‘Support rebuild confab’

‘Rulers seeing ahead’

“OUR problem in Kuwait is that our leadership’s vision precedes the view of some of us as people in many long phases,” columnist, General Manager of Scope Satellite TV Channel and former MP wrote for

daily.. “The vision of the leadership is a long-term vision that goes beyond the Iraqi invasion and its consequences and the problems of the past that have become history for us to learn lessons from, but this history will remain unforgettable.

“But we should not remain captive of this history, because the leadership in Kuwait is known to have a realistic vision which believes in geography and have faith in history, and draws a realistic policy for future generations – the policy that depends on boosting economic relations and the exchange of interests as a basis for good-neighborly relations.

“In this context, we would like to point out that the states are keen for their interests and their concern for security, away from useless slogans that do not work or are ineffective, but have proved to be more harmful than good.

“In other words, the rational and realistic thinking nullifies the sympathy with the slogans that are no longer feasible, because they have become outdated. Not just that, the time of these slogans is over and as such they are no longer valid for the time being.

“Some people may say how to forget what happened during the invasion — the martyrs, the prisoners and the usurping of our land, and then we contribute to the reconstruction of the country that was the aggressor against us and eventually close our ears to the voices that still attack us from Iraq itself and call us the top enemy of the Iraqis, the proof of this is some videos.

“As a matter of fact, there are some Kuwaiti voices which do not want this conference to be held under our patronage and others who don’t like to see this conference succeed. Not just that, these voices are basically against the holding of the same in the State of Kuwait on the basis that it is Kuwait which was exposed to the Iraqi aggression and as such the victim of this aggression should not host a conference for the donors for the reconstruction of the aggressor country, because this conference will look like a reward for the occupier.

“The leadership, with its far-sightedness and wisdom, looks towards the future with optimism, openness and a serious desire for relations. Good neighborliness is built on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest and goodwill for both countries and peoples.

“And we are in an imperative need to look forward to the future generations that draw a roadmap free of the past events. In this context we say that nations have made progress and prospered by putting the wounds of the past behind them by looking forward to a bright future.

“In this context, we remember an old proverb which says, ‘If we had looked upon ourselves as magistrates to prosecute the past, we would have lost the future.’ This is the life, and we are proud of history, but it is needless to say geography imposes another reality on us that is mostly not to be accepted by some of us for some or the other reason, but it is imperative for the future to put the past behind us so we do not lose the future.

“Therefore, based on a complete conviction we would like hereby to say that the vision of our leadership precedes some of us in many ways because some of us at the moment may not comprehend this vision, but certainly the time will tell.

“Consequently, all of us are required to support the conference and to help make it a success with all the required strength, the success of the conference in Kuwait is what concerns us irrespective of those who had a different opinion, they now have to keep quiet until they see the results.”

Also:

Al-Saeed

“Today, the State of Kuwait is witnessing a significant event — hosting of an international conference from Feb 12 to Feb 14 for the reconstruction of Iraq,” columnist

wrote for daily. “This event is taking place amid ambitious Iraqi hopes to see this conference making generous contributions for the reconstruction of the country.

“However, this conference is not the first of its kind to be held in the State of Kuwait, rather over the past years Kuwait has hosted many similar conferences three of which were for assisting the Syrians to help them go beyond the seven years of crisis. Besides, the State of Kuwait has hosted other conferences for extending necessary assistance to the peoples in the region.

“Kuwait the ‘house of charity’, the Humanitarian Center led by HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad ‘Leader of the Humanitarian Action’, was, is and shall be – God willing – the land of charities – the land of the white hands – the land of peace and love, from which the charity initiatives reach every corner of the world to relieve and help the needy people.

“This is in addition to helping those who are suffering from natural and man-made calamities everywhere. The State of Kuwait insists to show it has a big heart through its action by assisting the needy and enable them to rise up again from under the rubble.

“This big conference will be held under the sublime auspices which will be attended by representatives from big donor countries in addition to a group of international and regional organizations for the reconstruction of Iraq post the wars and struggles that have affected many governorates in that country.

“Not only that, this conference will be a new salient feature to be registered in the atmosphere of the State of Kuwait as a leader, government and people. It is one of the pages that will be in the memory of the faithful people of Iraq and the entire world.”

“Many public figures expressed their desire to have a statue of HH the late Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem — founder of modern State and democratic system — on the occasion of the opening of Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Center,” columnist wrote for daily.

“The aforementioned persons differed on the location of the statue. Some of them want it inside the center and others said the National Assembly is a good location because it carries the name of the big icon.

“This matter caught my attention because the public figures proposed putting the statue inside the hall. What could be the goal of having a statue hidden inside the Assembly or this or that building, except that obstacles to placing the statue in the public institution are bigger than Abdullah AlSalem.

“The question here is: Why all proposals focused on placing the statue inside the Assembly, not in open public facilities to remind citizens about the merits and great works of the deceased?!”

“For a long time, we have been hearing about the transformation of Kuwait into a tourist destination in order to diversify income sources and stop depending solely on oil as source of revenue,” columnist

wrote for daily. “It is known that tourism depends on parks, games city, museums and so on. However, the country today is devoid of any games city that can be described as touristic. Kuwait Entertainment City is closed for an indefinite period due to renovation works, as well as Al-Shaab Park.

“Kuwait became devoid of any games city recently. Only the games of some small companies are available. They do not cover the needs of citizens and expatriates, even the tourists.

“Aqua Park is a summer destination and it is free of visitors during winter, so the country lacks attractive touristic and entertainment facilities.”

“From time to time, one of the officials keep showing us reports of international organizations and asks Kuwait to impose tax on citizens in order to reduce the pressure on the public budget,” wrote for

daily. “Regarding this, I have some questions to ask. For what do you want us to pay tax? Is it for the good medical services we receive? Is it for the education provided by Ministry of Education? Will it be for the exceptional roads paved by Ministry of Public Works or the prompt and precise services provided by Kuwait Municipality? Should we pay taxes for the fake spare parts or expired food items that enter our markets? Do you want us to pay tax for the brilliant ideas that Ministry of Interior comes up with to reduce the huge traffic congestions? Do you want us to pay tax in a state where employment process is carried out on the basis of favoritism and wasta?

“We want you to tell us about what you have done for us in order to ask us to pay tax. Citizens do not mind participating in dealing with the budget deficit but they are burdened with many other serious issues including paying for private tuitions that they are forced to seek for their children’s education, and paying rents for the houses they stay. They go to private hospitals because they are not able to find proper treatments in public hospitals. They have to pay for the repair of their cars which sustain damages due to the bad roads, and change the front shields which end up being shattered by flying gravel. All this is happening with ordinary citizens while the pockets of businessmen, Sheikhs, MPs and others are growing thanks to the tenders, most of which are not executed properly. This is happening to the ordinary citizens while they sadly watch some big thieves enjoying themselves and smoking Cuban cigars in French cafés or near marvelous lakes in Switzerland.”

— Compiled by Zaki Taleb