Is Democracy Losing Ground in Kuwait?

The New York Times reports today on political frustration in Kuwait. The oil-rich nation is, along with Lebanon, one of the most democratic countries in the Arab world. But what is most interesting (and familiar) to American ears is the sense among many Kuwaitis that they are falling behind economically. Jobs are moving to Dubai and Yemen, and the Kuwaiti government is having trouble getting economic reforms through Parliament, where MPs are quarreling over welfare reforms. These issues no doubt sound familiar to many around the world adjusting to the changes caused by globalization. How Kuwait deals with them will set an important example for the rest of the Arab world.
There is reason to be hopeful. Despite the Times’ gloomy headline (“In Democracy Kuwait Trusts, but Not Much”), virtually every Kuwaiti cited in the article professes commitment to democracy. For those interested in Kuwait’s political battles, we recommend the Kuwait Times. Here you will find Kuwaitis engaging in vibrant political debate - yet more evidence that Kuwaiti democracy is alive and strong.