The Anniversary of the Bad Neighbor
We commemorate the anniversary of the invasion by the aggressive Iraqi neighbor of the State of Kuwait, where Iraqi forces launched a military attack on August 2, 1990, driven by Iraqi economic and territorial ambitions. Consequently, Iraq fully occupied Kuwait, committing acts of sabotage, assaulting citizens’ homes, killing and taking many hostages, destroying buildings and infrastructure, and setting oil wells ablaze. The occupation ended, by the grace of God Almighty, thanks to Operation Desert Storm, carried out by the international coalition led by the United States of America on February 26, 1991.
In recent days, the State of Kuwait has faced blatant attacks involving missiles and drones launched by its malevolent Iranian neighbor. These attacks have targeted vital and military installations, as well as the country’s infrastructure, including key energy and water facilities.
When reviewing Kuwait’s honorable history, we see that it has consistently provided aid to all nations, particularly Iraq and Iran. Unfortunately, however, these two countries have repaid this goodwill with hostility, extending their harmful hands toward Kuwait over the past years. Iran’s current baseless attacks on Kuwaiti territory, under the pretext that Kuwait hosts regional military bases used to launch attacks against Iran’s territory and interests, reveal its hidden agenda to destroy Kuwait and its infrastructure. Kuwait has firmly rejected these Iranian accusations, officially stating that its land, airspace, and waters have never served as a launching point for any military operation or attack against any country.
A malicious neighbor is a severe trial. The rights of a neighbor entail refraining from causing harm, showing kindness, and checking on their well-being. Yet, Kuwait has suffered greatly due to its hostile Iraqi and Iranian neighbors. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever harms his neighbor has harmed me, and whoever harms me has harmed God.”
We can only pray to God Almighty to protect Kuwait, its Amir, its Crown Prince, its government, and its people from the evils of the aggressors, to turn the aggressor’s plot against himself, to empower the armed forces of all ranks to safeguard the country’s security and infrastructure, to guide their steps, and to bring an end to these brutal attacks by eliminating the Iranian enemy, ensuring Kuwait remains free, independent, and proud.
O God, we entrust to You Kuwait, its land, its sky, its Amir, and its people. Surround it with Your ever-watchful eye and protect it with Your unfailing protection. O God, continue to bestow upon us the blessings of security, safety, and prosperity. Defend us from all trials, tribulations, and evils, both apparent and hidden. O God, Amen.
