Former Ministers: August 2 Anniversary Will Remain a Symbol of National Unity and Loyalty

A number of former ministers affirmed that the anniversary of Iraq’s brutal invasion of Kuwait represents an eternal national milestone that evokes the resilience and unity of Kuwaitis, as well as the sacrifices of martyrs, prisoners, and the missing. They called on Kuwaiti youth to serve as the first line of defense for their homeland through knowledge, action, and conscious patriotism.

In exclusive statements to “Al-Anbaa,” they stressed the importance of entrenching national unity and awareness, safeguarding the country’s security, and passing on the lessons of that era to future generations. They noted that the anniversary of the invasion underscores that sovereignty is not granted but preserved through the people’s awareness and unity. They recalled that, despite its harshness and pain, the Iraqi invasion marked a pivotal moment for rethinking approaches to regional and international relations, emphasizing that Kuwait’s supreme interests must always take precedence over all other considerations, free from emotional bias, and that political changes should be addressed through a realistic vision that safeguards the nation’s security and stability.

They emphasized that the revival of societies is achieved only by pursuing the means of progress, foremost among which are seriousness in education and work, adherence to the law, safeguarding public funds, and promoting positive values. They expressed deep appreciation and gratitude for the stances of brotherly and friendly nations around the world that supported Kuwait and stood by the Kuwaiti right until the liberation of the land. The details follow:

Initially, the Minister of Education and former Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Badr Al-Aissa, clarified that August 2 is not merely a remembrance of painful events, but an eternal national milestone during which Kuwaitis recall the steadfastness and unity of their people, and the sacrifices made by Kuwaitis in defense of their country, sovereignty, and freedom.

Al-Aissa stated that this occasion represents a turning point in the Kuwaiti consciousness, embodying the sacrifices of martyrs, the resilience of prisoners and the missing, and the heroism of popular resistance that wrote a national epic of rejecting occupation. It also highlighted the value of national cohesion when homes and hearts united in the face of adversity. He noted that the anniversary of the invasion confirms that sovereignty is not granted, but preserved through the awareness of the people, unity of ranks, and the support of brothers and friends who stood by the right. He pointed out that Kuwait emerged from this ordeal with three enduring lessons that remain relevant to this day.

He clarified that the first lesson is national unity, noting that all divisions disappeared during times of hardship, leaving only allegiance to Kuwait. He affirmed that this cohesion will remain the primary shield against any aggression or fitna (discord). The second lesson is awareness and vigilance. He explained that the security of the country is not protected by security and military institutions alone, but also by responsible media, a conscious citizen who does not fall for rumors, and a cohesive society during crises.

The first line of defense

He stated that the third lesson is reconstruction after devastation. Kuwait proved to the world its ability to rise and rebuild after liberation, demonstrating that the dignity of nations is preserved through work, production, and bearing responsibility. He affirmed that Kuwaitis, both leadership and people, have proven at various national milestones their rallying around their state and its institutions, and their rejection of any infringement on Kuwait’s sovereignty, security, or stability in the face of the brutal Iranian aggression and attempts to interfere in internal affairs and destabilize security. The Kuwaiti response was clear and resounding: a firm rejection of any infringement on sovereignty, and rallying around the Kuwaiti leadership and state institutions. He stressed that Kuwait’s security is an integral part of the security of the Gulf Arab states, and that national experiences have solidified a fixed doctrine stating that Kuwait will remain proud, by God’s grace, through its wise leadership and the unity of its people.

Al-Aissa addressed a message to Kuwaiti youth, urging them to be the first line of defense for their country through knowledge, work, and conscious belonging, while preserving national unity and rejecting all forms of sectarianism, tribalism, and divisive rhetoric. He affirmed that Kuwait’s strength lies in the cohesion and unity of its society. He also encouraged youth to contribute to nation-building, to arm themselves with Kuwait’s history, and to understand what happened on August 2, so they may appreciate the value of security, independence, and liberation. He called on them to continue bearing the trust generation after generation, praying for the mercy of Kuwait’s martyrs and asking God to protect the country, its leadership, and its people from all harm, and to perpetuate the blessings of security and stability upon it.

For his part, former Minister of Electricity and Water, Eng. Mohammed Al-Boushahri, affirmed that the anniversary of the brutal Iraqi invasion will remain etched in the memory of every Kuwaitian, noting that it is among the events that cannot be erased with the passage of time due to the painful details and experiences that changed many concepts.

Al-Boushahri said that what happened on August 2 was unimaginable and unthinkable, expressing astonishment that an Arab neighbor would invade a sisterly Arab state, especially since Kuwait had held honorable positions and supported Iraq during its war with Iran, providing extensive support across various fronts.

He added that the invasion, despite its harshness and pain, constituted an important milestone for rethinking approaches to regional and international relations. He affirmed that one of the most prominent lessons learned is the importance of preserving national identity and strengthening cohesion among members of society. Kuwaitis proved during that period that their unity and solidarity were a source of strength and contributed to presenting a bright image to the world. They were also among the factors that helped shape an international stance supportive of Kuwait’s liberation. He clarified that the experience also confirmed that politics is built on interests, and that Kuwait’s supreme interests must remain above any consideration, free from emotion, with necessary engagement in political changes based on a realistic vision that safeguards the country’s security and stability.

He noted that Kuwaiti youth embodied the finest examples of national responsibility during the invasion period, taking the initiative to perform public works and services, starting from cleaning streets and containers, working in cooperative societies, up to bakeries. He affirmed that the Kuwaiti proved capable of bearing responsibility and serving his country under all circumstances, matching the efficiency and capability of any other people. He called on them to be always ready to serve the country through diligence in studies, developing capabilities, and focusing on everything that contributes to building character and enhancing competence. He emphasized that serving Kuwait is not limited to a specific job or profession, but encompasses every field in which a person can excel and distinguish themselves.

He emphasized that the renaissance of societies is achieved only by pursuing the means of progress, foremost among which are seriousness in education and work, adherence to the law, safeguarding public funds, and promoting positive values. He affirmed that Kuwait deserves greater effort and dedication from its sons, and that every citizen should serve as an exemplary model that reflects the country in its best light, becoming a source of pride and honor.

For his part, former Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs and Minister of State for Municipal Affairs Affairs, Fahd Al-Shula, affirmed that the 36th anniversary of the brutal Iraqi invasion will remain an eternal national milestone, during which Kuwaitis will recall the sacrifices of the righteous martyrs, the steadfastness of the Kuwaiti people, and their unity around their political leadership, until liberation was achieved and Kuwait returned free, dignified, and independent.

Al-Shula stated that this occasion calls for standing with utmost reverence and awe before the souls of Kuwait’s martyrs, who gave their lives in defense of the nation’s freedom, independence, and sovereignty. He affirmed that their sacrifices will remain a source of pride and honor for generations, and that their memory will remain deeply embedded in the consciousness of every Kuwaiti. He noted that one of the greatest lessons embodied by that historical period was the cohesion and national unity of the Kuwaiti people, as everyone stood in a single line behind the political leadership in confronting the occupation. This stance exemplified the strength of belonging and loyalty to Kuwait, and reinforced the principle that national unity is the impregnable fortress that safeguards the nation’s security and stability.

He expressed profound appreciation and gratitude to the positions of brotherly and friendly nations around the world that supported Kuwait and stood by the Kuwaiti cause until the land was liberated, commending the historic role played by sisterly and friendly countries in supporting international legitimacy and restoring Kuwait’s sovereignty. He stressed that true loyalty to the martyrs is not limited to remembering their heroism, but is realized by preserving Kuwait’s security and stability, enhancing internal cohesion, entrenching the values of national unity and belonging, and engaging in joint efforts to confront various challenges that may face the country. He prayed to God to protect Kuwait, its leadership, and its people, to perpetuate upon it the blessings of security, safety, and stability, and to have mercy on its righteous martyrs, granting them His vast compassion and dwelling them in the spaciousness of His Paradise.