‘Russian bear back with bang’

‘Washington stumbles in Syrian crisis’

“THE strong move by the Russians in Syria reflects a new reality which was not thought of by the Western camp allied with America, not even the Americans themselves, who are precisely following up the course of the situation of the Russians inside,” columnist

wrote for daily. “It is thought for some time that the Russians are preoccupied with their internal problems, especially with regard to the security situation on the border with states which have broken away after the perestroika revolution which ended the Cold War, and the fall of the Berlin Wall and the German unity.

“It was also thought that Russia shall devote much time to cope with the enormous changes inside Russia and the world in order to meet the demands of the ‘New Era’ which is characterized by democracy and capitalist competition and openness to the world.

“Russia was beginning to set the stage for a completely different era, so it deliberately does its best to avoid the collision with the Americans in an attempt to calm the situation and solve the problems.

“The gradual moves have made the Russians more reassured about security, strengthened the relationship with neighboring countries for fear of their quest to join the European camp, and build relationships with other countries like America and its European allies.

“The Russians monitoring the role of the Americans in international affairs has increased over the past two decades, especially with regard to the global events in which America plays a role, such as the case in the ‘Arab Spring.’

“The results of the Russian follow-up of the US behavior proved that Moscow’s impartiality has reflected negatively on its international standing, and gave an impression of weakness. Add to this there is no fear if America or its allies tried to interfere in other countries, especially the US interference in Iraq after its liberation from Saddam’s clutches and his regime, as well as in Libya and now in Syria.

“In this context and because of the above, the Russians have to show its position is strong and is determined to confront the United States of America in Syria, although the latter is an old ally of Russia and both countries are tied with a signed a security agreement.

“The Russian moved fast to ‘contain’ the Syrian crisis, won the admiration of the world simply because it aimed to prevent US forces from entering Syria, and forced the US Navy, which had moved into the Mediterranean Sea to halt its movement.

“Russia’s actions have been characterized by good preparation, planning, determination and investment in military, political and economic factors to confirm that it is also a superpower and ready to confront the US even if it meant use of force.

“This Russian position on Syria has made Washington stumble in its policies towards the Arabs on one side and Syria on the other, which has suffered from wars launched by factions and terrorists.

“Indeed, the Syrian case has proved America’s weakness and confusion in its foreign relations with the international community, especially with its allies, and made it appear unreliable and easy to give up on its agreements as a result of the severe divisions between the two parties, Democrats and the Republicans, and the different interests and deep differences between the influential parties and political currents.

“It is enough that a man like (Donald) Trump who does not represent the Republican Party ran for the presidency, turning the balances and principles of the Republican Party upside down, especially because of his radical and racist ideas, not to mention his poor relationship with countries.

“If the Russians have a direct role and interests in Syria, the consensus is moving towards more and more of their power and influence in the world over time after they demonstrated to the world their strength in Ukraine, and their resistance to the US-European economic blockade.

“This Russian power is also manifested by activating the relationships with other countries such as Turkey, Egypt, Iran and others which prove that the US is not the only superpower but equally strong is the Russian bear which seeks to restore its glory and influence and in various parts of the universe, meaning to say it will not remain a mere spectator in the eyes of the world given the influential US policies which have negatively affected Russia’s interests and its relations with other States.”

Al-Sharrah

“A Kuwaiti diplomat told me that Kuwait was offering development assistance to one of the East African community, and that an African official told him: ‘This is a beautiful thing that you offer us electricity generators while there are power cuts in Kuwait. The friend said he then felt some embarrassment and he began to sweat,” columnist former Kuwaiti Ambassador wrote for

daily. “One of the examples of the poor performance of our government is clear when it contracted with the Turkish and local contractors to construct part of a building at the Kuwait International Airport that cost the state one billion dinars instead of making use of the high quality European experience. Look at Dubai or Abu Dhabi airports and you feel you are at a European airport.

“Why does our government sign agreements with China? It is true that China is the second biggest world economy, but the large number of Chinese factorsies is not a sign of excellence and quality products. Do we look for cheap labor or good quality products?

“Take for example, benefitting from the German, Norway and British experience in the solar panel industry and wind energy. One of the countries have put fans in the sea close to the beach so as not to obstruct the interests of the people on the mainland. America finally managed to manufacture these panels and put them by the roadsides.

“When we were in the elementary school stage in the ‘old’ (I am talking of Kuwait 50 years ago) before Kuwait’s independence Brazil succeeded in building the city of ‘Brasilia that had no traffic lights, so why our government did not benefit from this idea which we have explained in more than one article and we will continue to write about it again.

“With regard to the development of the country, the government can resort to Estonia, located off the Baltic Sea, which is e-government in almost everything, such as online voting in the general elections, and even paying the car parking charges via the mobile phone.

“The standard of education in the country is deteriorating and I have no clue why the government refuses to take Singapore as a model of education, which reduces the number of books for pupils with a greater understanding.

“Over the years the economic concept ‘bad money drives out good money’ and this is our reality, that is to say the bad and corrupt remain in office at the expense of good honest people.

“The presence of unqualified people at the helm of affairs in companies and other establishments is enough reason for the escape or expulsion of good elements. It has been observed that a number of inefficient employees and officials is growing in our country, in institutions, companies and factorsies.

“The government did not find a solution to the unemployment of Kuwaitis youth while the number of expatriates is increasing. The government’s performance is bad in many areas. Although we have a lot, we lack conscientiousness, loyalty and familiarity with the successful experiences of other countries.”

“At the heart of optimism, it’s also important to be a bit pessimistic on the appointment of specific ministers in the newly formed Government that include a few former ministers,” columnist

wrote for daily. “I was happy with reappointment of HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak who is known for honesty and good reputation. I also felt happy with the rejection of some ministers who were considered heavy burden on the Premier. Although Sheikh Mubarak had been patient with them to the end despite their inefficiency, I am not too surprised about the newly formed government due to interferences that affected free selection of the Prime Minister.

“On top of the list of crises-making ministers is the Minister of Finance who is responsible for the economic document that led government into a narrow dark endless tunnel. Even as the document had the headline of reform, it was devoid of any economic or political reform in reality. Referendum conducted to assess public opinion regarding the document was out of context and too shallow.

“Minister of Justice was also a failure due to his controversial constitutional and political affairs. It is appropriate for the Prime Minister to have a look at the minister’s previous TV interviews. The Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs as well as the State Minister for Municipality had a unique situation. In 2014, he called for ban on the symposium of poet Jalal Al-Deen Al-Roumi, although he died 273 years ago. Hopefully, the Minister changed his sources of information to avoid such situation in future, while he managed the Ministry of Awqaf and Municipality.

“Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, the State Minister for Planning and Development attained no success in planning or dealing with NGOs. There are many scenarios to support my claim, citing cancellation of the Writers Forum in support of the inhabitants of Aleppo”.

“It seems the appointment of non-Kuwaitis in government sector is not fraught with violations, especially as the issue is covered with a strong wall of protection from Civil Service Commission that is now waging war against the national workforce with neglect,” wrote for daily.

“We have been watching the commission approve the appointment of non-Kuwaitis into the ministries and other government agencies, which opens the door on both sides for the appointment of non-Kuwaitis. The most dangerous aspect is that the commission legitimizes the illegitimate and unconstitutional action. The commission gives the ministries and government agencies indulgence of legitimacy to appoint non-Kuwaitis, especially those in the cadre of consultants.

“This is happening at a time when Kuwait boasts of a large number of highly educated, experienced and competent citizens that are still ignored by the commission. The commission shuts the door in the faces of Kuwaitis. Who are those benefiting from this action?

“The current National Assembly started off on a wrong footing. The signal sent during the first session indicates dispute is at sight whether for justifiable reason or not”, wrote for daily.

“The bone of contention obvious during the session did not deserve any disagreement. Some of them wanted to deprive a section of Kuwaitis — the lawmakers — the right of performing parliamentary duties by not voting on the item one of the session. This issue led to a commotion that nearly ended the session.

“It took intervention of reasonable lawmakers before the strained nerves were calmed. What exactly did the rabble rousers want even in the first session? Why were they rushing into hurly-burly, threats and intimidation? What message were they trying to pass to Kuwaitis who were watching the inaugural session? We can sum up the answers for those questions in one sentence — “We Are Here”!”

“The recent GCC Leaders Summit in Manama, the visit of Saudi King to Kuwait, and inflammatory incidents in the region attract significant and legitimate questions on the need for an Arabian Gulf Confederacy after over thirty five years of the existence of GCC,”

wrote for

daily. “Just as the majority of GCC citizens perceive today, a confederacy has become extremely necessary, especially as the regional challenges could extend to other regions and countries. On 19th September 2011, King Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz called for transformation of the Gulf Cooperation Council to a confederation. The call was made over five years ago while the region continues to witness serious disputes, fierce wars and divisions that could precipitate dangers in the future, and the Gulf countries may not escape.

“With the current political phenomenon in the region, the talk about confederation has become a necessity, although it used to be an ordinary suggestion for several years. The GCC countries are now facing challenges related to the national security, identity and wealth, in addition to its political and geographical location”.

— Compiled by Ahmad Al-Shazli