Kuwait - Arabstoday
To mark the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990, lawyer Najla Al-Naqi held a symposium at her place of residence in Salwa. Several political and cultural activists attended the event, reminiscing the war and exchanging opinions about present issues. Journalist Aisha Al-Rsheid started began by describing the threat posed by Iran on Gulf region, "Our political system in one of the best in the Arab world, there are people who follow alien systems create problems. The events that took place in Bahrain serve as a warning to us. I think that our country is a safe haven for Iranian intelligence, and we are in a dangerous position," she pointed out. Iran has exerted its influence across different Arab countries. In fact, Iran sponsored the revolution in Egypt. Also in Lebanon, they have spread their control to the south of the country. They want to build the Farsi empire, but this dream will not materialize. The invasion should have taught us a lesson. We should be united," she added. She also praised the TV drama(Al-Hasan and Al-Hussein) for its accurate description of history, "Iran protested against this drama, although they created movies and TV series on the prophet to provoke Muslims everywhere," pointed out Al-Rsheid. Farhan Al-Farhan , a researcher in Kuwaiti history spoke about the country's past. He also mentioned the borders shared with Iraq - Mina Abdullah bordering Khor Abdullah and Khor Thuwaini. Dr Ayed Al-Manna, a writer said, "The situation has changed. Before the invasion, Iraq accused Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates of increasing oil production which led to drop of prices. Does Kuwait own the OPEC for it to reduce oil prices?," he questioned. They ignored the fact that Al-Rumeila well is located in proximity to Al-Riqqa Kuwaiti well. They accused us of controlling the Iraqi well, and exploiting the Iraqi situation. These statements are silly," he added. Kuwait has faced previous political issues with Iraq, "Since Iraq was a kingdom in the 1930s we were threatened. Then in 1963, Abdulkareem Qasim leader of Iraq entered into a conflict with Kuwait, and finally recognized Kuwait as an independent country. An agreement was signed , which formed the basis for border demarcation between Kuwait and Iraq," he noted. We should take examples from the invasion, when the entire Kuwaiti nation was unified and demanded the leadership of our Amir, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The Kuwaitis worked jobs they never did before such as collecting garbage or baking bread," highlighted Al-Manna. He went on to say, "This project is purely Kuwaiti that was built on its land. We have the right to realize it. If the Iraqis proved that this project causes them harm, the Kuwaiti government would devise a solution. We won't allow a repeat of the 1990 invasion," he concluded.