During crises, the state strives to maintain social stability by taking measures that assuage the suffering of the people, because amplified hardship leads to further instability, thus increasing the cost for national security. War is one of the most difficult times, as the enemy lies in wait to exploit any vulnerability to undermine internal security. When any country faces difficulty in meeting its food needs, it strengthens food security by supporting agricultural production and motivating related industries, which encompass several sectors.
The Gulf states are in dire need of this move, more than any other country, for several reasons, such as the fact that their exports and imports are dependent on a single waterway -- the Strait of Hormuz. In addition, the Gulf states lack the infrastructure related to railways and various shipping methods that connect them to other countries, such as European countries and overland transport is difficult. Throughout its history, Kuwait has been facing numerous crises, both before the discovery of oil and in recent years.
Kuwait has always been keen on strengthening security and social solidarity, especially during difficult times. This helped the people withstand disasters, such the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic was a crucial lesson that everyone should learn, particularly in strengthening food security, industry and the services sector. First and foremost, this requires increasing the cash in the hands of citizens, perhaps through the Central Bank of Kuwait instructing local banks to suspend monthly loan payments and halt interest accrual. This could positively impact the revitalization of the local economy and alleviate the burdens borne by the private sector, which is the engine of the economy and a source of social security.
No matter how short is the duration of a crisis, its effects can extend for years, as was the case following the Iraqi invasion, the 2008 global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, whose effects are still being felt. The recent war only exacerbated the situation. Launching vital new projects helps reduce the unemployment rate and create job opportunities. According to crisis economics, maintaining social stability prevents economic collapse. Creating jobs contributes to securing food and medicine and curbing inflation to protect the most vulnerable groups. In times of crisis, countries need to implement emergency cash transfer programs and provide subsidies to support affected families and businesses.
Since the beginning of the crisis, the Gulf states have been working hard to create conditions that boost social resilience, guided by a clear vision of a socially responsible economic model. Moreover, the Gulf states capitalized on the COVID-19 pandemic by taking measures to ease the financial burden of their citizens, including debt payment.
Some Gulf states facilitated the establishment of private businesses for their citizens, while others established investment systems that helped absorb the impact of the recent war and attracted foreign capital. While the war is not yet over and may escalate, this situation compels the Kuwaiti government to act by utilizing its considerable resources to bolster all aspects of national security.
This includes maintaining agricultural security for 4,000 farms and developing infrastructure to improve land transport, thereby, reducing reliance on the Strait of Hormuz. It is crucial to secure the essential daily needs of the people at the lowest possible cost. It is vital to learn from past experiences, so that the country can overcome this phase with minimal losses. The enemy is very cunning. It prolonged the crisis to exploit the unstable situation and achieve its goals. We have witnessed many painful scenes caused by the Iranian enemy, either directly or through its proxies.
The best way to thwart the Iranian enemy is to fortify the internal front and bolster Gulf unity. This goal is achieved by closing the gaps through which the enemy can infiltrate. We can defeat the enemy if we prepare the ground for it. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have been working as a unified front up to this day, but that does not mean we should leave things to chance.
