Why Bahrain Matters

The latest developments in Bahrain are as painful to me as the Iraqi Invasion, and quite frankly, everyone else in Kuwait, but not for the same reasons. Many back the legitimate government of Bahrain, and many others support the Rioters-again for various reasons. I'll be explaining my position in this post, and it will be a long one.

Let me begin by first mentioning that had it been any other GCC country (besides Kuwait) these riots wouldn't even exist, since they're mostly managed by predominantly Shiite and/or Old School Baathist Bahrainis. I'm not just referring to the recent events, I'm also referring to the events that preceded Bahrain's conversion into a Monarchy back in the late 1990's and 1980's. What many don't remember (or fail to admit) is that only in Bahrain did we see a head of state visit with the opposition figures any chance he gets, or travels to the UK in order to meet with them and invite them to participate in Bahrain's Democratic process.

Egypt Uncovers Israeli Spy Ring

I was on my usual daily routine of reading the papers when I found, in today's  Aljarida Newspaper, full coverage of an uncovered Israeli spy ring in Egypt. Apparently, the Israeli Intelligence managed to recruit, train and control an Egyptian University Professor, who in turn recruited up to 31 telecom engineers, established a Telecom business, and eventually managed to build quite a large and effective network. This network spanned Egypt, Sudan and Saudi Arabia, and in my own opinion, Lebanon as well. (Link1, Link2), as the techniques employed in Egypt were more or less the same as those used in this latest operation, even though the Lebanon operation was exposed 6 months ago :)

Kuwait's Soluiton to the BB Ban Issue: No Porn Please!

During this past week, the UAE, matching India's concerns, boldly and courageously decided to block all Blackberry services within it's country, by October 11th, citing security concerns. Apparently, the UAE isn't too happy that it's security services are unable to access the BB's e-traffic, which prevents them from having any foreknowledge of potential criminal and/or terrorist activities before, during or after they happen. Saudi Arabia, followed suite and pre-empted the UAE by banning the BB's internet services one month before the UAE's announced ban date. 

The Saudi/Emirati decision made so many waves that it actually affected RIM's shares performances for a brief time, and the UAE/Saudi position never changed; Turning off BBM's internet services is a done deal; the security of the State is far more important than the security of RIM's royalty fees.

The U.S.- Kuwaiti Friendship

Friendship between individuals can be based on personal, as well as psycho-social needs. One may opt to befriend a wealthy, powerful, influential person for a number of reasons: Bragging rights, personal gains, purely coincidental mutual likes & dislikes, etc.. On the other hand, one may befriend a down-to-Earth simpleton, either due to simple old fate or a more complex need for self-actualization. Quite frankly, the reasons behind many personal relationships are as many as the people themselves, but I'm only referring to non-romantic relationships here, where the term "We're just friends" means exactly what it sounds!

Iranian Espionage Ring Expands

The plot thickens! I just got a tweet that the recently exposed espionage ring includes 7 Kuwaitis, an undisclosed number of Iranians and Bedoons, a Syrian and a Bahraini national. They have all been formally accused of conspiring with Iran against Kuwait.

The jaw-breaker is that among the Seven Kuwaitis is a 'high-ranking' officer in the Ministry of Interior and a Business man!

Seven Kuwaitis and a few other nationals I can understand, but a high ranking MOI official and a Business man?! Of course, with regards to the businessman, whose identity will undoubtedly be known very very soon (thanks to here-say and faster-than-light word of mouth!), hell, even I have my suspicions as to who it may be right now! But a high ranking MOI official, that's quite a bite to swallow! I'm sure the MP's will be having a field day with the Minister over that one pretty soon.

Never a dull moment in Kuwait!