Opinion | Editorials
A statesman who stood by Kuwait
Shaikh Sa'ad will be best remembered for the crucial role he played at time of crisis.
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:33 May 15, 2008
The death of the former Emir of Kuwait, Shaikh Sa'ad Abdullah Al Sabah, marks yet another stage in the history of the country. The role he played throughout the history of the nation was pivotal on numerous levels and, more importantly, significant in the development of the country.
Over the years Shaikh Sa'ad took on various responsibilities including Crown Prince from 1977 to 2006, and prime minister from 1977 to 2003. He also held various positions in the security services up until 1959.
But besides his vast array of senior government positions, he will perhaps be best remembered for the crucial role he played when his nation was either in turmoil or crisis.
His role following the invasion of Kuwait in 1990 went beyond seeking liberation. He not only became the figure that people rallied behind, but also the person who ensured that national unity was maintained.
Shaikh Sa'ad also showed the true quality of statesmanship when he refused to be dragged into the entanglement of petty politics and disagreements when he was removed by parliament from his post as Emir only after nine days in office.
It is for these traits that Shaikh Sa'ad will be remembered in history by Kuwaitis in particular and the region in general.
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