H I L A L I Y A

In a welcome and positive move, the newly-sworn in Kuwaiti Cabinet has agreed to pass the "5 Constituencies" draft bill. Click HERE for the AFP article.

To the Reformers and "Orange" activists: Thank you, you made a difference; politics fused with social conscience can work. The demonstrations, the blog articles, the marches, the uploaded videos and satellite feeds, the role the young reformers played alongside reformist MPs, and most of all, the men and women who ventured into 50 degree heat and voted for reformers, all made history.

To the Government: You listened to the people, you formed a cabinet - by and large - in tune with what the public demanded and you passed the Reform Bill. This is a commendable move.

Let us hope that the Government and National Assembly start off working on positive lines towards the wellbeing and development of the country. We've wasted a lot of precious time already. We have a lot of catching up to do.

Everyone played a part, everyone had good days and bad days, everyone got knocked down on their derrieres, but that's fine because Kuwait is bigger than all of us.

Are our problems over? Will corruption suddenly be eradicated from all of Kuwait? Will major projects suddenly materialize, upgrading infrastructure and services to citizens, as well as additional sources of revenue for the country? Will thousands of new jobs with good prospects for the young as well as housing be created instantly?

No. But passing 5 Constituencies is a step in the right direction.