March 2009 Archives

President Obama won mostly through his strong presence on the Internet - will it work for Aseel Al-Awadhi?

Links:

الدكتورة أسيل العوضي

يوتيوب" ترشح د. أسيل يظهر في نشرة أخبار قناة الراي

Official Webpage

I have a 'rain fetish' - many of my friends are constantly flabbergasted at my incessant preoccupation of whether it's going to rain in Kuwait or not and my subsequent frustrations at the trickles of water we eventually receive.

The fact of the matter is Kuwait has not gotten a good soaking in literally years now; there has been an increase in dust storms as of late, so when it did rain last night (a first-rate lashing from approximately one am onwards for several hours) it was a big deal to us. In addition, as my old school teacher Mrs. Mills used to say, "It's good for the shrubbery."

We received another pleasant surprise this afternoon when potent hailstorms and rain enveloped the city. I just enjoy watching the rain clean everything, from the grime to the dust - I just hope the rains can also wipe the 'symbolic grime' off the country.

شاهدت مساء يوم الجمعة الماضي برنامج "المنصة" على قناة العدالة، وكان البرنامج يستضيف كلا من النائب السابق /صالح الملا وعضو المجلس البلدي/ماجد موسى"المطيري" ومرشح الدائرة الرابعة لانتخابات مجلس الأمة. سبق وأن أشرت في السابق بهذه المدونة الجريئة إلى مداخلة السيد/ماجد بعنوان "كابتن ماجد" في قناة الفتن، وطرحه القبلي العنيف الذي لا يقبل فيه كل كويتي غيور على وطنه، وكان حول موضوع لجنة إزالة التعديات. ولم يختلف طرحه في ذلك البرنامج عن ما شاهدت "بالمنصة"، هجوم على المناطق التي يقطنها غالبية العائلات الحضرية والدفاع على المناطق التي يقطنها غالبية العائلات البدوية "حسب فكره"، والتي يمثلها بدوره كونه عضو مجلس بلدي حالي ومرشح قادم لمجلس الأمة ومن ضمنها ضاحية صباح الناصر، مع العلم ولا يخفى على أحد بأن التعديات في المنطقة المذكورة لا يغطيه المنخل. المشكلة تكمن في عقلية كابتن ماجد وحده وأمثاله الذين يزداد عددهم وللأسف في هذا الزمن. ويرجع السبب الوحيد في وجودهم وزيادة عددهم "المصالح الشخصية". أما ما تفضل فيه النائب السابق/صالح الملا، من طرح راقي "وهو شيء ليس بجديد" ودفاعه عن قاطني "المناطق الخارجية" وهو مصطلح يحبذ استخدامه كابتن ماجد لإثارة ناخبيه، يدل على أنه رجل يدافع عن كل حق لكل كويتي وينتقده في حال أخطأ بحق الدولة أو أخل بالتزامه بالقوانين المتبعة، بغض النظر إن كان هذا الكويتي "حضري،بدوي،سني،شيعي، في دائرته أو خارجها". وهذا بالفعل ما يجب أن نبحث عنه في شخصية المرشحين القادمين للمجلس القادم. والله ولي التوفيق

David Niven and 'The Streaker.'

Mohammad Hayef Al-Mutairi, former MP, self-appointed 'defender of public morality and public property', a man who makes the Spanish Inquisition's Tomás de Torquemada look like a member of the 'Vienna Boys' Choir,' is at it again. Apparently his Parliamentary skills (or lack thereof) seem to revolve around a 'weekly 'insert item' lambasting' technique. One week it's diwaniyas, another it's public funds, followed by how the act of female officers saluting is 'haram' and so forth. Now all of this would be fine and dandy if it were just hot air, but when he does it, governments collapse.

This week Hayef's hang-up involves a naked man on KTV3. According to the 'Arab Times':

"Urging the ministry to immediately open an investigation on the issue, Al-Mutairi asked about the role of the committee tasked to edit shows before airing them. He also inquired about the procedures taken to identify those who committed the mistake and prevent its recurrence in the future.According to the source, Kuwait TV Channel 3, on Tuesday evening showed a completely naked man - one of the participants in a European Ski Tournament. Al-Mutairi pointed out there is no room for indecent images in a conservative country like Kuwait. "We prohibit the publication of immoral photographs or showing of pornographic films in the country, how much more the airing of a naked man in television," he asserted. "

First of all, the former MP's biggest mistake was promoting KTV - is there anyone in their right mind who still watches it? And when I say 'right mind' I mean people who don't think 'Moby Dick' is a venereal disease or who think Charlton Heston kissing a female ape is heretical.

Sometimes you just gotta let things go. We need more David Nivens in Kuwait and less Hayefs.

At the outset, I would like to thank all bloggers and writers who have so far contributed pieces to 'Hilaliya,' elevating it from a personal blog to a community blog (which I am proud of). Moreover, the 'Diwaniya' concept has also allowed certain bloggers the flexibility of posting about issues they were passionate here, as opposed to their own blogs, due to demographic constraints or otherwise.

Special thanks to Don Veto, Intlxpatr, 4th Ring Road, Forzaq8, Aggz the Aggressor, Daggero, فتح الخير and Hanan Al-Hajeri for their exclusive pieces all of which highlighted their own smarts, style and interests.

A big thanks to you, our frequent reader and commenter, for your feedback and support.

Additional bloggers (and writers) have jumped onto the 'Blogging Diwaniya' bandwagon, so expect some great new posts the coming weeks.

فى خضم الأجواء المحلية الملبدة والمناخية المتقلبة كان لابد من وقفه نستعرض فيها المواضيع الدارجة على الساحة ونحاول أن نعطي هذه المستجدات حقها قدر المستطاع ونكون بذلك قد ركبنا الموجة وتزلجنا مع المتزلجين فى عالم التدوين والذى يغلب عليه مواضيع الأكل وأنتقاد المطاعم , ومواضيع الحب والغرام أو السياسة والأنتخابات

قد بدأ الموضوع الأول بصورة لوليمة فاخرة لشخص ما وعليه بالعافية , هو اللى أستمتع بالوجبة و نحن اللى أخذنا السمعة بأننا أهل سندويش, بس خيرها فى غيره

وحتى يستمر زخم التدوين ومسايرة الأحداث المحلية ونجرب حظنا بالتدوين باللغة العربية الأم فأقترحت على نفسى أن أحاول أن أكتب فى مواضيع جريئة محلية مثل الحب والغرام حيث لهذه المشاعر سوق طويل عريض فى الفضاء الأفتراضى وربما أكون أول من أكتشف ظاهرة جديدة ليكون لى السبق التدوينى فيها ونصبح من الرومانسيين حالنا من حال الباقين , ونحاول أن نمحو تهمة الجفاف العاطفى الشديد المتهم بها الجنس الذكورى المحلى( ولو أن الكويتى أنفع ) الأ أن الهجوم المستمر على شخصيته بدون مسوغات فى كثير من المدونات قد صبغ هذه الشخصية المتميزة بنعت غير مطابق للواقع دون أى مبرر

وفعلا صدق حدسى وبعد البحث االسريع فى أعداد الجرائد المحلية توفقت الى قراءة عدد من المقابلات الشخصية مع أشخاص معروفين فى المجتمع كمسؤلين سابقين أو شخصيات رسمية وهم يتكلمون عن مسيرة حياتهم وأنجازاتهم فى مناصبهم وبعد الأسترسال فى المقابلة تتحول الأسئلة الى الحياة الأجتماعية للمسئول والى السؤال الكلاسيكى الذى لابد منه وهو" كيف تعرفت
"على شريكة حياتك

وهنا تبدأ سلسلة المفاجآت و خاصة بعد أن يكون القارئ قد شبع كلام رسمى مقنن ودبلوماسى وأذا بالجواب على هذا السؤال التقليدى يغير من نمط المقابلة فيقلبها رأسا على عقب فالغالبية من الذين تمت معاهم المقابلات تنفتح قريحتهم ويعترفون ويتباهون بأنهم تعرفوا على زوجاتهم بالصدفة طبعا - والصدفة خير من ألف ميعاد - ويسمى زوجته بأسمها الذى عادة مايكون رقيق ومماثل لأسماء الممثلات العربيات أيام أفلام الأسود والأبيض وليس بكنيتها أم فلان . ويزيد بأن الزواج قد تم بعد قصة أعجاب وحب متبادل .ياولد

هذا والكويت تعتبر بلد محافظ ولم يكن هناك هذه المولات الجميلة أو الهاتف النقال أو الأنترنت أو الأنفتاح فى المجتمع وهنا تطقنى البوهة لهذه التصريحات الجريئة وأفكر بما أن مسؤلينا السابقين لديهم هذه العواطف الجياشة والأحاسيس المرهفة فلماذا الغالبية من المواطنين والمقيمين يحسون بالأحباط والكآبة واليأس .هل لعدم توصيل هذا الحب لنا أو لعدم مشاركتهم لنا بالعواطف والبوح بها فقط بعد مغادرة المنصب الرسمى لأن المدام راح تقرأ المقابلة وياويله أذا ماطلعها جولييت العصر الذهبى للكويت . وعاشت الرومانسية الرسمية .مع تحياتى

According to Al Arabiya news channel, the Kuwaiti government finally passed the financial bailout package today. This is great news for banks and investment companies but we still don't know if any changes were made to the original plan.

The plan itself could cost the country a whopping 5 billion KD. However, Investment Companies have lost over 9 billion KD since the beginning of the meltdown, further augmenting the crisis.

We have yet to hear the Popular Bloc's response to this plan. An interesting week lies ahead.

According to Al-Watan Newspaper the official inauguration of Jaber Stadium has been knocked back a year and a half:

"The official inauguration of the Jaber Stadium is expected to be delayed by about a year and a half; official sources said. The Public Authority for Youth and Sports argued that the delay in signing tenders for equipping the stadium is attributed to insufficient storage facilities. Some observers have however slammed such an excuse as ''feeble,'' considering the fact that the Audit Bureau had already endorsed the tenders. They pointed out to the fact that the authority could have rented storage facilities to store the equipment instead. Earlier on, the opening of the stadium was delayed on the excuse that it lacked local toilets."

We heard horror stories about this project: last minute modifications, lack of elevators for the Emiri VIP section (added later on), not enough parking spaces and so forth (I'd really like to see 65,000 Kuwaitis carpool their way there - cause let's be honest 6,500 parking spots ain't gonna cut the mustard in Kuwait).

Why don't the different bodies in Kuwait (Tenders Committee, Municipality, Authority for Youth and Sports ETC) get together at the initial stages and then agree on the terms, conditions and specs of the project before it is built?

No, wait a minute - If they did that contractors wouldn't be able to make more dough from 'variations.'

I am beginning to think anything with the name 'Jaber' in it (Jaber Hospital, Jaber Airport, Jaber Bridge etc) is cursed.

Received this via email this afternoon - the sign: "We won't be welcoming Parliamentary candidates."

Kuwait's Solar Power

The current discussion about Kuwait's recent interest in French Nuclear Technology was the reason behind my latest blog post, and it made me think about another topic altogether; something I also blogged about a couple of years back.

Kuwait is awash in Solar Energy which is as yet untapped, so it would make sense that someone should consider utilizing this renewable source of energy to complement Kuwait's energy needs in the short term. The problem is that it's costly to acquire, but in the long run, it's cheaper to maintain and sell, if properly deployed.

Imagine, if you will, all Kuwaiti households converting to sun-powered water heaters, as opposed to the existing electrical heaters. How much would that save?

Expand and include solar-powered traffic signals, street lights, even households, for that matter. The technology is already available and affordable (by comparison), and it would have been great if the Kuwaiti Government subsidized Solar energy deployment for residential use, as an example of complementing the existing Oil-powered generators. But for now, in Kuwait at least, that's just a pipe dream.

Another source is wind power, where a single wind generator is installed onto a home, powering it when wind is present, and charging the household batteries when it's not. At least we can look forward to windy/dusty conditions like today's!

One more resource is the Earth itself, Geothermal Energy: tapping the earth's heat to create steam which turns a turbine and thus generates electricity is something that's been discussed in some detail in some scientific journals, (and mostly in games!); its major constraints are seismic stability and the cost of drilling deep enough in order to tap the right levels of heat, and then manufacturing the right material to pipe water into the ground, and carry the resulting steam back up onto the surface. With financial might available in Kuwait and other GCC states, that wont be a major problem.

In closing, while Nuclear power sounds a viable solution - if done right - it's still an old technology, with serious long-term concerns, no matter how safe it's designed to be. Mother Nature, on the other hand, is a kinder, gentler, "Maternal" resource, and we'd be like newborn babies getting sustenance from our mother's milk...poetic, possible, proven, so who'se going to implement it for our kids?

Fingers crossed...as always.

Shuwaikh, 'Canada Dry' Road Intersection

There's the old, notorious joke: "What type of sense of humor does a dust storm have? - A very dry sense of humor."

In Kuwait, it ain't funny though. In terms of wretched, unbearable weather, nothing beats a dust storm here. Drive safely. Stay indoors.

Abu Dhabi's Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Department via 'Abu Dhabi Distribution Co'. have released the following warning about the dangers of toxic gas emanating from non-ventilated cars, especially during the heat season.

Here is the warning letter:

(Click to enlarge)

It is refreshing to see a Gulf entity issue a bilingual press release warning its citizens on environmental issues. The UAE is usually top notch at matters concerning public health and safety, whether weather warnings, environmental dangers, food safety, and the like.

يا "ويلك" إذا كان لديك معاملة بإدارة الهجرة بمنطقة الشويخ خاصة بالعمالة المنزلية، حيث جبرت ذات يوم "أغبر" أن أكون متواجدا في ذلك المبنى "القبيح" بالصباح الباكر، والتزمت الدور حيث كان طلبي يحمل رقم 45. لله الحمد جاء طلبي وحدث ما هو مبين أدناه:

نحن:السلام عليكم.
الموظف:لا يرد.
نحن: لو سمحت ابي اجدد اقامة.
الموظف: روح فوق شجايبك اهنيه.
نحن: قالولي اهني التجديد واليافطة تقول جذي بعد.
الموظف: "يدخن" قلتلك فوق أنت توحي.
نحن: خير انشالله بس على فكرة هم في يافطة تقول ممنوع التدخين.
الموظف: لا يرد.
بعدها ذهبت للدور الثاني وحدث التالي:
نحن: السلام عليكم.
الموظف: لا يرد.
نحن: اخوي لو تكرمت عندي معاملة تجديد اقامة.
الموظف:المسئول راح يصلي. (حيث حان موعد آذان الظهر، وكنت أنا متواجد من الساعة 8 صباحا).
نحن:خير انشالله انطر بعد شسوي.
بعد انتهاء الصلاة بنصف ساعة:
نحن: تقبل الله.
الموظف:منا ومنك تفضل.
نحن: ابدا بس عندي طلب تجديد اقامة.
الموظف: مو عندي اخوي روح الدور الأرضي.
نحن:كنت تحت وقالولي مو عندهم.
الموظف: الله يعينك أخوي.
نحن:يعين الجميع.

لا أود أن أطيل عليكم ولكن ارتأيت أن أبين وجهة نظري حيال البعض من هذه النوعية من البشر التي لا تهتم لظروف والتزامات الناس، ناهيك عن طريقة التعامل الغير لائقة. حيث من المفترض أن يكون هذا الموضوع وهو "تجديد الإقامة" موضوع اعتيادي لكثرة العمالة المنزلية في البلاد. ولكن تقاعس بعض الموظفين في أداء عملهم ليس فقط في وزارة الداخلية، وإنما في جميع الوزارات التي تقدم خدمات من هذا القبيل تحتاج إلى إعادة نظر جادة من قبل المسئولين. وأكرر ما قلته بالسابق "هذا إذا كان هناك مسئولين".
والله ولي التوفيق

Apparently, there was an issue with some comments going directly to the 'Spam' folder as opposed to the 'Pending' folder. If you posted recently and your post has not appeared under the respective thread then please repost it again; we are indeed interested in your feedback.

Young professional Kuwaitis - with exceptions of course - tend to be more honest, transparent and tougher in implementing regulations; they come from a 'cleaner' generation, many are reformers who wouldn't hesitate to battle corruption; sending scores from within their own ministries to the Public Prosecution, and in general burn bureaucratic and official bridges for the sake of reforming the system.

But the ruling elites don't like dealing with them because young professionals are 'harder to control': they are mavericks, they think and act independently and they don't kiss ass. You won't see them sitting mildly outside the PM's office holding their paperwork, waiting for approval (they would be too busy cleaning house).

Most of the suggestions concerning young ministerial candidates given to the PM or the Government are almost always turned down - they prefer a crowd they can control, a crowd that has mutual interests with the government, a crowd that has a track record with the government; another reason why you often see the resurrection of dinosaurs from the 1980s and beyond to new cabinet positions. They are not interested in other Dr. Anas Al-Rushaid types.

We don't just need new young blood in Parliament, we also need it at the 'Council of Ministers.' However, the 'rinse and repeat' modus operandi of cabinet positions is not bound to change anytime soon.

'Kuwait Unplugged' - aka Zaydoun's blog is celebrating its 6 year anniversary.

'Kuwait Unplugged' is as much an extension of its veteran creator - one of the first bloggers to emerge out of Kuwait - as any conscientious blog can possibly be. It is not just smarts and hard work that has kept it alive, but a careful, sporadic selection of posts that only materialize when its creator feels passionately about issues, namely freedom of speech and the safeguarding of the Constitution.

It has evolved (like others such as 'Kuwaitism'), going from English to Arabic, for example, but the basics are the same: the no-frills webpage, the short opinionated paragraphs, the media links - indeed Zaydoun's first posts were English-language journals beginning March 31, 2003 during the US war on Iraq (I urge you to go back and read the reports - they are truly historical documents).

Zaydoun describes himself on his blog as a "Failed Writer, Professional Smartass, Hopeless Romantic, Amateur Agitator," but he is anything but amateur: quality not quantity is what drives his blog; Zaydoun doesn't care about hits, enlarging his readership, advertising, he probably wouldn't mind all those things, but that's not his main drive. Occasionally Zaydoun - and 'Hilaliya' is guilty of this as well - can literally go months without posting anything. Like us he is a reluctant blogger, but when he does post, you can be sure its worth reading.

Congratulations 'Kuwait Unplugged'!

This morning I posted an entry in my personal blog about what the ideal candidate should have in terms of skill-sets and qualities, and later on, it hit me...perceptions differ from one voter to another.

Ours is a very traditionalist-oriented society, one that find comfort in repeating the usual practices of 'doing the same thing', including supporting the usual candidate. But we live in an unusual period in our lifetime right now.

POINT: Iran, our close neighbor, is already future-proofed it's economy, by employing an alternative source of energy, which also doubles as a military deterrent as a force multiplier to its large army.

POINT: Saudi Arabia has realized that extremist movements like 'The Promotion of Virtue & Prevention of Vice' is a threat to its society and government, and has already defanged it, and revamped its educational system.

POINT: Qatar, with it's newly-discovered natural gas resources, is taking slow steps to exploit its primary natural resource, while reaping every penny from its revenue towards economic and infrastructural development.

POINT: China, Japan, the EU, and others among the world's strongest economies, have recently announced drastic measures to save what's left of their economies.

POINT: Globalisation has rendered traditional classroom lectures and tests wholly useless, and as a result, many colleges and universities are now providing their curriculum and coursework online!

POINT: With so many university graduates looking for highly paid jobs, job placement is scarce...and I'm referring to the world all over, not just Kuwait!

POINT: We are an Oil-producing and exporting country, but we still don't have a specialized Petroleum Studies College that can produce the Kuwaiti labour needed for self-sufficiency in this critical and strategic sector - Abu Dhabi has a highly reputable one called The Petroleum Institute!

What we need to do is dare to think outside the confines of our traditionalist ways, and encourage other to do so as well. We need to shed the light on these critical issues, and highlight them as cornerstones of our demands as a people from our government, through the candidates who possess the qualities that would enable them to voice our demands properly and accurately. We need to dare to believe in actual change in our hearts before we demand it of others.

Call me a Liberal, but like it or not, this is what will save and secure our country's future.

A blind, ignorant belief in faith is not enough (I dare to say so!) to deliver us from the evils of this world, and neither is the struggle to implement this faith from within a political agenda, nor is the support of those who strive for it. If one studies history, one would realize that it was the concept of 'practicality' - not just faith - that had delivered Europe from Facist and Stalinist ideologies, or be closer to home, saved the Middle East from Mongol domination.

Back to the present, and in closing, and also to complement my earlier post, whoever can address these issues, and is able to provide practical solutions to address them within 5-7 years can be sure of my vote!

شاهدت قبل قليل فيلم وثائقي بالمدونة "ساحة الصفاة" واسمه "وعد الأحرار" والذي أعده مشكورين طلبة الكويت (فرع الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية)، فهو فيلم يسرد التاريخ السياسي والمسيرة الديمقراطية للكويت بستة أجزاء في غاية الروعة. لكم تمنيت أن أكون من مواليد تلك الفترة الجميلة بتاريخ الكويت برغم ما مرت به من ظروف صعبة. من خلال متابعتي لهذا الفيلم استشعرت بأننا بحاجة لرجال المواقف، رجال لطالما خدموا الكويت داخليا من خلال الحفاظ على الدستور واحترام مصالح البلد والشعب وخارجيا من خلال انضمامهم بالمحافل الدولية كممثلين للكويت وإظهارها بصورة مشرفة في شتى المجالات. إننا مقبلين على انتخابات جديدة يعلم الله ماهية نتائجها، فالإختيار الجيد لمرشحين أكفاء من شأنه إيصالنا إلى ما نصبوا إليه وهو رفعة شأن الكويت وتحقيق مصالحها، أما الإختيار السيء أو "الغير موفق" من شأنه أن يؤدي إلى استمرار الوضع "الردي" كما هو عليه أو أن يتم الإنحدار والوضع يكون من سيء إلى أسوأ " لا قدر الله". سألني صديق عزيز ذات يوم "منو أختار؟ أنا ماني متابع جيد للساحة السياسية في الكويت،أشلون أعرف منو المرشح الزين؟ كلهم يقولون كلام حلو هدفه الإصلاح وان الكويت هي الأهم؟"، جاوبته بالقول " أفضل طريقة تشوف منو اللي يدعم المرشح من خلال حضور ندواته، على سبيل المثال لا الحصر ندوة العم أحمد السعدون والتي كانت خلال افتتاح مقره الإنتخابي السنة الماضية، كان من بين الحضور كلا من: العم الدكتور أحمد الخطيب، النائب السابق وليد الجري،النائب السابق مشاري العصيمي،الإقتصادي الكبير جاسم السعدون، وجود مثل هؤلاء الأشخاص يزيل أدنى شك موجود لديك تجاه هذا المرشح أو ذاك"، فعجبه الإقتراح وأتمنى يعجبكم.
والله ولي التوفيق

(تصوير: خليل البوريني - Al-Qabas)

The Kuwaiti 'political street' seems to indicate that current MPs such as Rajah Al-Hujailan, Khalid Al-Sultan, Abdulla Al-Roumi, Abdelwahid al-Awadhi, Nasser Al-Sane and Jaber Al-Mohailbi might not run for re-election. A few of these individuals cannot run due to a combination of negative public feedback stemming from their actions (verbal or otherwise) and gossip concerning their business ventures - running would leave them vulnerable to further personal attacks.

Jassim Al-Khorafi stated a while back that he would not run again, but I think that is still up in the air. When he gets that phone call he will run.

Ahmed Al-Sadoun will run again in the 3rd District.

There are reports that Khalid Al-Khalid might run in the 2nd District as opposed to the 3rd (where he had difficulty gaining electoral support).

Aseel Al-Awadhi is still mulling whether to run, but since she almost dislodged Nasser Al-Sane from the 10th position in the 3rd District, she should run, and stands an excellent chance of winning (even without her 'National Democratic Alliance' group).

Saleh Al-Mulla (3rd District) will run again.

There is a strong possibility that veterans Mishari Al-Anjari and Talal Al-Ayyar run again.

There are conflicting reports about Ali Al-Rashed, some stating he won't run, others that he will.

Ahmed Al-Mulaifi might switch from the 3rd District to the 1st District.

These are preliminary reports and subject to change.

قرار صاحب السمو بالحل الدستوري قرار حكيم وكان متوقع، والآن الكرة بملعبنا يا اهل الكويت، هذه فرصتنا لعدم التصويت لمن خذلنا مرة أخرى، إذ يجب علينا النظر إلى وضع بلدنا الحالي وقت التصويت وذلك ليكون التصويت بضمير واعي. كفانا مجاملات وتحمل هرطقة المرشحين من الأعضاء السابقين أصحاب التأزيم. حان الوقت لوضع حد أمام هؤلاء المتأسلمين وأصحاب "انا وخوي على ولد عمي وانا وولد عمي على الغريب" ومن هم على شاكلتهم.يجب ألا نكتفي بجعل آذاننا صاغية لكل من يدعي ولاءه وإخلاصه وحبه للوطن، بل يجب أن نحتكم إلى عقولنا بعد السماع لما يطرحونه من أفكار "إذاا كانت هناك أفكار تطرح من قبلهم" ، إذ أن الله سبحانه وتعالى وهبنا نعمة العقل لاستخدامه في أمور مهمة كتلك وهي التصويت لصالح الكويت وليس لصالح أشخاص كل همهم هو التكسب لمصالح شخصية بحته، والبعض الآخر يبحث عن مصلحة حزبه أو تجمعه لأغراض أخرى بعيدة كل البعد عن خدمة الوطن والمواطنين. بالختام، فإنني أجدد الثقة بالعضو "السابق" الفاضل/صالح محمد الملا، والأخوة المزمع ترشيحهم من التحالف الوطني،وليكن هدفنا جميعا توصيل الوطنيين أصحاب السجل النظيف إلى كرسي البرلمان لترجع هيبة مجلس الأمة الحقيقية "مجلس الأمة الكويتي" وأن يكون نوابنا القادمون نوابا كويتيون خالصون ليس عندهم إزدواجية ولا تابعية ولا أي شيء من هذا القبيل، غير الجنسية الكويتية الغالية علينا جميعا.
والله ولي التوفيق

HH The Emir

We share more commonalities than differences. Getting democracies up and running isn't such an easy task. All countries wrestle with the same issues - how to create laws that protect both majority rights and minority rights? How to restrain those in power, so that they may serve those they were elected to serve?

Many look at positions of power and think "How glorious! What fun it must be to be the President/ Emir / Minister! Their lives are full of parties and grand openings! They live to give speeches! I could do that!" What people don't see is the true nature of leadership. The life of your Emir is filled with self-sacrifice. His leadership is a holy thing; a burden - he is the leader and servant of all his people.

I remember studying politics in college, to my surprise one of my professors informed us that Communism was the most efficient system for bringing chaotic political systems into order. The brutal infliction of communism on a nation does, indeed, bring order and institutions . . . until that system crumbles under it's own weight, as do most totalitarian regimes.

It would be so easy to be a benevolent dictator. It would be so easy to rule a country, and to focus your resources on education, health care, roads, electricity, water and developing trade. Your Emir has chosen the harder path - leading his citizens to participate in the rule of the country.

It is a much more difficult challenge to bring citizens to responsible self-rule. Your Emir has the patience of Job; he has endured the antics and intricate dances of his House of Parliament with enormous endurance, allowing all the foolishness to play itself out on the Parliamentary stage. It is this servant, this Amir's responsibility to ensure that his nation survives. It can only be with enormous sadness that he must - once again - dissolve the Parliament and call for new elections, hoping beyond hope that the newly elected will have a sense of responsibility and self-discipline to take the place of the posturing egoists in the current Parliament.

I cannot begin to imagine the cloak of responsibility that settled on his shoulders when he accepted the Emir-ship, just over three years ago. While he has his wise counselors, it must be an enormous weight on his shoulders, and ultimately, by the Grace of God, it is he who must make the most painful decisions for the greater good of his nation and its people.

The citizen also has a duty, a duty to look beyond selfish personal needs and to identify the greater needs of society. He or she have an obligation to fully analyze their candidates, to discover whether they are somber, balanced lawmakers - who deliberate, who seek consensus - as opposed to individuals eager for position, backed by delcarations of empty promises, who dance, posture, and bring shame to the position of Member of Parliament.

Your Emir on a daily basis takes on the great burden of managing a vast, complex nation. In return - and this is such a small thing - you should treasure your vote and cast it wisely.

The New Welcoming Sign At Kuwait Airport

Last May I posted the following:

"The government is in a much more vulnerable position than it was prior to the National Assembly being dissolved (there are loose ends hanging about...they won't just disappear into thin air). If the government doesn't deliver the Five Year Development program (i.e. hospitals, infrastructure, water and electricity) demanded by all faces of the political spectrum: Islamists, Liberals, Tribal, Shiite - and, frankly I doubt they will - a political powder keg will ignite. In other words, I expect the life expectancy of this new Parliament to be one year (I'll see you at the polls again next Spring)."

Well it has happened hasn't it? Not that it gives me any pleasure - voting again for the third time in four years is not my idea of progress. The next two months be prepared to listen to more pure, unadulterated electoral bullshit, rivaling a decade's worth of KUNA wires.

Are you ready?

"Democracy has failed in Kuwait-" I hear this sentence a lot these days, the other most common sentiment is "I hope they dissolve the Parliament for ever."

I find this strange, it is illogical, to buy into with the above statement since we have not even tasted democracy in Kuwait for that long. Now some may say "Kuwait has had a Parliament since 1963" which would make it 46 years but let us look at its age and productivity.

1963 - 1967 8 members resign in protests.
1967 - 1971 Vote rigging by Government - 7 members refuse seat in protest.
1971 - 1975
1975 - 1976 Dissolved
1981 - 1986 Districts modified from 10 to 25
1985 - 1986 Dissolved
1992 - 1996
1996 - 1999 Dissolved
1999 - 2003
2003 - 2006 Dissolved
2006 - 2008 Dissolved

In other words, we have a gap during 1976-1981 (5 years) and 1986 - 1992 (6 years) with no parliament - a total of 11 years. We have only had 3 full Parliamentary sessions without any 'government intervention.'

We are young. We have not even completed 50 years of democracy, how the hell do we want democracy to mature if we keep treating like as a fad? The democratic experiment cannot be called a "failure" this fast, considering its young age. We must be patient.

(from 4th Ring Road)

Our friends at 4th Ring Road have posted - as relayed by Al-Arabiya TV - that a Constitutional dissolution has taken place (followed by elections in two months); moreover, H.H. the Crown Prince will become the new Prime Minister (as posted in 'Hilaliya' a few days ago).

كتبت: حنان الهاجري

يعتبر الإحتفال بيوم القديس باتريك في مدينة نيويورك أكبر احتفال من نوعه في العالم في هذا اليوم خارج الحدود الايرلندية, حيث يشارك الآلاف في الاستعراض الذي دأبت المدينة على تنظيمه منذ عام 1762 و الذي يبدأ في الساعة الحادية عشر صباحا و يختتم فعالياته في الساعة الخامسة من اليوم السابع عشر من شهر مارس من كل عام. و يمتد خط الاستعراض الذي لا يسمح منظموه بمشاركة المسارح المتنقلة أو المركبات أو الحيوانات- عدا الخيول- من الشارع الرابع و الأربعين و ينتهي عند عتبات الشارع السادس و الثمانين على امتداد الجادة الخامسة في مانهاتن . و في حين وصل عدد المشاركين في الاستعراض خلال السنوات القليلة الماضية إلى ما يقارب الربع مليون شخص, فإن الاحتفال هذا يُحوّل سكان و زوار التفاحة الكبيرة إلى "ايرلنديين" أصيلين يعبرون عن مشاركتهم للأمريكيين من ذوي الأصول الايرلندية إعتزازهم بهذا اليوم عبر إرتداء اللون الأخضر, أو أداء الأغاني الأيرلندية, أو العزف على المزمار, أو حتى تناول المشروبات و المأكولات الإيرلندية. و لعل يوم القديس باتريك هو اليوم الوحيد في السنة الذي يتم فيه ارتداء "التنورة" من قبل الرجال دون أن يواجه الأمر بالاستنكار أو الامتعاض من قبل العامة." الديوانية" حضرت الاحتفال النيويوركي بيوم القديس باتريك الذي أقيم يوم أمس و خرجت بهذه اللقطات.

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مشكلة كبيرة "عويصه" اذا صدقت الإشاعات بشأن ترشيح الشيخ جابر المبارك لمنصب رئيس الوزراء. ليش مشكلة؟ لأن الوضع يحتاج شخص أكثر خبرة وتكون لديه حنكه سياسية وقوة شخصية لمواجهة الوضع الحالي المتدهور ومحاولة إصلاحه بأسرع وقت ممكن، وهذه المواصفات غير متوفرة لدى المرشح الجديد فبالتالي هو غير مؤهل لمثل هذا المنصب، من وجهة نظري المتواضعة.نتمنى انها تكون إشاعة لا أكثر. والإشاعة الأخرى وهي سنتين تعليق للمجلس! يا سلام، حتى ينتشر الفساد وتكثر السرقات، والتلاعب بالبلد يزداد أكثر وأكثر...ارحمونا من هالإشاعات "تكفون" والله "موناقصين" نحاول وبكل جهدنا أن لا نصدق ما يقال إلا في حال صدر عبر التلفزيون أو أي جهة رسمية تأكيد لمثل هذه القرارات الحاسمة...فنرجو من المسؤولين "إن كان هناك بالفعل مسؤولين بالبلد" إما نفي تلك الإشاعات أو تأكيدها " خل نرتاح" حيث أنه من غير المعقول ترك الأمور على ما هي عليه وأخذ دور المتفرج. الكويت ليست بحاجة إلى رئيس وزراء فقط وإنما إلى فريق كامل متكامل، بمعنى آخر وأوضح، نحن بحاجة إلى حكومة تكنوقراط، وما أعتقد إنها مسألة صعبة لأن الكويت لديها الكثير من الرجال الأخيار المؤهلين لملأ تلك المناصب المهمة. أما إذا اتجهنا إلى نظام المحاصصة فلا طبنا ولا غدا الشر. أعيد وأكرر تفائلوا يا أهل الديرة.
والله ولي التوفيق

MP Nasser Al-Duwaila hasn't made any announcements the last hour.

Four men were bragging about how smart their cats were.

The first man was an Engineer.
The second man was an Accountant.
The third man was a Chemist.
The fourth man was a Government Employee.

To show off, the Engineer called his cat, 'T-square, do your stuff.' T-square pranced over to the desk, took out some paper and pen and promptly drew a circle, a square, and a triangle.

Everyone agreed that was pretty smart.

But the Accountant said his cat could do better. He ordered his cat,'Spreadsheet, do your stuff.' Spreadsheet went out to the kitchen and returned with a dozen cookies. He divided them into 4 equal piles of 3 cookies.

Everyone agreed that was good.

But the Chemist said his cat could do better. He called his cat and said, 'Measure, do your stuff.' Measure got up, walked to the fridge, took out a quart of milk, got a 10 ounce glass from the cupboard and poured exactly 8 ounces into the glass without spilling a drop.

Everyone agreed that was pretty good.

Then the three men turned to the Government Employee and said, 'What can your cat do?'

The Government Employee called his cat and said, 'Coffee Break, do your stuff.'

Coffee Break jumped to his feet....Ate the cookies...Drank the milk...Defecated on the paper...Screwed the other three cats...Claimed he injured his back while doing so...Filed a grievance report for unsafe working conditions...Put in for Workers Compensation...and took the day off using 'sick leave'...

And that my friends is why everyone wants to work for the government!

Borrowed from here.

يراودني الفضول حالي كحال اي مواطن آخر، هل رئيس الوزراء القادم سيكون افضل من المستقيل؟هل سيكون رئيس وزراء أوبامي مثلا؟من وجهة نظري المتواضعة أن يبقى الحال كما هو عليه ليس بالاقتراح الأمثل ولكن "خلك على مينونك لا اييك الأين منه" أعتقد أفضل بالوضع الحالي المتردي.لكن لنتأمل بما هو قادم أيا كان عل وعسى. ودعوني أوجه لكم السؤال التالي والمتفرع:
هل تؤيد قبول استقالة الحكومة فقط؟ام حل المجلس؟وهل تريده حل دستوري كما يريده كل الوطنيون الأخيار؟أم حلا غير دستوري كما يريده "من صادها عشا عياله"؟
والله ولي التوفيق

Rumors tonight - remember...rumors - indicate the following:

• An unconstitutional dissolution of Parliament for two years.

• The merging of both Crown Prince and Prime Minister's positions.

Discuss.

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (Peace Be Upon Him) said that Allah the Almighty said:

There are three whose adversary I shall be on the Day of Resurrection: a man who has given his word by Me and has broken it; a man who has sold a free man and has consumed the price; and a man who has hired a workman, has exacted his due in full from him and has not given him his wage.

Related by al-Bukhari (also by Ibn Majah and Ahmad ibn Hanbal).

العاصفة الرملية التي ستجتاح البلد مساء اليوم، بناء على تصريح المسؤولين في الأرصاد الجوية، قد تتزامن مع عاصفة سياسية جديدة، لكن دون الحاجة لاستخدام "واقي الغبار".تلك العاصفة ستتمثل اما بحل المجلس (حكومة وأعضاء) واما بإقالة الحكومة أو قبول استقالتها فقط. بالحالتين الوضع في غاية الصعوبة على صاحب القرار. تخبطات كثيرة تمر فيها بلدنا الغالية والسبب نفوس البشر (نواب وحكومة) ويجب النويه هنا انني اقصد البعض من كلا الطرفين. البعض يريد تفضيل مصالحه على المصلحة العامة وهي البلد، والبعض الآخر يريد تفضيل مصلحة البلد من أجل تنفيع شخصه، واللي على راسه بطحه. بالأمس شاهدت وبالصدفة مناظرة على قناة الفتن بين السيد/خليفة الخرافي والسيد/محمد هايف. ووقت مشاهدتي لتلك المناظرة كانت بوقت مداخلة لعضو المجلس البلدي السيد/ماجد موسى. واستغربت من مدى العنصرية التي يتحدث بها وللأسف الشديد حول المخالفات الموجودة بالمناطق الداخلية، او المناطق التي لا يقطن هو فيها. اود أن اقول له يا كابتن/ماجد اذا كانت هناك مخالفات أو تعديات لم تقم لجنة الإزالة على إزالتها فعليك بتوجيه أدلتك للجهات المعنية لاتخاذ الاجراءات اللازمة وليس لقناة الفتن.
والله ولي التوفيق

"Look I am a Blogger! Here's proof - a picture of my sandwich!"

Somehow, Amer the owner of this blog is convinced that I can put together a useful post which will be hosted here. The gentleman has left it open to what topic I would like to address, which is kind of him and very Democratic.

I tried to dodge the issue of blogging for sometime now and protested that I only type with two fingers, which is rather silly of anyone to comment on their fingers because even with a single finger you may cause a lot of mayhem - as witnessed many times over in fights caused by the simple gesture of pointing. This discussion whether to blog or not took place on the pages of Intlxpatr's blog - She is one kind lady who also posts on this 'Diwaniya'.

I had to think of how to get out of this fix rather quickly, lucky for me we were commenting on a post concerning abused 'poor guest workers' here in Kuwait (You always have to say 'poor guest workers' otherwise you don't sound liberal or kind hearted enough, although the 'poor guest worker' was a party to the corruption to begin with when he/she paid bribes to come over).

So quickly I hit upon a scheme that will save me from this troublesome task. It is very simple; I will just have to hire a poor foreign laborer who can do the blogging for me.

When you think about it, it really does make sense. The poor soul will earn extra dinars for his services, the job offers flexible hours so the hired hand can blog from his office during working time, which means he takes revenge on his employers while he lines his own pockets. The Rent-A-Blogger idea also unleashes the talents that we were promised here in Kuwait when we hired the guest workers to begin with but have not yet discovered hidden talents - a quick proof of that is how many million of Expats came to Kuwait or the Gulf area and wrote a worthwhile book that made it on any best seller list anywhere in the past 10 years - or lets make it easier in the 20 - 30 years? Answer is none!.

Another compelling reason for hiring a surrogate blogger that's it doesn't conflict with a tradition long established in the local printed media, used by talentless hacks who want to be famous by hiring ghost writers to write up some hefty articles in their name; this is quite popular with some ladies who want to be looked upon as 'poets' or 'novelists'.

Although the Rent-A-Blogger will be instructed not to write anything relating to politics, sex or religion, should anything go wrong with the blog, then simply I will dump everything on the head of the poor sod and hopefully get away with it.

Now if you think what I said is horrible then I am afraid I have more bad news for you: surrogate or ghost laborers have extended their services to the 'local Art scene', many so-called painters are hiring them to do paintings for them, not one or two paintings but a whole exhibition. I have this bit of information from a local starving artist who is living now on cigarettes and pistachios only.

"Please merge them Sire."

If the government's idea for avoiding future political turmoil consists of the reunification of the Crown Prince and Prime Minister positions (again) than they are even more brilliant than I thought.

Who are their political advisors, Pee Wee Herman, Gallagher and Carrot Top?

كثر في الآونة الأخيرة تداول مصطلح"الناشط السياسي" ، أي نشاط هذا بدون سيرة ذاتية تذكر لتعرفنا بك أيها الناشط السياسي المبجل؟ كفانا استهتار باستخدام مسميات لأشخاص أقل قيمة من هذا المسمى.المسألة باتت سهلة جدا لاستخدام مسميات بهذا الشكل فكل ما عليك هو أن تكون لديك علاقة هنا وهناك بإحدى أصحاب شركات الرسائل القصيرة والتي ترسل عبر الهاتف النقال لنقل الأخبار المحلية "والتي يفترض أن تكون صادقة"، لتضع قبل إسمك "ناشط سياسي خطير".الكل يريد التلميع أما مصلحة البلد فهي بعرض الحائط، بالكويتي "يالله نفسي". ويا لكثر الإشاعات خلال هذه الفترة العصيبة التي تمر على بلدنا الغالي، فالحرص يا شعبنا الكريم من تداول تلك الإشاعات المغرضة والتي تؤدي نتيجة تداولها إلى تفككنا وضرب وحدتنا الوطنية.
والله ولي التوفيق

Saleh Al Falah

Since this is the first post of many posts (InshAllah), I hope that it will be short and sweet. This post is dedicated to all KSE traders and investors.

Let us begin...

When Mr. Saleh Al Falah took over the reigns of KSE's management a few years ago, a number of distinguished eyebrows were raised as a result since his predecessor was known to be very lenient with KSE's big players and a number of rules were bent for their sake. It became obvious that Mr. Al Falah came with an iron fist and refused to cave in to pressure from the fat cats of Kuwait Stock Exchange.

The first signs of trouble were evident when many shareholders failed to disclose their ownership in a transparent manner. Mr. Al Falah swiftly ordered the suspension of all ownership rights of those shares for a predefined period of time. Many large shareholders caused quite a stir, a number of lawsuits followed. When many unlisted companies were refused listing in the market, the public campaign against Mr. Al Falah intensified. We kept hearing about the '61 companies' bloc' which increased to 76 companies, they were very loud with their demands.

We must also keep in mind the major role the media played during this debacle. The demands of disgruntled companies had huge coverage with many thick columns being allocated to their cause. What we saw was akin to propaganda since most of the newspapers are owned by KSE investors or have close ties with them. A number of press conferences were held by Mr. Al Falah but they failed in changing public opinion.

The media somehow forgot to mention the many virtues that Mr. Al Falah possessed. He was the official demanding more information, more transparency from companies when they announced results. In the past, it was enough to just announce the net profit and unrealized gain/loss but now we find dealings with related parties. Recently, a mini balance sheet is required - which included current and non-current assets and liabilities as well as stockholders' equity. I think this is a very good move since it takes ages for companies - after announcing their results - to publicly to release their statements.

During Al-Falah's tenure, announcement deadlines were set for listed companies (within 45 days) after the end of each quarter. We had instances in the past where some companies delayed announcing their yearly results for months. Huge and unnecessary capital increases are also frowned upon; if companies decided to increase their capital without providing economically viable reasons, then trading of its shares would be suspended for a whole year.

When unusual trading revolves around certain stock, KSE would stop trading to check if there was any insider information, if that was the case then all trades on that company would be canceled. 'Wataniya Telecom' was a prime example of that. With regards to the listing, or otherwise, of Kuwaiti companies in the stock market, I think the refusal of some of the companies is of greater benefit to investors in the long term.

I do believe, however, that some of the allegations forwarded by certain companies do have some truth. One example being KSE has complete rights to refuse a company listing without offering any reasons to the company - this is wrong. Even if the owners of the company are aware of the reasons, the poor investors know nothing. KSE must publicly issue the reason behind the refusal so that everyone is informed.

Another incident during Al Falah's leadership was when KSE threatened to suspend trading if the owners went ahead with the merger between 'Jeezan Holding' and 'Kuwait Holding'. 'Kuwait Holding' was refused listing in the market, reasoning being due to the merger - 'Kuwait Holding' could have been listed in an indirect way anyway. KSE's reasons might have been valid but the threat of suspension came at a very, very late stage.

Despite his flaws, I think that Saleh Al-Falah is really the man capable of guiding the Kuwait Stock Market to the next level. I think that the main reasons behind the campaign to replace Mr. Al Falah was due to the fact that many juggernaut companies were used to preferential treatment and had difficulty adjusting to the new realities concerning transparency guidelines.

During this ongoing financial meltdown we detect a deafening silence from the 'opposition party' since they have problems of their own that need immediate attention. I just hope that when the crisis is over, they won't revert back to attacking Mr. Al Falah.

PS. At the outset of this piece, I said that it would be short and sweet. Apparently, I failed miserably at both! :)

نبارك للسيد/خالد الفضالة التزكية التي حظى بها بتنصيبه أمينا عاما للتحالف الوطني، كما نبارك لمن تم انتخابهم بالمكتب التنفيذي أيضا ونتمنى لهم كل التوفيق ...ولكن..يجب أن تكون هذه الدورة والتي تمتد مدتها لسنتين أن تتصافى النفوس وأن يكون الهدف المنشود تجميع الرموز والشباب الوطنيين تحت مظلة هذا التحالف وأن لا يكون الغرض منه فقط الدفاع لأناس أهدافهم كانت شخصية نوعا ما...كما يجب ان يسود عملهم القادم الشفافية أكرر الشفافية وبعيدا عن الغموض الذي كان يدار به التحالف بالسابق
والله ولي التوفيق

Here we go again: retaliation is finally coming!

'Kuwait Times', alongside other newspapers, reported today that certain MP´s have received cheques of up to KD 100,000 from the Prime Minister's office a while ago - one of the reasons supposedly behind some MP´s insistence that the Interpollation (i.e. Audit Bureau Quizzes) issue go to the 'Constitutional Court' (in order to seal its fate in legal secrecy).

Oh boy, I´ll enjoy seeing how this plays out in the coming few days. Ironic, however, that this issue comes just a few days short of the mandated Parliamentary session focusing on various critical issues. namely the 'Economic Package' this coming Tuesday.

If you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves!

Who says Kuwait isn't a vanguard of development and progress anymore? World's Longest Shish Tawouk Cooked In Kuwait.

Now if we could only cook up 'Jaber Hospital' for starters (I think the project has been in the 'marinating' stage for three years).

تعرض النائب/صالح الملا لجلطة قلبية أدت إلى ادخاله مستشفى الأميري ولله الحمد حالته مستقرة. نتمنى لصالح الشفاء العاجل حيث أن الكويت بحاجة لأمثاله..
ألف لا باس عليك يا بومحمد وما تشوف شر

This latest news report about nationalizing Oil Contracts in order to create 10,000 jobs for Kuwaiti nationals shows just how ignorant these MPs are with regards to the needs of the country! And while I don't mean 'ignorant' in a derogatory way, I mean it factually, as in 'they don't know what the hell it's all about!'

It's not simply a matter of enforcing legislation and hoping it'll work out to solve the unemployment issue, there are a lot of things to consider, like experience, qualifications, career development, training, the list goes on!

Yes, there is legislation to financially support Kuwaitis in the Private sector, offering incentives to both employer and employee and so forth, however, the former looks for more than money; they demand skill-set enhancements, personal productivity, job stability, career development, personal development, things that money cannot buy, since they come from the employer's need to satisfy his employees in order to produce and develop a new generation of producers.

There's a reason why many jobs are filled by expatriates; they're cheaper to payroll and more productive! The Kuwaiti entrepreneur will more likely that not choose an Asian accountant or IT Administrator over a Kuwaiti one, simply because a Kuwaiti's minimum wage is supported by incentives and allowances that are in turn mandated by law (the end of term indemnity clause in the Kuwait Private Sector's legislation alone is sufficient proof). Jobs for Kuwaitis need more than 'nationalizing' contracts or 'Kuwaitization' laws, they need a sound strategic Human Resources Development and Sustainability plan that coincides with legislation to support it, and I don't see anyone from Hadas talking about this critical need.

In fact, I don't see anyone talking about this need at all - even though it's a textbook example of a critical business need; all I see are people asking for more and more incentives and allowances, with groups like Hadas singing their tunes.

Suspiciously, however, this report comes amidst a blizzard of political turmoil in Kuwait, preceded by an equally suspiciously timed report by MP Waleed Al-Tabtebai about 'fixing up' Jabriya...all within the political turmoil, when people are seeking to find a solution to the question of dissolution.

It's all a game to these people, once they're elected, they shout, bicker and threaten the government in order to cover up and pursue their own agendas, but by the time their term is up, they revert back to their initial promises during the elections periods...just like a child's game! I have occassionally highlighted this on my blog, and am currently researching it further, but it's clearly a game to these people. And it's high time we voters quit playing and start acting.

Right now, in fact, I'm guessing someone is examining his notebook, deciding it's time to keep true to his campaign promises to the hapless voters, especially since new elections on the horizon seem to be a sad reality.

What remains to be seen is whether we voters learn from our mistakes or not the next time around!

We've had great new mileage out of the blog's 'Diwaniya' concept so far, the 'Guest Contributors' have done a stellar job: an entertaining piece by Don Veto ('Things People Carry As 'Baggage' When Travelling'), a politically passionate one by Intlxpatr ('Smile For Me Baby - Let Me See Your Grill') - the next few weeks and months expect appearances by some of the brightest bloggers in our stratosphere; they'll also get their own permanent category slot on the blog (for a hint of things to come check out the right side-bar). If you haven't been contacted yet, you probably will be. It's about community; having fun and making a difference.

Next up on the horizon is a new writer called فتح الخير who will blog in Arabic (a 'Hilaliya' first).

Can Anyone Fill The 'Bisht' Here?

Fancy titles; everyone pursues them in Arab cultures where it is a sign of 'honor' and 'prestige.' Ministries, companies, governments, even volunteering and social organizations; they their love titles; it fuels their ego even if they perform piss-poorly at their menial tasks. The Minister of this. The 4th Deputy Premier of that. The Vice-President in charge of this. Assistant Under-Secretary in charge of that. Whatever.

They are in denial - they get superficial respect, but are mocked behind their backs - people resent them. Why? Because they don't deliver the goods; yet these prima donnas have the chutzpah to pick and choose Constitutional elements to further their own self-serving needs. Niccolo Machiavelli ('The Prince') said it best, "It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles."

(Picture by B.T.)

Customers get *screwed* everyday. At least this bank admits it.

I admit it, I try to stay neutral, but I can't. I know I am not Kuwaiti. It's your country. And yet I live here, and the decisions and choices you make affect me, so now and then, even though I bite my tongue, something squeaks out.

I'm fussy about words. I hate the word "grill", I hate the way it is used by politicians, I hate the way it is used by all the newspapers. To me, "grilling someone" has a disrespectful connotation. I hear "grill" and I see a group of porky pols dancing with glee while their intended victim is trussed and spitted, with a big red apple in his/her mouth, being turned over a roaring fire. It is an ugly picture. It is disrespectful.

Have some dignity. The people voted for you, Mr. Minister of Parliament, they put their trust in you. Here is what people need: They need housing. They need reliable sources of food. They need reliable electricity and water, they need reliable roads on which they can get to work. They need sensible laws which are approved by a majority, while keeping in mind the protection of the minorities. They need laws that benefit the majority, and they need those laws enforced equitably. They need government without the necessity of bribes, or knowing the right person to get the visa, work permit, import permit, stamp, etc. They need respect, and they expect YOU to set the example.

The people, Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti, need respect. Respect is not alleviating people of their debts; they were grown ups and signed the papers. Respect is looking to the future, preparing for the day when the oil no longer flows.

Disrespect for the people is posturing and making ridiculous accusations, rushing to buy the newspaper when it comes out to see if your accusation made the headlines.

Disrespect is calling for the resignation of the Education Minister when a deranged former prisoner streaks naked through a classroom, when that minister is trying to upgrade a seriously degraded education system.

Disrespect is making promises to people that you can't keep, and promises that treat the citizens like welfare recipients and not people of a long and proud merchant and trading tradition.

Disrespect is making laws that "protect" women, while putting barriers in their way, preventing their ability to compete equally for jobs and pay and citizenship for their children.

Here is the way grown-ups solve problems: they negotiate. They ask questions. And after they have asked a question, they listen to the answer. Good government by the people involves a lot of give and take, it involves flexibility, it involves respect for your neighbor and his or her beliefs. It requires looking for inclusive solutions.

The current buzz is that Parliament will once again be dissolved. I can only imagine that the Emir would choose to do that only as a very last resort, and with a sickened heart; sick that elected officials cannot get on with the work of government and must be sent to "time out" like a group of naughty children.

Put away your grills. Dig deep, dig up the manners you were taught as proud Kuwaitis. Man up. Kuwait needs ministerial leadership willing to make the tough calls to get them through the current crisis and to plan for a long and abundant future.

I am not Kuwaiti - and living here, I have met some of the most amazing and wonderful Kuwaitis, people in whom I have the utmost confidence Kuwait has a promising future. I meet people who care about Kuwait passionately, who are raising their own children with care and attention, and who are looking at the big picture.

Change can happen. Change can truly happen in Kuwait. It can only happen if people of good will meet together, listen to one another, and break this gridlock, break this stalemate. To move forward will require new thinking, new faith in one another and in the transparent processes. It can be done. :-) Yes, it can.

And results follow...

I have travelled all over, and seen different places. I have been to museums, churches and even historical Roman sites. It was nice, in a tedious sort of way. When you travel to a place that has some history, it is almost a prerequisite to go there.

What I really enjoy during my travels is witnessing the strange behavior of people as they globetrot. I have seen Kuwaiti families load crates of frozen fish, sacs of rice and tomato paste while on their way to London.

I realize we are in a banking crisis right now, but I don't recall reading anywhere that there was a famine in London.

Anyway, I digress. What I saw recently really made me laugh, someone loaded a ....just have a look.

This weblog will no longer represent the views of just one writer. The coming weeks and months, 'Hilaliya' will open its doors to Guest Contributors: Bloggers and Writers alike. I have contacted a few Bloggers whose work I admire and am in the process of contacting a few more.

Stay tuned.

Let us be honest, really.

In 1986, the National Assembly was dissolved for a total of six years and a 'National Council' was formed. Did anyone see any development during that era? Were hospitals, highways, power plants built? Did Kuwait implement a defense pact with an ally? Were laws overhauled and updated to attract foreign investors? Did human resources in governmental institutions improve? Were tourism projects planned or implemented? Were jobs created?

I'll tell you what happened: the government flirted with and strengthened the Muslim Brotherhood (who now are turning against their masters), corruption dramatically increased, civil instability blossomed and last but not least…

….Kuwait got invaded.