ANYONE observing the Iraqi media will notice the frequent media campaigns launched by mouthpieces that are known for their anti-Kuwaiti sentiments. The noise ebbs and flows from time to time, depending on the interests of those running them. At times, these campaigns are nothing more than baseless noise, while at other times, they aim to create false heroes through social media. Regardless of the motive, these campaigns harm Iraq and its people in the end. It is well known that since 2003, Iraq has become a land of multiple flags, each with its own financial and political sponsors.
None of these flags truly represent Iraq. They are reminiscent of the Baath Party’s attempt to monopolize the representation of Iraqis during its rule. Saddam Hussein was the dictator who dragged this once-great country through one hell after another. Then came the American occupation, leaving Iraqis vulnerable to the fangs of two monsters: terrorism and sectarian gangs. Despite this, there are still those who seek to turn back the clock. So, we say: If Saddam Hussein’s reckless adventure, represented by the brutal invasion of Kuwait, has revived among some weak-minded individuals the desire to adopt the King Ghazi and later Abdul Karim Qasim’s slogan that Kuwait was part of Iraq, then these people are only harming their own country.
They should have realized on February 26, 1991, that adopting such an assertion brought nothing but great misfortune upon their people. I would like to assure those who still dream of realizing this illusion that they can never nullify international agreements, UN resolutions, or the Iraq-Kuwait border demarcation treaty. They seem unaware that all of these agreements fall under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, making them impossible to undo. These individuals should understand that the eternal relationship between the Kuwaiti and Iraqi peoples is far greater than the noise of their media campaigns. Kuwait has stood by Iraq at every stage, both government and people, even during the most difficult moments. Therefore, these voices will not harm Kuwait.
It is true that the Iraqi government cannot curb the unbridled freedom of the media. I also emphasize that the official Iraqi decision has nothing to do with what is circulating on social media and in the media. However, at the same time, I affirm that no one can change a single letter in these relevant agreements. These individuals do not have the power to build a wall between Kuwait and Iraq, similar to what the United States did with Mexico or Israel with the West Bank and the Lebanese border.
In Kuwait, we understand that these media outlets are controlled by those outside Iraq’s borders who seek to achieve their dubious interests at the expense of the Iraqi people. Media propaganda will not alter the facts on the ground and will have no impact on Kuwait. The geographical reality will remain unchanged. This is what both the Iraqi presidents and prime ministers relied on in their appeal of the Federal Supreme Court’s ruling, as they recognize that good neighborliness is one of the foundational principles of the new Iraqi state. Therefore, any attempt to revive the border issue between Iraq and Kuwait is a suspicious act that conceals malicious intentions, which certainly do not represent the Iraqi people.
Unfortunately, and with great bitterness, we must acknowledge that some are trying to exploit this for regional interests aimed at undermining Iraqi national security, attempting to disrupt relations between Kuwait and Iraq, and divert attention from a matter that has been settled for a long time. Here, we must emphasize once again: The failed experience of the “Qasr Al-Zohour” radio station, the propaganda of Abdul Karim Qasim, Saddam’s Fedayeen, or the so-called Al-Quds Army, will not be repeated. So, we say, be patient, and may God be the most helpful. Anyone familiar with the nature of relations between Kuwait and Iraq during King Faisal’s reign will understand the significance of Kuwait’s immediate assistance to Iraq after its liberation from Saddam’s Ba’athist regime.
They will also realize that those beautiful cities on the Iraqi border near Kuwait were built with Kuwaiti funds to stimulate trade between the two countries. Moreover, they will realize that Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port and Al-Faw Port complement each other, and that Kuwait aims to transform the northern region into an integrated economic zone, including factories, commercial, and service institutions that will benefit Iraq more than Kuwait.
On this basis, the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, along with all Kuwaiti rulers, sought to build strong relations based on cooperation between the two countries and peoples. Kuwait believes that stable economic security and extensive trade exchange are the paths to prosperity, not the propaganda and nonsense spread by those with sick minds or those who raise sectarian banners.
Therefore, it is not in anyone’s interest to allow these suspicious voices to continuously stir up uproar with justifications that have no connection to the truth. The danger of these mouthpieces lies in their ability to drown out the voice of reason and create openings for those with regional agendas to disturb the cordial relations between the two countries and peoples, while also sowing discord among Iraqis themselves. The rational people in these media arms, if they exist, should learn from the experiences in Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen. I urge them to always remember how Iran’s boasting about occupying four Arab capitals ended.
Soon, the people of Iraq will ask, “Where have these mouthpieces gone?” I have avoided discussing this issue in the past and endured the pain of silence. But the uproar has reached a point where remaining silent is no longer an option. Perhaps, we will find rational voices who will tell these individuals “Enough is enough”. They must wake up from their intoxication of stupidity and realize that the true loser from their actions is Iraq, not Kuwait. I hope they carefully read the memoirs of the Iraqi President and Prime Minister, as they encapsulate wisdom spoken at the right time and place.
