Optimistic, Al-Zaidi... Kuwait is waiting for you
The speech delivered by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Allawi before a select group of businessmen, economists, and intellectuals in Washington during his recent visit may not have been matched by any prime minister since the fall of the Saddam regime in 2003, up to the last prime minister to leave office.
The current prime minister was clear and candid when he admitted that he is not a politician, but an economist. It is commendable that he acknowledges coming from the ranks of economists rather than politicians. This admission may earn him greater recognition and trust from the attending businessmen, university professors, intellectuals, and the majority of Iraqis residing in America. Al-Allawi addressed them as one of their own, saying, “I will accompany you on tours in Iraq,” and added, “Iraq possesses the prerequisites for success: oil reserves, gas, and silica sand for glass manufacturing. Yet, to this day, there is no glass factory in Iraq.” The man did not speak of a partisan or political Iraq, nor did he discuss Iraq’s neighbors and foreign relations, or the future image of the Iraqi state under his leadership.
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Nouri al-Maliki, the seasoned politician and first prime minister of the first democratic government after the demise of the “Baath” regime, stated that he met with al-Allawi and spoke at length about his ideas regarding Iraq. Al-Maliki said, “I will endorse you for the premiership.” Thus, the light was taken from the biggest obstacle among politicians aspiring to hold the first ministerial position. Was al-Maliki sincere, or was he merely being polite? Politicians cannot bear to see rivals competing for their positions.
Following his historic first visit to Washington and his meeting with Trump in a “majlis” that was not devoid of jokes and sarcastic laughter, al-Allawi admitted that if he were younger, he would not have followed those past events. He seemed to want to tell Trump, “We are sons of the current era, Uncle Trump.”
Al-Allawi is expected to undertake a tour of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. However, will the tour include all seven countries? Here in Kuwait, we actually hope that he begins his tour with a visit to Kuwait, Iraq’s neighbor. Indeed, there are many stories that can be opened up, especially if we say that there are many sad and painful stories, as well as more joyful ones that bring comfort.
Kuwait is not unfamiliar or new to Iraqi businessmen, whether from the south, center, or north, or our Kurdish brothers. Intimate relations unite the two countries. Even during the darkest times, there was no barrier between the two nations. Family ties connect them, and Iraqis also come to Kuwait for shopping and to purchase their necessities.
This occurred in previous eras, during the Maliki and Republican periods. Therefore, we will not speak of the fraternal, high-level, or familial relations between Kuwaitis and Iraqis; all of this is known and understood. However, the repercussions of the Saddam invasion and UN Security Council resolutions on Iraq are still met with lukewarmness, delay, or, let us say, neglect by Iraq, particularly regarding several files, the most important of which are the maritime borders, prisoners of war, and state archives. Officials could handle these matters with transparency.
Kuwait will not close the door on Iraq. Will Iraq close the door? As the popular song goes: “Neighbors, and we are from door to door, and we have become two beloveds.”
Iraqis rejoiced at Kuwait’s visit during the Gulf Cup competitions, and conversely, Kuwaitis rejoiced at Iraq’s visit during the Arab Cup competitions. In any case, the invitation of international businessmen should not exclude or overlook Kuwaiti merchants, especially since there is a history uniting the merchants of both countries during a venerable past. Kuwait awaits the young prime minister and man of economics and finance, Mr. Ali al-Allawi.
A Kuwaiti Journalist
