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ROYAL PREROGATIVE: Kuwait Emir dissolves parliament in bid to satisfy Islamic Opposition
07-Oct-2012
Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah has dissolved the country's parliament, paving the way for snap elections, according to state media. The dissolution and new elections have been a major demand of the Islamist-led opposition.(Source: persianrealm.com)
Kuwait at a glance:
· Politics: The elected parliament has often clashed with the ruling family; the country has faced violence from militant Islamists
· Economy: Kuwait is one of the world's leading oil producers
· International: Kuwait was invaded and occupied by Iraq in 1990; it served as a springboard for the invasion of Iraq in 2003
For More On Kuwait See Country’s Profile
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NOT THE FIRST TIME
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Kuwaitis Familiar With Government Turmoil (GallupNews on Mar 21, 2008):
Kuwait's parliament has been dissolved for the second time in less than two years. But one month after the last dissolution, 80% of Kuwaitis still expressed confidence in their government.
Protesters storm Kuwaiti parliament (AlJazeeraEnglish on Nov 16, 2011):
Dozens of Kuwaitis demanding the prime minister's resignation have briefly stormed parliamentary buildings as hundreds demonstrated outside. The protesters had earlier on Wednesday marched to Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad al-Ahmad Al-Sabah's home to demand his resignation, an opposition MP said, but police used batons to prevent them. Al Jazeera's Will Jordan reports.
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MAJOR US ALLY
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Kuwait Important Part Of US Middle East Stability Plan :
US military presence in Kuwait extended (Al Jazeera Jun 19, 2012):
The United States is planning to extend its military presence in Gulf state of Kuwait. According to the latest Congress report, 15,000 US troops are already stationed in the tiny Gulf country. Al Jazeera's Rosiland Jordan reports from the Pentagon, Washington DC.
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IRAN-KUWAIT TENSIONS
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Inside Story: Tensions in the Gulf (AlJazeeraEnglish on Apr 6, 2011) :
Internal unrest through the Arabian gulf. But the country being painted as the aggressor is just 300 kilometres across the famous stretch of water - Iran. The unrest is being billed as one between the Gulf Co operation Council (GCC) nations and their Persian neighbour. The foreign ministers of the six nations - Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates recently met in Riyadh. They released a statement criticising what they called Iran's blatant interference in internal affairs, particularly in Bahrain and Kuwait. This comes after Iran's objection to Saudi Arabia sending in troops to Bahrain during the uprising there. In return, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Monday the GCC statement was issued under the pressure of the US government and its allies. This episode of Inside Story discusses what 'Iranian meddling' may or may not amount to, and just what the GCC and indeed Iran are achieving by ratcheting up the rhetoric at this time. Inside Story, with presenter Kamahl Santamaria, discusses with guests: Hussein Shobokshi, a columnist for Asharq Alaw-sat newspaper; Ghanbar Naderi, a political commentator and jounalist; and Fahad Shulemi, a security analyst and a former colonel in the Kuwaiti army. This episode of Inside Story aired from Tuesday, April 5, 2011.
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ROYAL PREROGATIVE
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Kuwait Emir al-Sabah dissolves parliament (bbc)
Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah has dissolved the country's parliament, paving the way for snap elections, according to state media.
The dissolution and new elections have been a major demand of the Islamist-led opposition.
In June the Constitutional Court annulled February's poll, which saw major gains for the opposition, and dissolved the new parliament.
Sunday's dissolution was the fifth since 2006.
Kuwait's parliament has not met for several months because of an opposition boycott.
It has the most powers of any elected body in the Gulf, and opposition MPs openly criticise the ruling Sabah family.
But the Sabahs retains full control over key government and executive posts.
The latest move comes despite another decision by the court two weeks ago which prevents the government from changing election boundaries.
The opposition said the change in law would have allowed the government to alter the boundaries to its advantage ahead of fresh elections, but the government said the court action was to safeguard the outcome from possible legal challenges.
Related Pictory:
PAN IRANIST: Pezeshkpour objects to Shah's decision on Bahrain Independence (1971)
OIL KINGS : Shah of Iran's State Visits to Saudi Arabia (1975 – 1978)
OIL KING: Shah of Iran meets Henry Kissinger for Zurich Talks (1975)
Related Blogs On Parliamentary Rules in Monarchies:
ROYAL PREROGATIVE: In the UK Only the Queen Can Dissolve Parliament & Appoint Her PMCyrus Amir-Mokri: How Truly Democratic Was the 1906 Constitution In The First Place?
Crown Prince Reza on importance of "Checks and Balances" of future regime
Jordan Protest Remains Remarkably Peaceful After King Calls Early Elections
CHECK & BALANCES: Moroccan King receives judges calling for legal reform and Justice
How Genuinely Democratic and Representative was the Parliament in Pahlavi Iran ?
Related Blogs on Saudi Arabia, Emirates, Persian Gulf States:
AMANPOUR BLOGS: Saudi Princess Ameerah al-Taweel opens up about women's rights
Shah of Iran visits Oman’s Sultan Qaboos and Dhufar (1977)
Saudi Crown Prince Nayef, next in line to throne, dies "outside the kingdom"
LOOK WHOSE TALKING ? Press TV denounces "Saudi Dictator Who Seeks to Halt Protests"
Saudi Arabia names Prince Nayef as heir to throne
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz al Saud Dies
VOA’s OFOGH: Abbas Milani & Mansour Farhang on IRI "Plot" on Saudi Prince
Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi's Analysis on IRI "plot" to Kill Saudi Envoy
SOPHIE’s CHOICE: UK Countess' Bahrain 'gift' criticised on IRI’s Press TV
Bahrain's King Vows Human Rights Reforms as Independent Report Exonerates Iran
Karim Sadjadpour on Sultan Qaboos’ 'honest broker' role in ending US hikers Ordeal
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Kuwait prime minister reappointed
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Dec 05, 2012 08:58 AM PSTKuwait prime minister reappointed (bbc)
The emir of Kuwait reappoints Sheikh Jaber al-Mubarak al-Sabah as prime minister, after a parliamentary election boycotted by the opposition.
Kuwait election: Opposition hails boycott as turnout falls
by Darius Kadivar on Sun Dec 02, 2012 02:04 AM PSTOpposition hails Kuwait boycott (bbc)
Opposition groups say their demand for a boycott of Kuwait's parliamentary election has been a success and called the new chamber unconstitutional.
Election officials said the turnout was about 39%, compared to 60% in February polls.
The opposition had called for the boycott, saying new rules favoured pro-government candidates, who now dominate the 50-seat chamber.
The result also saw minority Shia MPs win their biggest tally, at 15.
Shia form 30% of the 1.2 million population and had seven candidates in February's assembly, which was later dissolved by the Constitutional Court.
Three women were also elected to the new parliament, the National Election Commission said.Kuwaitis vote after mass protest
by Darius Kadivar on Sat Dec 01, 2012 12:28 AM PSTKuwaitis vote after mass protest (bbc)
Kuwaitis cast their ballots a day after tens of thousands of opposition supporters called for an election boycott over voting law changes.
Kuwait's controversial election deepens divisions
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Nov 30, 2012 12:15 PM PSTDemand for change (bbc)
Kuwait's controversial election deepens divisions
An air of tension dominates in Kuwait as voters get ready to go to the polls for the second parliamentary elections this year.Thousands protest at Kuwait poll
by Darius Kadivar on Fri Nov 30, 2012 12:11 PM PSTThousands protest at Kuwait poll (bbc)
Tens of thousands of opposition supporters in Kuwait City call for a boycott of Saturday's election in a row over changes to voting rules.
UK and Kuwait in security deal
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Nov 28, 2012 02:09 PM PSTUK and Kuwait in security deal (bbc)
Emir of Kuwait begins UK visit
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Nov 28, 2012 02:06 PM PSTEmir of Kuwait begins UK visit (bbc)
The Queen has welcomed the Emir of Kuwait to the UK for a three-day state visit.
Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah is staying at Windsor Castle, where a state banquet will be held on Tuesday.
Sheikh Sabah, 83, will have a private audience with the Prince of Wales, and meet British industry leaders at an event hosted by the Duke of York.Kuwaitis' views on street protests ahead of controversial polls
by Darius Kadivar on Tue Nov 13, 2012 07:16 AM PSTKuwaitis' views on street protests (bbc, video)
In the run-up to parliamentary elections next month, Kuwaitis have held a series of rallies to protest against changes to the electoral law.
The opposition say the changes favour pro-government candidates, and have vowed to boycott the polls.
In the latest demonstration, thousands of Kuwaitis rallied opposite parliament on Sunday in an event which passed off peacefully.
Test of Will:Kuwait opposition determined to seek greater rights
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Nov 07, 2012 01:28 AM PSTTest of will (bbc)
Kuwait opposition determined to seek greater rights
Kuwait has not faced widespread unrest since the Arab Spring uprisings erupted last year across the Middle East, but opposition supporters are still determined to press their demands for greater democratic rights, reports BBC Arabic's Khaled Ezzelarab.Tear gas fired at Kuwait protest
by Darius Kadivar on Mon Nov 05, 2012 05:18 AM PSTTear gas fired at Kuwait protest (bbc)
Kuwaiti security forces fired tear gas to disperse a protest on Sunday by thousands of opposition supporters.
Demonstrators had gathered on a road at Mishref, about 20km (12 miles) south of Kuwait City, after troops and police prevented a march in the capital.
Last month, the authorities banned gatherings of more than 20 people.
The organisers called Sunday's rally to express the opposition's rejection of changes to the electoral law ahead of parliamentary polls on 1 December.
A decree issued by Sabah al-Ahmed Al Sabah on 19 October reduced the number of votes cast by each Kuwaiti from four to one. Critics said this gave pro-government candidates an advantage.
The opposition, which had a majority in the National Assembly until the Constitutional Court declared February's elections illegal and reinstated the previous parliament, has said it will boycott next month's polls.Kuwaiti ex-MP released on bail
by Darius Kadivar on Thu Nov 01, 2012 10:29 AM PDTKuwaiti ex-MP released on bail (bbc)
Prominent Kuwaiti opposition politician Mussallam al-Barrak is freed on bail after being arrested for allegedly insulting the emir at a protest rally.
Kuwait extends ex-MP's detention
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Oct 31, 2012 02:38 PM PDTKuwait extends ex-MP's detention (bbc)
Kuwaiti prosecutors extend the detention of the former opposition MP Mussallam al-Barrak, arrested on Monday on suspicion of undermining the emir.
Inside the Middle East' explores Kuwait
by Darius Kadivar on Wed Oct 24, 2012 03:55 AM PDTInside the Middle East' explores Kuwait (cnn)
Kuwait on brink of political showdown after mass protests
by Darius Kadivar on Mon Oct 22, 2012 08:21 PM PDTCritical juncture (bbc)
Kuwait on brink of political showdown after mass protests
Kuwait is in the midst of an intensifying political crisis that poses the greatest risk to the country since its liberation after the 1991 Gulf War.Kuwait police disperse protesters
by Darius Kadivar on Mon Oct 22, 2012 07:06 AM PDTKuwait police disperse protesters (bbc)
Police in Kuwait have used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse large numbers of people demonstrating against an electoral law.
Activists and medical sources said dozens of people had been injured.
There have been protests in Kuwait after the emir, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, dissolved a parliament dominated by opposition groups.
The government called an election for 1 December with a new law that the opposition says will work against them.
Kuwait's parliament has the most powers of any elected body in the Gulf and opposition members of parliament openly criticise the ruling Sabah family.
However, the Sabahs - who have ruled Kuwait for more than 250 years - retain full control over key government and executive posts.Kuwait calls December election after months of unrest
by Darius Kadivar on Sat Oct 20, 2012 07:26 AM PDTKuwait calls December election (bbc)
The Gulf state of Kuwait has called the second parliamentary election in a year following months of unrest over the rule of Sheikh Sabah al-Sabah.
Voters will go to the polls on 1 December to elect a new national assembly after Kuwait's top court declared the earlier ballot invalid.
Protests followed the court's decision in June, and a new rally is expected in Kuwait City on Sunday.
The earlier vote saw significant gains for the Islamist-led opposition.
Opposition politicians are calling for a boycott of the vote in protest at a proposal by the emir to change the electoral law - a move seen by critics as an attempt to manipulate the ballot.Kuwait's emir warned at protest
by Darius Kadivar on Tue Oct 16, 2012 04:33 PM PDTKuwait's emir warned at protest (bbc)
Several protesters are hurt and others detained at an opposition protest where a former MP warns Kuwait's emir not to resort to autocratic rule.
Thank you Darius jaan
by anglophile on Sun Oct 07, 2012 06:50 AM PDTYour blogs are treasure troves of information - always.