US hails Kuwait as ‘proud and indispensable’ ally
Deputy Amir sends condolences over death of former US security advisor Scowcroft
KUWAIT: The US commemorated Friday the 30th anniversary of Operation Desert Shield, recognizing Kuwait as “a proud and indispensable ally”. “Today marks 30 years since the United States led a coalition of 35 nations to launch Operation Desert Shield and stand against the occupation of Kuwait,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement. “We remember and honor those who fought side by side, and we recognize Kuwait as a proud and indispensable ally,” he added.
“The liberation of Kuwait is an important reminder of what countries can achieve when they come together during times of crisis and fight for freedom and justice. The US-Kuwait friendship has never been stronger and our partnership is helping shape a more peaceful and prosperous Middle East,” Pompeo affirmed. The US top diplomat concluded by saying “on behalf of the American people, I join Kuwait in commemorating the leadership, courage and sacrifices of our people 30 years ago”.
Meanwhile, HH the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Friday sent a cable of condolences, including the sympathies of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, to US President Donald Trump over the death of former national security advisor Brent Scowcroft. HH the Deputy Amir and the Crown Prince recalled Scowcroft’s honorable role during the war to liberate Kuwait in 1991. HH Sheikh Nawaf sent a similar cable to Scowcroft’s family as well. HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah sent similar cables.
Scowcroft, the respected national security advisor to two Republican presidents and a Washington heavyweight who served administrations from Richard Nixon to Barack Obama, died aged 95, the George H W Bush Foundation announced Friday. An outspoken critic of the US-led invasion of Iraq, Scowcroft was a member of the Republican foreign policy establishment who nevertheless endorsed Democrat Hillary Clinton during the 2016 White House campaign won by President Donald Trump. He died of natural causes, a statement from the foundation said.
“No individual has provided as many commanders-in-chief as much national
security advice -irrespective of party lines,” the statement continued. The current national security advisor under Trump, Robert O’Brien, called Scowcroft “one of the most distinguished individuals to serve” in the post. “Scowcroft set the standard for effective leadership and defined the modern role of the NSA,” O’Brien said in a statement. “My goal since taking office has been to follow the ‘Scowcroft Model’.”
Born in 1925 in Ogden, Utah, Scowcroft went on to graduate from West Point military academy in 1947, rising through the ranks to become a lieutenant general in the air force while collecting degrees in international relations along the way. He served as military assistant to Nixon, and later resigned from the Air Force to become President Gerald Ford’s national security advisor. He went on to perform the same role for George H W Bush, becoming the first man to serve two presidents in the role.
Scowcroft “recognized the essential - though not limitless - role US power and leadership could play in making the world a safer and more prosperous place,” the Bush foundation statement said. It added that, despite a military background, Scowcroft believed that “although military force is an important tool of statecraft, it is not a substitute for policy and diplomacy.”
He argued against invading Iraq in 2003 as it took the focus off the fight against Al-Qaeda. And he endorsed Clinton in 2016 based on her experience as Secretary of State under Barack Obama, reportedly arguing that she had “deep expertise” and a “sophisticated understanding” of international affairs that was “essential” in a president.
“His thinking, which placed a premium on strategy, was guided by key principles, including the importance of history in shaping international affairs, the necessity of strong US international leadership ... the importance of gaining domestic and international support for US leadership, and the utility of working through allies, coalitions, and international institutions,” the foundation said. His funeral will be held privately, it added. — Agencies