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From Middle East Online:
A Kuwaiti journalist who signed up to run in next month’s general election called on Tuesday on the Gulf state to establish full diplomatic ties with Israel.
“Israel is a reality and has international influence… Kuwait would benefit from Israel’s influence if we establish relations with them,” Saleh Bahman, who is running as an independent, said.
He also said Kuwaiti ties with Israel would improve the oil-rich emirate’s standing in the West.
US ally Kuwait has so far resisted pressure to end its boycott of Israel and has repeatedly said it will be the last Arab state to establish ties with the Jewish state after any peace deal with the Palestinians.
Earlier this year, a number of Kuwaiti lawmakers submitted a bill calling for a total ban on dealing with Israel and proposing hefty penalties for violators. The bill has not been yet been debated.
A parliamentary election is scheduled for May 16 in Kuwait.
Hat Tip: Dr. Blue
I am sure that Israel would welcome relations with Kuwait, but unfortunally I do not think they are ready yet. As I reported earlier the Kuwaiti candidate that promoted relations with Israel had to withdraw! http://www.shimshon9.com/kuwaiti-candidate-urges-...
I am an American working in Kuwait. My politics tend to be a little to the right of Atilla The Hun. I have been here for 5 months now and I have to tell you that while I miss my home in America and I really want to go home, I am taking a liking to Kuwait. There is a total ban on alcohol that sucks and going to the beach to check out girls takes on an entirely new perspective.
You need to remember that of the 3,000,000 people in Kuwait, only 1,000,000 are Kuwaiti citizens. The rest are guest-workers, like I am. The Emir and the Prince are loved by the people and the royal family takes very good care of the people of Kuwait. The Kuwaitis drive like madmen but other than that, they are pretty good people.
I read English language versions of THE ARAB TIMES and THE KUWAITI TIMES and their articles about Israel are balanced and factual, without the usual hyperbole expected from the press.
Israel would be wise to establish relationships with Kuwait. It would be a win-win for everyone.