The escalation that is unfolding on the political front in Kuwait is dangerous as much as it is counterproductive. It is critical that all parties involved agree to a consensus for the effective resolution of the impasse.
The current standoff has been brewing for some time now. A group of Islamist parliamentarians have been seeking to question Prime Minister Shaikh Nasser Al Mohammad Al Sabah on the grounds that he allowed an Iranian cleric into the country despite an obvious ban on his entry. And although there were attempts by some members of parliament and the government to quell the dispute, the lawmakers sought to force the issue.
The Kuwaiti Emir, Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, refused to accept the resignation of the cabinet and asked the prime minister to continue in his post.
"Parliament is staying. The Emir, in all his wisdom and keenness to maintain democratic practices in Kuwait, has decided not to dissolve the parliament, either constitutionally or unconstitutionally," said Speaker Jasem Al Kharafi.
It is time Kuwait's lawmakers stopped squabbling over minor issues. The issue at hand may well have been handled inappropriately at one point but that does not justify such a cantankerous approach. Their petulant actions are extremely ill-timed, to say the least.
Kuwait is facing serious issues and needs to tackle a number of strategic challenges as a direct result of the current global financial crisis.
The din created by these parliamentarians is diverting the focus from pressing issues that has a direct bearing on the quality of life of the entire population. It is high time that all the parties involved set their minds to more worthwhile issues that demand immediate answers.
