether those people reflect the true image of Kuwaiti society, which is known to be opened to all civilised concepts in the world. It couldn't be possible in a country like Kuwait that democracy would be considered by some as a bridge to chaos instead of progress and stability. It was expected that Sheikh Sabah break his usual patience to issue this decree, so some MPs may rethink their non-stop efforts to hinder the government's work, and also increase tensions within society. It is normal that the Emir restored his leading role in the state, after it was clear that the new parliament Was unable to learn the lessons of the near past, and particularly failed to understand that hindering the government's work will only cause negative effects on the entire state and on each citizen's life. The attitude of some MPs has revealed that the problem in Kuwait was never related to the consecutive cabinets, but it was actually linked to the MPs who were always planning to exchange the constitution and transform the state's regime to another one which would enable the current parliamentary majority to impose their control over the state forever. Kuwait is currently suffering from the inability to achieve any progression due to those MPs' attitudes, although it has never suffered from the current regime, which is based on support between the citizens and the ruling dynasty. Kuwait faces a deadlock in all affairs, and there is no room for any kind of progress, neither in the economy, politics nor in social affairs. However, the negative results of the pressure conducted by the extremist religious MPs have started to show, as those MPs have never stopped in their efforts to change the nature of the moderate and tolerant Kuwaiti society, to the extent that the musical concerts have been almost forbidden in the state. Is today's Kuwait the same state we used to know, which was probably the most successful in the Arab Gulf? During the 50s, 60s, 70s and the 80s of the 20th century, Kuwait used to give lessons to its neighbouring states in political, economic, social and media openness, however, the state now looks to lose all these achievements gradually, particularly by opposing the Iraqi invasion in 1990. Can anybody deny that Kuwait could never regain its freedom and sovereignty were it not for the strong stance taken by the leaders of the state, topped by the two former Emirs Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad and Sheikh Saad al-Abdallah, as well as Sheikh Sabah himself? The controversies witnessed in Kuwait's parliament have revealed the true intentions of some of the MPs who want to exchange the political bases endorsed in the country since its foundation. We can also say that the poll results which brought this parliament and the conducts that followed the polls, have revealed some sides are working together to stage a coup in this small state which would push it to an uncertain future. What Sheikh Sabah has tackled is a complete coup by definition, as some of the MPs were preparing a draft constitutional amendment to reduce the powers of the Emir in the state's regime. Those MPs are the same who have also proposed the foundation of a "popular government" in the country -- this may have been accepted in a state which knows true partisan competition, where there are no tribal or sectarian measures, whether for MPs belonging to the Muslim Brotherhood, or for Shiite groups associated to Iran. Kuwait is in strong need for calm at this time, and Sheikh Sabah's decree could be understood as a step towards this calm, so the Kuwaitis could think deeply about what is happening both in their country and the region too. Kuwait needs more wise men like Sheikh Sabah to be in front of the political scene, and a comprehensive approach that can overcome minor disputes. To give an example: Isn't it worth discussing how to improve the quality of education rather than discussing separation between males and females in schools and universities? Is there is any progressed state without a modern and developed education? --- The views expressed by the author do not necessarily represent or reflect the editorial policy of Arabstoday.