Invest in the Future Generation/Human Capital
I have often said that Kuwait’s only renewable resource is its people, who must be well-educated, creative and have the expertise and the means to ensure Kuwait’s economic growth and its continued prosperity. Kuwait has the capital to support...
What is your assessment of Kuwaiti women and their new role in the country?
We believe the sustained development and prosperity of the Middle East is dependent on the empowerment of women to participate fully in the economic, social and political sectors of society- and this is an area...
How do you evaluate Kuwaiti democracy? Is our democracy complete, or does it still need improvements?
Democracy by its very nature is organic, as are the human beings it represents.
Kuwait has a vibrant indigenous democracy- it is a developing democracy, and so it the United States… There’s...
Secretary of State Clinton spoke about the freedom of the internet. How do you see the restriction of online freedom in Kuwait and the blocking of some websites, which limits freedom of expression and freedom of opinion?
To quote Secretary Clinton, “we find an urgent need to protect these...
Focus on Pillars of Democracy/Praise free press and openness/diwaniyyas
What is your opinion on the issue of freedom of expression, and the detention of some writers, as was the case with Mr. Al-Jassem, who was imprisoned for expressing his opinion and criticizing the government in public...
Local: Ambassador’s Activities with the Community
Does the U.S. Ambassador follow the development of online magazines and discussion forms such as the Kuwait National Forum? What is your assessment of Kuwaiti online bloggers?
Yes, I do follow closely Kuwaiti bloggers, and have been...
Peace Process: Hamas
Everybody knows that Hamas was elected in a democratic process, which your country calls for. Why then do you not accept the outcome of Palestinian democracy?
The U.S. position on Hamas is clear and consistent - we will not deal with nor in any way fund a...
Consular and Security Concerns
Kuwaiti travelers to the U.S. complain about exaggerated security measures by U.S. authorities when they travel to the U.S. What are the reasons for these measures?
The events of 9/11 permanently changed air travel for all of us. Believe it or not, I have...
Kuwait-U.S. Bilateral Relationship
The U.S. Embassy outreach programs with the Kuwaiti community are limited to engaging liberals and regular contacts of the Embassy. Why doesn’t the Embassy expand its relations within the country to include the tribal community and their areas? Does the...
Afghanistan
What has the U.S. done so far in Afghanistan after 9 years of engagement?
The U.S. views the Afghan conflict in a regional context. Since 2009, we have engaged Afghanistan, Pakistan, their neighbors, and key international partners to coordinate assistance and encourage...
How has the U.S. supported the democratic process in Iraq?
The United States supports an inclusive process that produces a government truly representative of the Iraqi people. We believe that this is what the Iraqi people – the millions who exercised their right to vote in the historic...
Iraq
What is Iraq’s history of cooperation and alliance with the United States since 2003?
Citing Iraq’s failure to comply with UN inspections, a U.S.-led coalition invaded Iraq in March-April 2003 and removed the Ba’athist regime, leading to- the overthrow of the dictator Saddam...
What does improved relations and closeness between Kuwait and Iran mean to the U.S., and does that affect Kuwaiti-U.S. relations?
Kuwait and Iran are regional neighbors and there are family and commercial ties, historically, which dictate that the two countries will always be intertwined. We...
U.S. Policy Towards Iran
What is your assessment of the Iranian danger to the Gulf Region?
Iran’s nuclear ambitions are unclear.
The U.S. and the Gulf States have long shared concerns about Iranian activities and intentions, whether its support for groups like Hizbollah, its attempts...