We live in dangerous times, I understand that very well. If anything, the Government should be very concerned with the internal security of the state, especially so during these trying times. The MOI's State Security Apparatus should be ever-vigilant in it's mandate to protect the State, the government and the people of the country from all Domestic and International threats. One thing concerns me, though...
We share borders with three major powers: Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Iran, and all three affect Kuwait's stability and security in more ways than one can imagine. If anything, the bombings of 1983 and the attack on the late Emir's motorcade back in 1985 are a testament to the need of the state to protect itself and it's citizens and leadership.
True, the State Security Apparatus in Kuwait has dealt with numerous homicides, political grey area cases and blue-collar crimes with excellent (near-perfect) success in the past, and should be well-commended for it's vigilance in these issues.
Case in point, however, what business do they have in apprehending a website administrator when there are hundreds of illegal residents thriving on 'wasta' and 'bakhsheesh' and other forms of corruption to stay in the country, flooding the markets with contaminated and fraudulent goods, destabilizing the economy and security of the country? What concern is it of theirs in arresting two journalists for anonymous comments posted on a public forum when corruption runs rampant and loyalties are bought & sold openly at campaign headquarters during the Kuwaiti elections? Where are these fighting men of the Interior from those that dare to sow the seeds of ethnic segregation and tribal supremacy in a country built on principles of equality and free association?
Has the position of "Emir" become more important than the continued supply of power and water and security for the country's residents? Is it not a security threat to have a power shortage? Imagine Kuwait completely blacked out because of a brownout; Food will be spoilt due to lack of refrigeration, Oil production-the country's main and only source of income and hard currency-will cease, Shops and stores will be looted, emergency services will be overwhelmed, hospitals will be filled with patients that need special attention and road accidents, etc.. In other words, total social collapse. Is this not a state security threat? I don't see the Security men detaining those responsible for negligence as far back as the power outage in 2004!
The Emir of Kuwait is the father figure for us Kuwaitis, and is to be respected and followed, and I do not accept nor allow anyone to attack his office of responsibility, as it represents the Kuwaiti Populace as well as the constitution, first and foremost.
However, let us not forget the responsibilities of the father towards his children.
I forsee more trouble as a result of the recent detention of the two journalists a few days ago, and believe it to be the first of many salvoes of attacks against the current state of affairs in Kuwait. I also predict that, if things are not in order, Kuwait will resort to further chaos and economic stasis very soon, while at the same time, it's neighbours will welcome the 21st century with social, economic, academic and democratic progress rapidly, and with super-heated vigor.
If it turns out that, the apprehension of the two journalists was constitutional and legally sanctioned, the I completely condone the MOI for their vigilance. If, however, it is proven that it acted with blatant disregard for constitutional rights and procedures, and without the due process of the Law of the Land, then I condemn it as an apparatus of an emerging dictatorship that is thriving uncheked among the political and constutional ignorance of the general public and the elected Parliament.
Today, it's two journalists we read about in the newspapers, but what about tomorrow, when it's your son or daughter??
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