Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Joo Rip Gwa Rhhee]

[rapier]

Kuwait is an example of economics and prosperity triumphing over religion.

Kuwaitis have profoundly changed their views of their government and of the outside world. The ruling Sabah family has come in for much criticism. Some of it concerns the invasion: Why had Kuwait given over $15 billion dollars to Iraq during the 1980s? Why was the country strategically isolated on August 2, 1990? Why was it so completely unprepared for the invasion?
The re-establishment of Kuwait's parliament just over a year ago provides a forum for this discontent.

When pressed, virtually every Kuwaiti acknowledges that Kuwait remains rich and weak; that Iraq and Iran remain aggressive states; and that American troops remain the sole guarantor of Kuwait's security, even its very existence. But domestic issues absorb so much attention, only a few sophisticated voices worry much about the outside world.

In this regard, Kuwaitis resemble Americans: both peoples have turned their attention away from external issues to concentrate on rebuilding their societies. The difference is that while Americans can afford such introspection, Kuwaitis cannot. I worry that Kuwaiti fascination with domestic matters will render their country, once again, vulnerable to its thuggish neighbors.

Resurrecting Kuwait achieved something important for U.S. interests. Kuwait joined that long list of countries which enjoys a free existence thanks to the United States of America. Admittedly, Kuwait is pretty minor compared to the other countries that fit this description-all of Europe, the former Soviet Union, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Israel-but it stands out as the first Arab state in the category.

As such, it offers a unique opportunity. Lacking the profound anti-Americanism found in all other Arabic-speaking countries, Kuwait could be America's first Arab ally. There exist tactical arrangements with other countries (Egypt, Saudi Arabia), but Kuwait could be different-a real ally, with which the U.S share values and long-term goals. Despite its small size and population, Kuwait has much to offer: a critical location, a foothold within OPEC, a leading cultural influence, and a political model for its neighbors.

Trouble is, both Kuwaitis and Americans have for the moment lost interest in the other. The time has come for both to pay more attention to the other and reap the many potential benefits of stronger ties. If they don't, both will pay for it when the Persian Gulf goes through its next round of troubles.

http://www.meforum.org/article/pipes/246

[Ya-ta Boy]

I suspect things like this have been more common than we know about because the media hasn't been reporting them.

In the last couple of months there have been several American Moslems on C-Span Book Channel talking about their books. During those discussions, they have told stories of criticisms of extremism in their local mosques over the last several years. Quite a different feeling than the extremists on this forum report.

[rapier]

I suspect that kuwait has benefitted very well financially from the export of Iraqi oil by the U.S. since the occupation as well.

[bucheon bum]

Kuwait is the 2nd most conservative country in the Middle East. It finally allowed women to vote earlier this year. I'd hardly call it progressive. Kuwaitis also have a notorious reputation amongst other Arabs for being snobbish and a-holes, so the chances of it becoming any kind of model for the region is a stretch.

We saved their asses though, so I'm not surprised many Kuwaitis are pro-American.

[rapier]

[Wangja]

[dogbert]

[bucheon bum]

[rapier]

The main problem with this forum is that nobody, ever, clicks on the supporting links.

And if we simply pasted them ,we'd be banned.

[bucheon bum]

i've now read it. what contradicts what I said before?? I never said womens' rights have not improved there or anything like that. I was just saying it is very conservative to begin with, and after reading your link, it sounds like they've caught up to their "sisters" in other arab countries.