Kuwait breaks ranks on Saddam

Telegraph ^ | 9/2/02

[Ranger]

Kuwait became the first Arab state yesterday to signal support for a US-led military coalition against Iraq, in marked contrast to the caution shown by other countries in the region.

The Kuwaiti foreign minister, Sheikh Mohammed Sabah Salem al-Sabah, told The Telegraph: "While Saddam Hussein continues to keep Kuwaiti prisoners of war, and continues to televise threats against Kuwait, we consider the war against Iraq to have never ended."

The sheikh's comments serve as encouragement for a Washington administration struggling to convince the international community of the need for military action.

Saudi Arabia, which America used as a base during the 1991 Gulf War to drive Iraqi invaders from Kuwait, has so far refused to open its territory to American forces for a new war against Baghdad.

A Kuwaiti government official said: "If America asks for support Kuwait will give it. I expect the same response from all Gulf states. There may be the need publicly to be anti-war, but under-the-table deals are being struck."

Twelve years after the Iraqis invaded, Kuwait again looks like a prosperous Gulf emirate, but the trauma caused by the seven-month occupation remains, and with it the growing sense that the only way to achieve regional stability is through military action to remove the Saddam regime.

A spokesman for the deputy prime minister's office said: "The Kuwaiti people are tired of living under the constant threat of aggression from Iraq.

"Those people who say that sending weapons inspectors into Iraq may be a solution to the current crisis are not those who are living within reach of his missiles and his chemical weapons. How can we feel safe with Saddam Hussein next door?"

Dr Masaad Shlash, of the department of sociology at Kuwait University, a prisoner in Iraq after the invasion, said: "Look at Saddam's treatment of his own people. He's the closest thing the Middle East has to Hitler."

[Ranger]

A little good news for a change.

[VRW Conspirator]

A Kuwaiti government official said: "If America asks for support Kuwait will give it. I expect the same response from all Gulf states. There may be the need publicly to be anti-war, but under-the-table deals are being struck."

Do I sense a crack in the "sand coalition"?

[Straight Vermonter]

I wonder if a few "terrorist" attacks in the other Islamic countries would change their minds?

[Texasforever]

Maybe there is a small pocket of honor left in that God forsaken region afterall

[self_evident]

Seems to be a pretty clear signal that the defence of Kuwait has been put in place. By the end of the war, the same people that are now complaining about our action will be complaining that we should have acted sooner.

[MrJingles]

It's about time somebody showed us little gratitude. Good for Kuwait! But, I seriously doubt anybody else will be returning our favors anytime soon. I'm looking at you, France, the U.K., Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Denmark, Greece, Panama, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Nicaragua, Norway, Egypt, Morocco, Cuba, the Phillipines, ect, etc, etc. I'm wondering if Dubya may have promised Kuwait a little slice of that Iraqi pie once the war's over, in exchange for their support? Just a thought.

[KevinDavis]

I think Kuwait will increase in the size after the war with Iraq is over.

[mhking]

"Here come the planes...
They're American planes
Made in America.
Smoking?
Or non-smoking..."

[Dog Gone]

There was never any doubt, as far as I was concerned. You'll see similar statements coming out of Qatar within a few weeks.

I'm not sure I credit it to these arab states being statesmenlike. I think they'll want to end up on the winning side, and the more we act determined, the more friends we'll suddenly have.

[Lady In Blue]

It sure is some good news.And we can use some today! Thanks for posting it.

[McGavin999]

I think you're right on Dog Gone. The last time we left things undone and it took awhile for these people to understand that this time the job will get done.....completely.

I think behind the scenes there is tremendous support in the area. It looks like the only real cowards are the euroweenies, but that's OK, they can sit on the sidelines and watch the rest of the world pass them by after its all over. I can just hear the whining and hand wringing now "but we were ALWAYS on your side"

[Maynerd]

Some give Kuwaiti foreign minister, Sheikh Mohammed Sabah Salem al-Sabah, a drink !

[justshe]

Pragmatism wins out.

[willyone]

You would'nt be Jim Jingles would you. If you are small world.

[PoorMuttly]

It begins.

[willyone]

Never mind. Not Jingles. Gingles.

[Dog Gone]

The thing that bothers me is that I could post a thread saying that Kuwait is a piece of camel dung that we should nuke, and it would get 100 responses in agreement.

The world is a complex place and each person, and certainly each country, has their own agenda which changes based on internal and external factors. I'm quite confident that President Bush will have lined up enough countries to provide political and geopolitical cover for our actions before they begin.

It's going to be on his timetable, though, not that of the newspapers or commentators. It certainly won't be with regard to the "nuke 'em all" crowd.

[Thumper1960]

Kuwait.

The raped determined to see the rapist dangle by a rope.

[crusher999]

ABSO-FREAKIN-LUTELY!

This is what happens when you have a Commander-in-Chief who stays the course and doesn't waver.

The French will stay at home and eat their Brie, and since Frog military tanks come with back-up lights as standard equipment, I say; "STAY HOME, you'll just get in the way"

But, I'm bettin' that Kuwait is but the first domino to fall now that they see that Bush aint no Bill Clinton.

[jwalsh07]

The opposition to an invasion of Iraq is softening all over, its barely perceptible but its there. I think W let some folk see one of his hole cards.