Lessons of War and the Closure of the Strait of Hormuz
Following the United States’ war on Iran and the bombing of Iran’s attacks on us and our Gulf sister states, along with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz—which halted oil exports, the primary commodity upon which we rely for our livelihood—if the strait is reopened, there is a possibility that insurance premiums for shipping companies will rise. Therefore, it is imperative that we, as citizens and as a government, prepare alternatives before reaching a stage of financial deficit and the inability to afford even the most basic necessities for a decent life.
American-Iranian negotiations will likely be prolonged, and even if an agreement is reached, it will be temporary and at the expense of us, the small but wealthy Gulf states. Such an agreement may be followed by wars that could destroy everything, especially if Israel intervenes. There is an Iranian-Israeli-Turkish conflict over expansion and control of the region’s resources, and in such conflicts, everyone loses, and we are the first to suffer, God forbid. Thus, we must act now and not wait.
First, as citizens: We must reconsider the high cost of living and the consumption pattern that exhausts one’s entire salary before the end of the month, forcing reliance on the next month’s paycheck. We advise our children not to chase advertisements, most of which are misleading and aim solely to extract people’s money. Do not buy unless you truly need the product.
Second, as a responsible citizen: Do not harm your country under any circumstances, for you and your family will be the losers. Reconsider who you listen to and sit with; not everyone who speaks or claims to have accurate information or good intentions for us and our country is truthful. Do not share everything you read or hear, as some of it is false rumors and some is directed toward specific agendas, with only a small portion being accurate. There are parties and organizations not affiliated with the United Nations that seek to blackmail Kuwait; do not assist them unknowingly.
Third, as a state: We must explore alternative energy sources to alleviate pressure on public funds, such as generating electricity from solar power, which would save three billion Kuwaiti dinars. We must also monitor markets and price exploitation. Some exploit prices for profit, while others seek to incite people through high prices and inflation. Why does imported production dominate the market? Furthermore, we must support serious youth projects in simple complementary industries, as we will need them one day.
Fourth, as a responsible state: It is crucial to continue imports and exports and to seek and agree on alternative routes to the Strait of Hormuz for oil exports, such as a pipeline network connecting to the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. We should also import national and citizen needs via land routes as an alternative in any Gulf tension scenario, as Arab logistical support is indispensable.
Fifth, as a state that has learned: There should be no free grants. Most of those we supported, and for whom we built roads, schools, hospitals, and sports cities in their countries, sided with the enemy twice—once in 1990 and again in 2026. Therefore, no grants, commitments, or generosity should be given without reciprocity. Let local and global media know that we have been blackmailed by certain organizations and countries for decades, first in the name of Arab nationalism, then in the name of Islam, and many times in the name of liberating Palestine. Tomorrow’s blackmail may come under a repeated or new slogan, but as long as you pay, they will come.
A final word: I hope that schools, clinics, and hospitals are exempted from the removal of tents. Among them are students, teachers, patients, and their families. Heat and intense sun are particularly harmful to them. This can be addressed through alternative organizational arrangements.
