ShareIn the past two days many people in Kuwait and abroad were concerned over the news of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah being admitted to hospital. Kuwaiti news agency (KUNA) reported that His Highness was taken to hospital last Wednesday for the usual medical checkup. He is fine and in good health. So relax.
This news spread widely on social media including the official site of Kuwait News Agency where they reviewed the calls from Gulf and Arab leaders in assuring the health of His Highness the Amir, which is undoubtedly a good position. While many leaders and high-ranking Arab and western officials are arguing and exchanging accusations, hostility and disputes, Kuwait continues to hold its neutral position.
Most of the world's top politicians and leaders are somewhat older, so age is not a criterion for success but, wisdom, professionalism and the ability to understand how the political game is run is what makes the Amir of Kuwait win everyone over. After all, it is not easy to deal with volatile Arab foreign policy.
I believe there is a global unspoken code right now that you are often treated according to your country's dealings with international situations.
For example, the Gulf dispute has created unnecessary hesitation among Khaleejis to think twice before traveling. They are worried about the possibility of being treated badly at customs because of their government's position on the crisis and that applies to many nationalities who travel around the world and may suffer ill treatment due to their governments' stand on various political issues. Many more can't even get a visa to visit their relatives. That is not fair but, it is happening. At the end of the day, whatever leaders do and say, it is the people who are affected and sometimes harmed.
I am a Kuwaiti and I can move all around the Gulf states without fear or hesitation. The policy of Kuwait is trying to be a neutral and close to all, whether in the Gulf or the Arab world and this is not easy in today's geopolitical climate. The world lives in an age of extremism and hostility.
Whether the Kuwaiti mediation in the Gulf crisis has a fruitful outcome or not, the Kuwaiti position that was led by the Amir of Kuwait is accurate and wise.
By Muna Al-Fuzai
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