We are living in a highly sensitive period due to the repercussions of the recent war waged by Israel and the United States against Iran. In response, Iran chose to retaliate by launching missiles and drones at the Gulf states, causing destruction to our homes, seaports, airports, oil refineries, and petroleum storage facilities.
Iran showed no regard for the lives of innocent people, nor for the bonds of neighborliness, brotherhood, and kinship, treating us as if we were its fiercest enemies. The number of missiles and drones that struck Kuwait and the rest of the Gulf states far exceeds those launched at Israel.
This brutal aggression against us may negatively impact the relationships among members of society and weaken the multi-ethnic, multi-sectarian social fabric that has existed since Kuwait’s founding.
In this context, Al-Qabas shared the following on one of its social media platforms - “Whoever chooses neutrality in critical moments will not escape the stigma that follows, nor the shame that history will forever remember. Steadfastness when nations are tested is not a virtue, but a national and moral failing whose consequences will endure, no matter how much time passes.”
Before responding to this lapse by Al-Qabas, I feel it is my duty to clarify two points:
First, I am a devoted reader of Al-Qabas daily, and my loyalty to it is well-known. I have repeatedly declined all financial offers to move and write for newspapers that compete with Al-Qabas daily.
Second, I am among the very few who maintain true neutrality in this country.
Despite all my journalistic battles, business interests, and the attacks, accusations, and both genuine and malicious lawsuits I have faced, I have maintained my neutrality and refused to align with any political, sectarian, or social movement. Therefore, I write with complete objectivity in criticizing and rejecting the meaning behind the opinion piece published by Al-Qabas daily and referenced above.
This opinion, as I understand it, is unhelpful, harsh, and contains clear criticism of a fundamental pillar of this good society. I urge Al-Qabas not to be drawn into this course of action. I also ask the pardon of Al-Qabas daily for using this quote to respond to those who have attempted to cast doubt on the newspaper and level various accusations of treason, publicly questioning its loyalty, without facing any consequences. Some insist that everyone must publicly prove their loyalty to the nation, or risk being accused of treason.
According to legal, jurisprudential, logical, and humanitarian principles, every citizen is presumed loyal to their country until proven otherwise through a court conviction. Consequently, no citizen is required to repeatedly declare or reaffirm their loyalty to their homeland, especially since such loyalty cannot be measured by a social media post, a paragraph, an article, or even by writing a poem, composing a melody, or performing a patriotic song.
The heart may be in one place while the tongue speaks from another entirely. I urge everyone to stop these accusations, as our geographic location, size, and the dangers surrounding us do not allow the luxury of disputes over loyalty to the nation. Those who are ungrateful to their homeland will face the consequences of their actions. We must prove to our enemies that this nation is stronger than all their despicable attempts. Our unity as a people reinforces the strength and cohesion of our army.
As my colleague Iqbal Al-Ahmad says, “In moments of great tension, the strength of nations is not measured solely by their weaponry, but also by the steadfastness and awareness of their people.” What Kuwait recently experienced was not merely a passing security incident, but a true test that proved this nation is stronger than some may imagine, and that its people stand united in defense of their land and the dignity of their homeland. We must all uphold national unity and not hold everyone accountable for the actions of a misguided few.
By Ahmad alsarraf
email: [email protected]
email: [email protected]
