No one denies that several Arab and Gulf countries have suffered from administrative failures that opened the door to widespread corruption, so much so that citizens have been exploited to serve the interests of their leaders rather than contributing to the development of their homelands. This is what happened in countries like Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and others, where rulers were isolated in ivory towers, and the groans of their people were not heard. In such environments, only the leader’s voice is heard, drowning out all others.
Over time, this fostered corruption among the people, leading citizens to focus solely on their personal interests. Nearly seven centuries ago, the Arab intellectual Abd al-Rahman Ibn Khaldun warned of the grave consequences that result from a state’s lack of strategic vision, how it can collapse into ruin, and how it can rise again. In my last article, I mentioned that some Gulf states had fallen victim to widespread corruption, pushing them to the brink of bankruptcy and even fragmentation.
Then came a historic turning point when God granted them responsible leadership, concerned for the nation and its people, and managed to steer the state back onto the right path and restore its leading role. We must openly acknowledge that the democratic chaos that prevailed over the past three decades nearly brought Kuwait to the brink of collapse. It was a period marked by the unchecked spread of obscenity, where its voice often overpowered that of responsibility.
During that time, Kuwait embodied what Ibn Khaldun described in his analysis of the decline of states. Corruption had infiltrated nearly every institution, coming dangerously close to the judiciary, the only bulwark of any nation. As former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill famously said during World War II, “Britain will be fine as long as the judiciary is fine.”
In recent years, Kuwait has witnessed a troubling expansion of influence, with parliamentary interference extending even into traffic operations such as preventing the issuance of tickets to certain individuals. This absence of strict accountability has contributed to the spread of drugs, the normalization of administrative corruption, and a general breakdown in oversight. Kuwait has also witnessed systematic crimes involving the theft of public funds and their transfer abroad, while unqualified individuals have been appointed to senior leadership positions. Such a situation was what led to the collapse of the Umayyad state, as described by one of its own princes, who said, “We entrusted major affairs to the unqualified, and left minor matters to the most capable.”
Advisors cannot be absolved of responsibility for what transpired, as some used to tailor their advice to serve personal interests, or to benefit their tribe or sect. The logical and legal principle stipulates that those who rush toward something often lose it entirely, but sadly, that principle was not upheld at the time. To speak plainly, had that situation continued until today, especially amid the sweeping regional crises and tensions, Kuwait would have become the weakest link in the Gulf Cooperation Council.
It might have turned into a breeding ground for evil, given the unchecked freedom of reckless voices inciting tribal and sectarian discord, threatening to destroy the national fabric. This is why Kuwaitis came to see cauterization as the last resort. Yet no one heeded the people’s cries.
So, when the opportunity finally arose to appoint a leader whose sole concern was the unity and well-being of his people, the establishment of justice, and the restoration of Kuwait’s lost leadership role, he raised the sword of reform without favoritism, fear, or hesitation, and personally followed up on everything happening in the country, down to the smallest details. He is a leader who is deeply aware of his society’s conditions, gifted with foresight, and able to carefully evaluate all matters brought before him. He is committed to ensuring that no one is wronged and is firm with oppressors, firmly believing that even the smallest injustice can open the door to the collapse of the state. He understands that neglecting minor issues can lead to major crises. For this reason, citizens accept the high-level princely actions taken, even when some were strict.
What matters most is that these measures are used for the nation’s benefit by officials who prioritize the country’s interests above all else. They must be prepared to admit and correct their mistakes, especially under the watchful eye of a vigilant leader who closely follows their performance. They are bound by the constitutional oath they have taken, which has great weight and responsibility.
