Opinion | Editorials
Kuwait situation rings danger bells
Country's parliament should not be allowed to be overrun by emotional concerns.
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:35 November 20, 2008
It is important for the political situation in Kuwait not to be overrun by emotions or be overwhelmed by unnecessary political positions, especially during times of difficulties. This is important if Kuwait is to retain a healthy and productive democratic atmosphere.
The recent stand-off between a group of lawmakers and the prime minister has reached disproportionate levels. Three Salafi lawmakers have submitted a request to question the prime minister in parliament on the background of the latter allowing a prominent Iranian Shiite cleric to enter the country, disregarding a ban on his entry. Other members of parliament have tried to persuade them to drop their request but to no avail. And in the light of the situation, the Kuwaiti Emir, Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, is looking into the possibility of dissolving the parliament.
It is a healthy practice to question ministers and government officials. Yet such questioning should be submitted for issues that affect the country and its population at large. Minor issues - similar to the above case - should not be turned into an agenda in focus. Such an approach is not conducive and would certainly harm what the Kuwaiti democratic process has achieved thus far.
More from Editorials
More from Opinions
Opinion Editor's choice
-
Egyptians must reject foreign meddling
By Tariq Ramadan, Special to Gulf News
Presidential election may turn out to be less a new chapter in a democratic future than an old chapter complete with a stage-managed outcome
-
Moderates may gift Egypt to Islamists
By Linda S. Heard, Special to Gulf News
Liberals cannot afford to sit at home or in cafes watching queues lengthen outside polling stations. They must quit complaining and vote with their feet
-
Is Al Maliki serious about democracy and more words?
By Mohammad Akef Jamal, Special to Gulf News
He is pushing towards a military showdown with the Kurds at a time when they are stronger than ever before
Your turn
