Between memories of the invasion and the International Criminal Court
In a few days, we will commemorate the anniversary of the brutal Iraqi invasion of the State of Kuwait on August 2, 1990. This anniversary arrives while we are in the midst of a frenzied war into which Kuwait and the Arab Gulf states were thrust without any fault or wrongdoing on their part. Our country, our people, and the Gulf states have suffered damage and aggression from Iran and the repercussions of this war, economically, security-wise, and in terms of daily life.
The anniversary of the brutal Iraqi invasion brings to mind numerous memories, events, and stances laden with meanings and lessons that must be recalled in light of the ongoing war. The foremost of these meanings was the Kuwaiti people’s devotion during the invasion, drawing closer to God and seeking His aid to avert harm and secure liberation. By the grace of the Lord of the Worlds, the world was mobilized to liberate Kuwait and its people. Among the most prominent lessons from the invasion was the Kuwaiti people’s unity around their political leadership, which possessed constitutional legitimacy. This unity prevented the invader from manipulating or breaking the steadfastness, resolve, and resistance of the Kuwaiti people against the brutal occupier.
In a similar vein, the unified stance of the Arab Gulf states in supporting Kuwait’s just cause for liberation had a profound impact, enabling a united front against the challenge of the invasion and its defeat. This was followed by the divine blessing of liberation. Another distinctive aspect was the role played by the Kuwaiti people, both those remaining in Kuwait and those abroad, who spared no effort or resource and offered successive sacrifices. Supported by the legitimate Kuwaiti authorities, they resisted the occupier, defied his orders, and spread the just cause of Kuwait to the world.
The war raging in the Arabian Gulf region necessitates numerous roles, the most important of which is learning from the lessons and experiences of the brutal Iraqi invasion, particularly by drawing closer to God Almighty. This is especially relevant given the current governmental and popular unity and joint efforts to confront the ongoing war and its dire consequences, according to a strategy crafted by the government with the participation of wise and competent civil society stakeholders. This approach aims to strengthen the domestic front and seek a way out of the current crisis with minimal or no damage.
On another front, in dealing with the heinous Iranian aggression against Kuwait and the Arab Gulf states, it is proposed that the State of Kuwait, either independently or in cooperation with several Gulf states, ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Subsequently, Kuwait should initiate a criminal complaint against Iran for the war crimes and heinous aggressions it has committed and continues to commit against Kuwait, its people, and its civilians and civilian infrastructure generally.
Regarding questions about the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area, some government authorities have issued several decisions, some positive and others negative. The success of these decisions depends on various factors, including the correctness of the decision itself and the issuer’s consideration of numerous legal, practical, and technical aspects during implementation. At times, a positive decision may fail due to a lack of adherence to proper decision-making standards or correct implementation criteria.
Among the long-awaited recent decisions is the one concerning the reorganization of the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area, given the dire situation faced by its residents and the administrative, health, and environmental chaos that has taken root there. While we affirm the correctness of proceeding with the reorganization decision for Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh—as it has been a governmental, parliamentary, and popular demand for decades—we must highlight several questions surrounding the reorganization of the Jleeb area, hoping that this difficult task will succeed.
First, what is the comprehensive plan formulated by the government authorities for reorganizing the area? Second, is the timing for implementation appropriate, and what is the timeline for execution? Third, have the consequences of relocating residents from the area been studied? Fourth, how will they be accommodated housing-wise in other areas, given the high cost of rent? Fifth, have the relevant government authorities established labor cities capable of absorbing the workforce, which constitutes the core of Jleeb’s population? Sixth, have the economic impacts of relocating Jleeb’s residents and the repercussions on the activities in which this workforce is engaged across various sectors in the country been studied? Finally, have the legal consequences of the relocation, including damages, compensation, reorganization costs, and the financial burden on the state, been studied?
The aforementioned questions and others must be on the desks of the government authorities responsible for reorganizing the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area. The correctness of the decision to reorganize the area and the correctness of its implementation procedures are linked to the existence of a comprehensive vision that includes the consideration, study, and provision of solutions for all consequences and impacts associated with the reorganization decision. We hope that the government authorities will succeed in this endeavor.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Hussain Al-Dalal
