Kuwait, the real situation
(originally written 1/31/02)

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Kuwait was actually once a part of Iraqi territory, but because of colonialism, things were "divided up". I think the division is once again on the fault of the British from the 1920's. Exactly, like the current Palestinian problem caused by not following "their word" during the Israeli independence war in 1947.

In current times, Kuwaitis are not popular among their neighbors. One reason is because of the general "cultural snobbish attitude" dominant in the country. Another is the "dole out" payments made to each citizen from the oil revenues. Much of the workforce is foreign workers. Thus, a system of "getting something for nothing". This results in some jealousy, like that person from your schooldays or a neighbor that treats you in a "snooty" manner.

During the 10 year Iran-Iraq war, Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein was "courted" and given military materials by the United States (A few other nations sold Iraq military weapons as well). This was done, as a response, against the Iranian Ayatollah fundamentalist regime that rose up and took American hostages in 1979.

It is not well known that after that war, Saddam inquired about re-taking Kuwait and ajoining it back to Iraq. The US and some allies were originally OK with this action with offical silence on the matter, at the same time giving some "backroom encouragement". The approval basis used was a "previous sovergnity" argument along with a "spoils of war" reward for fighting Iran.

So, what story have you been hearing ?