However, there is a clear division between the countries, where the leaders(ruling families) are having the well-being of their citizens at heart (Oman, UAE, Bahrain and lately Qatar) and the rest (being Saudi, Kuwait,Iraq and Iran).

The funds for creating the optimum living conditions for the relatively small number of inhabitants in the Gulf states have been available for the past two-hree decades, but due to greed and corruption amongst the leaders (and their relatives), this did not happen in the majority of these states.

Fortunately, the leaders in the UAE and Oman, early on, took a different route, and decided that the wealth created should be beneficial to all. This does not mean that the UAE and Oman are free of greed and corruption, but it has been somewhat controlled, with the result that, especially the UAE has become a world reknown state, respected for its progress, human values, personal security and attractive business environment.

This, maybe due to jealousy, resulted in some of the neighbouring countries realising that this was the right path to follow, and therefor adopted the same principles of sharing (some sort of democracy).

However, the remaining countries and their leaders have tried to keep the old feudal, tribal system, ensuring a small, elite, group of absolute cotrol.

They have consequently kept their citizens away from the developed world through censorship, restrictions of movement, lack of modern education, right of free speech etc.

On top of this, in order to keep absolute control, they have taken the Koran hostage, claiming that Islam is all about submission and acceptance of status quo.

Having read both the Bible and the Koran, in depth, I feel I can state, that in both, there is emphasis on love, compassion and forgiveness.

The divisions, as I see it, have been created by corrupt leaders (both Eastern and Western), who wish to be in control, and then use religion to gain access to this.

The Christians had this struggle between Jews, Catholics and the Protestants at the time of reformation in the 16th Century, and the muslims are having the same division between Shias and Sunnis, with the addion of al Qaidah and Hezbollah to blur the picture.

Another problem for the Gulf countries (including Iraq and Iran) is the question of borders.

Some of these are not made through historical or ethnic logics, but are just lines drawn on a map by the British, Ottoman or other occupiers during their reign, and especially, withdrawal from this part of the world.

Having observed all of this, I have also observed the Western worlds successfull play to keep the Arab world divided.( which is unfortunately quite easy)

The result of this play is, that a great share of the oil revenues return back to the West as payments for arms and military technology and advise, which are essentially not needed, heavily overpriced and only useful to increase tension amongst the nations in the region.

Just imagine, what investments in local or foreign assets could be done with the money spent on arms.

Coming back to the issue of the plans for Kuwait, it is indeed positive to learn that the leaders, finally, have decided to become part of the developed world.

Kuwait is the richest country on the planet (per capita), and is in a position to create a nation of happy, well educated and wealthy people.

They have every chance to show the regimes in Saudi, Iraq and Iran that things can be done in a different way, to the benefit of all.

One of the things, we have learned in the West (even in the US) is, that it is possible to be a leader by popular vote and not only by surpression and induction of fear.

What is going on in Iraq, right now, is only indoctrinated peoples understanding of justice. (eye for an eye).

This will happen tenfold in Saudi, when the time comes, unless the leaders change their attitude, what seems to be happening in Kuwait.

This lesson is still to be learned by the Saudi Royal family and the Ayatolas of Iran. I wish for them, they will learn before the peoples teach them a lesson. Because these peoples have been brought up by these same regimes, only to excercise and accept terror. (al Qaidah, the Mullahs and Hezbollah are prime examples).

Marzouq, the way out of this is the saudi solution, share the wealth, 30% of King Abdullah’s city is up for an IPO (ektitab 3am), so the people will want to get in the project and they will profit from it. maybe thats what kuwait should do, but 30% of $150bn is a large sum (but the project will take 25 years to complete)

Very interesting indeed, and I have been hearing lots about the Kuwaiti city. I have tons of hope for our future in Kuwait, but like most Kuwaities I have seen lots of great and creative ideas degenerate into sickening and selfish corruption, and generally get screwed up because of the spoiled and brain dead consumerist way Kuwaities behave at the most basic level. It is actually HARD to be good in Kuwait, you have to STRUGGLE because it is easier to be bad, everything is so conducive to it!!!! It makes me sad that this is so, especially as I grew up in a time when Kuwait was far more innocent.

On the other hand, Saudi Arabians intrigue me. I have seen bubbly little bits of fascinating intelligent creativity from them, and had the opportunity to get to know some wonderful typical Saudi women and to know what their hopes and aspirations are. I found that underneath the surface, lies a fountain of independent thought and brain activity which the very closed culture belies.

Who knows what the future will bring?
MsB, who is an eternal optimist…

Fahad, you do that, even though i dont think you will find anything, but you never know

The Flying Penguin, seems like everyone in kuwait wants to live there, but i know kuwaities hate commutes, that 17min drive is a heck of a long time to arrive at the office, think about how long it will take to actually reach the bridge, and dont forget, no matter what they do, they will come up short in ensuring enough parking spaces

oh and the big cats aren’t in parliment