A stick for the traitors
The anniversary of the brutal Iraqi invasion of pure Kuwait has once again passed. Each year, it serves as a reminder that the invasion was not merely an occupation of land and the shedding of innocent blood, but an attempt to break the will of an entire nation. The memory renews itself annually, yet it never fades from the consciousness of its people. Each year, we stand in honor of the noble spirits of the martyrs, who wrote an eternal page in Kuwait’s history with their blood. We recall the patience of the prisoners of war, the missing, and their families, and we remember all who sacrificed to keep this nation free and dignified. May God have mercy on the martyrs and protect Kuwait from all harm and evil.
What gives this memory its enduring presence is that it is no longer just a historical event; it has become a school that teaches us that security is not guaranteed, and that a state’s sovereignty is preserved through vigilance, unity, institutional strength, and the people’s rallying around their country and leadership. Events witnessed in our region over the past months have proven that threats have not ended, and while history does not necessarily repeat itself, it always reminds us of the value of preparedness.
Since the start of Iran’s wicked aggression and that of its proxies against the State of Kuwait on February 28 last year, the country has faced more than a thousand overt attacks involving ballistic and cruise missiles and drones. These attacks resulted in the martyrdom of some Kuwaitis and injuries to others, while heroes on the front lines wrote bright chapters in defending the nation, safeguarding its sovereignty, and preserving its security and stability.
These figures should not be read as mere passing statistics, but as evidence of the magnitude of the challenge Kuwait faced, and of the competence of its heroes—military personnel, civilians, and volunteers alike—who fulfilled their duty with courage and capability. We believe that in such circumstances, true patriotism is revealed. It is not a slogan to be raised, a hashtag to be shared, or a speech delivered on occasions. Rather, it is a stance, a responsibility, and a daily behavior. Patriotism is protecting our country with honest words as well as with action, prioritizing its interests over our personal whims, and recognizing that the freedom we cherish cannot be used as a cover to harm the nation, weaken its internal front, or cast doubt on its principles during times of crisis. Freedom flourishes only in a secure homeland and remains sound only when coupled with responsibility. Without a doubt, it is inseparable from responsibility and does not conflict with loyalty to the country; rather, it is completed by it.
Kuwaitis have proven, during the invasion of the past and the attacks the country faces today, that this land produces men and women who may differ in opinions but unite when the nation is the issue. This is the message we must pass on to future generations. Love for Kuwait is not merely words spoken, but enduring actions. Loyalty to the martyrs and the families of the missing is not demonstrated solely by keeping their memories alive, but by preserving the homeland for which they sacrificed their lives.
By God’s will, Kuwait will remain strong through its unity and the resolve of its loyal sons, towering under its leadership, protected by God’s grace, and its flag will continue to fly high as the martyrs willed and as its people deserve. Kuwait will remain resilient against traitors.
*** May God have mercy on the martyrs of Kuwait and admit them to the highest Paradise. May He reward with the finest recompense all who sacrificed for her, along with their families, for their patience and steadfastness. May God protect Kuwait, its leadership, and its people from all harm and evil, and may He perpetuate upon it the blessings of security, safety, and stability.
Dr. Dhafer Adel Al-Huwail
