Abstract
Kuwait is a Middle East Country that was started in the eighteenth century by the Banj tribe members. It was known as Guraine, but was later changed to Kuwait by the tribe of Utbah. Kuwait was in war with Iraq when the US developed interest in the country. This research paper will endeavor in describing the history of Kuwait and how the US came to offer assistance. It will also strive to uncover the history of Kuwait-American Foundation (KAF) and show their relationship today.
Kuwait was established in the early eighteenth century by the tribe of Banj Utbah tribe members. This tribe was also known as the Al-Sabah, Al-Jalahma and Al-Khalifa. The formation of Kuwait started in 1705 where Kuwait was by then known as Guraine (Hayim, 63). The tribe of Utbah founded the town and the Guraine Port and named it Kuwait. Kuwait meant a little fort from Kut. The tribe Banj Utbah later migrated to the shows of the Pursian Gulf from the Nejd. According to the tradition of the locals, there was a migration of the Sabahs from the south. This was due to the fleeing of the Sabahs from the drought in Najd in 1710. They found that the conditions in the south were not conducive and they decided to migrate north to Kuwait. There availability of water and they consequently settled in Kuwait. When the Sabahs arrived at Kuwait, the Al-Jalahma, Al-Roumj, Al-Khalifa had already established a settlement and already built a fortress.
The economic and political development of the Kuwait was contributed by the peace that dominated in the Banj Khalid (Katzman, 56). Internal problems that existed in the region kept the other regional powers from engaging. Through this it allowed the Al-Jalahma, Al-Sabah, Al- Khalifa and Al-Roumj to develop new skills in maritime. In the Persian Gulf, Kuwait had the best natural harbors. The location of the natural harbor benefited the Aleppo and Baghdad caravan trade and the Shatt al-Arab trade. The natural harbor also helped in the smuggling trade in the territory of Ottoman where high tariffs were optimistic. The Al-Khalifa, Al-Jalahma, Al-Sabah and Al-Roumj left the smuggling trade and the daily routine trades and joined the trade in horses, spices, dates, coffee, horses and most especially pearls. This was because Kuwait was located within the banks of pearls which were found down the Coast of Persian Gulf. The boats sailed on summer for pearls and when winter came they changed to entrepot trade.
The United States build an interest for Kuwait in October 1951 (Ismael, 7). This is because the Kuwait was in war with Iraq. The reason they helped fight Iraq from Kuwait is because they had invested in the oil wells in Kuwait. They were interested in the economy of Kuwait. It was developed in 1987 where the embassy son was increased between Kuwait and U.S. This was after the accomplishment of maritime protection regime, which ensured that there was freedom of navigation via the Persian Gulf for 11 tankers with U.S markings.
U.S Assistance
The war was started as a measure against Iraq’s attack of Kuwait. It can also be referred to as first Gulf war or Gulf War 1.In the US it is termed as Operation Iraqi freedom. The attack of Kuwait brought about various reactions. Attempts at peaceful negotiations by the international community failed. The US Security Council led by US president Washington Bush sent soldiers to Persian Gulf Region. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Kingdom joined in the fight. A sum of us dollar 60 billion was used with Saudi Arabia contributing a total of us dollar 36 billion.The war was in place from 2nd August 1990 (Casey, 18). During the fight news coverage was done by CNN-a US based station. This was an eye opener to the rest of the world to the situation in Kuwait as it was live news. It was being covered as it happens. To drive away forces, the united military forces first hit the enemies with a bomb dropped from a moving airplane on 17th January 1991.This was further enhanced by forces being deployed to fight one on one where the action was taking place on 23rd February.
Kuwait was freed from the Iraq troops thus the united military forces from the different nations ordered that the attacks stop. Iraq however retaliated with fighting against Saudi Arabia. United States resent more troops in sustaining the Operation Provide Comfort 1, Operation Provide Comfort 2 and Operation Southern Watch.
The war which started less than 24 hours after the UN deadline was granted by congress. The authority issued to the president of United States led to Kuwait being saved from the Iraq invasion. The allied forces gained successes within only 100 hours. This was due to the superior, fast and high power arms and machinery which were available to be used as need be.
Despite the military armies being able to conquer against the Iraq, there was still more left to be done. Saddam Hussein was still in power, oppressing the Kurds in the north and Shiites in the south. This was due to resistance which arose during the war. More than 750 oil wells in Kuwait had been lit intentionally and required a lot of work to be put off. The work was completed in November 1991.The UN also needed to put out the bombs and any chemical arms according to the council provisions. Thus it was mandatory to find them and disable all the nuclear facilities. Although the war led to casualties, it was a path way to peace resolutions in the country. Through the Gulf war United States convinced Arab states, Palestine and Israel to lasting peace negotiations to resolve the dynamic problems they faced. Madrid, Spain was the location of the initial talks in October 30 1991 with a latter treaty being signed in Washington.
Post –Gulf war
Shortly after the war ended, Saddam Hussein attacked the Shiite population in the South and Kurdish in the north. It was just a week on end of the war and the United States did not intervene (Panaspornprasit, 102). Even with Iraq rebels who urged them to let them use the took possession of Iraq equipment from the bore no fruits. Further on, Saudi Arabia provided a plan in assisting the Iraq rebels to the United States. It was however not allowed to pass through and this led to it being dropped. The main objective was to drive off the invasion and not to fight against Saddam Hussein. This was a defense that the Bush administration maintained. They helped him part to stay in power. It was a measure taken to avoid any interference in the affairs of the Iraq internal affairs.
United States could not support the uprisings in Iraq. It was in decision to keep the country as one. It was not in support of having two separate nations as opposed to one country. Intervention would lead to either the countries declaring independence and thus leading to a difference in religion and politics between the north and the south. It thus refused to have any connection with the rebels and thus maintain a united front for Iraq. It feared Shiites would want to join Iran while Kurds would want to join Turkey. They did not want the rebellion to succeed. United States was seeking a military option to problem of Saddam Hussein leadership not just a world known resistance. Moreover all treaties provided by Syria and Saudi Arabia were rejected as they aimed at helping Iraq’s resistance groups.
United States was seeking a military option to problem of Saddam Hussein leadership not just a world known resistance. Moreover all treaties provided by Syria and Saudi Arabia were rejected as they aimed at helping Iraq’s resistance groups. The war was started as a measure against Iraq’s attack of Kuwait.
History of Kuwait-American Foundation (KAF)
The Kuwait –American foundation was started in 1991.it is a non – profit making organization started to provide aid to needy society members. Due to the formation of the joint military forces during the Gulf war, the foundation was birthed. The goal of the foundation was to improve interactions between the citizens of Kuwait and America and further offer thanks giving for the efforts United States put to help free the Kuwait from attack by the Iraq nation.
The organization was funded by hundreds of Kuwait citizens. Companies and establishments also play a role in sourcing the funds. In general, the overall mandate of the foundation is to provide long –run relations with the United States and moreover to ensure that globally the standards of life for citizens are changed to be better. In early inception programs such as Do the Write Thing were in place. Other programs include gala dinners which have led to the growth of the foundation to international heights. Mergers through various organizations every year help refugees in providing efficient healthcare. Education has also been changed to be high in quality. In doing all this living standards are increased and environment is thus preserved.
The Kuwait- American Programs like dinner Galas have been used for connection. The galas have seen a lot of funds being raised, up to millions of dollars. In 2005 Ambassador of the state of Kuwait Sheikh Abdullah Salem Al- Sabah, with the wife Sheikha Al-Sabah Rima held the galas in their homestead. The funds raised were to aid establishments like UNHCR and UNICEF. The former was to help Iraq women and children refugees who desire to get back to their native countries (Rabee, Kleinkopf & Geological Survey, 45). The latter was to develop institutions in Afghanistan such as schools. In Iraq a hospital was built. Africa saw to it conservation International to protect the climate and creation of a project to fight against Malaria. In central Asia rural regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan schools were started to empower the girl child.
The programs include a tribute to friendship, bridges of hope, and act for earth and stand for Africa. The functions of the programs range from aiding refugees to return home, educating young girls, building hospitals for critically sick children and those with cancer, protecting the environment to transitioning change of warriors from warzone to normal productive lives.
The National Campaign to stop violence is another program that has been developed in support of Kuwait American Foundation. This is an association of the business, community and government officials to fight against the vile violence in the wider United States. Programs such as staying connected and do the write thing ensure there is positive awareness created to minimize violence. At the moment through Excel, the materials in Do the write thing program are checked. This is to aid in storage and flexibility in getting the information from the writings.
The KAF programs student involvement is like the 2007 National Book of Student Writings. This book has the fully contributions of the students of 2007 finalists in Do the Write thing program. The program is also an avenue where communication between students, community and the teachers promoting a good working environment. Their efforts are not in vain.
The Kuwait- American foundation programs have always had an important mandate of sustaining understanding and peace. Despite changing and dynamic times the foundation has not wavered to instill its objectives and goals. Funds projected to UNICEF and UNHCR have seen to it that women, men and children lead productive and peaceful lives (US Government, 14). Their hope has been renewed amidst trying environment. All in all the alliance has led to a more peaceful America. Violence leads to low self esteem and lack of confidence in ones country. Through the programs both Kuwait and America are having optimistic citizens who are proud to be associated with their citizenship. There is growth of communication lines among teachers, students and the community at large. New networks are created. Youth are empowered to make quality decisions concerning their futures. The greatest success was turning a tragedy to a means of hope. Through the Gulf war the nations of Kuwait and America were able to come together achieving numerous goals and touching the lives of many positively.
The Relationship of the two nations today
The current relationship of the two countries intensified after Kuwait was invaded by Iraq. The U.S organized the council of UN Security demands for the withdrawal of the Iraq’s from Kuwait. Force was also to be used if Iraq refused to leave Kuwait. The U.S also played a principal role in the development of the Desert Storm and the desert shield that liberated Kuwait. The relationship of the Kuwaiti and United States has up to date remained strong since the period of post-Gulf war. They also have worked hand in hand to ensure that the Iraq is compliant with the resolutions of UN Security Council. The first thing that both countries should do to maintain the relationship between U.S and Kuwait, is that Kuwait should be supported to be independent and take at least the full power over the decision of oil matters. The United States should also protect Kuwait from other Arab countries like Iraq who try to take over the oil business from Kuwait. The two countries should also sign treaties and agreements so as to prolong the business of oil in both countries.
It is very important for both countries to have a good relation since both of them are benefiting from each other. The U.S is benefiting through the oil business while Kuwait is benefiting from the protection of a super power country. It is also important for both countries to have that relation since Kuwait can seek financial help from the super power country to sustain the business and even other aids in the country while U.S will create a ready market for Kuwait oil products. There is also the existence of the good relationship between the two countries that is rather important in future.
Conclusion
The relationship between Kuwait and the US has been beneficial to the two countries over the years. Since the establishment of KAF’s programs, both countries have benefited with Kuwait being the principal beneficiary. The relationship has also involved students and strong connections to facilitate the survival of this relationship. However, the program has been under strict monitoring by the UN Security Council. This has enhanced its effectiveness making it viable to date.
Works cited
Casey, Michael. The History of Kuwait. Connecticut: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2001. Print.
Congress. Congressional Record, V. 147, Pt. 3, March 8, 2001 to March 26, 2001. New York: Government Printing Office, 2001. Print.
Hayim Granot. Psychiatric Admissions and the Gulf War, Disaster Prevention and Management, 1994. Vol. 3 (3), pp.27 – 32.
Ismael, Tareq. The Gulf War and the New World Order: International Relations of the Middle East. Florida: University Press of Florida, 1994. Print.
Katzman, Kenneth. Kuwait: Security, Reform, and U.S. Policy. London: DIANE Publishing, 2010. Print.
Panaspornprasit, Chookiat. US-Kuwaiti Relations, 1961-1992: An Uneasy Relationship. London: Routledge. 2005. Print.
Rabee, F., Kleinkopf, M. & Geological Survey (US). Crustal Structure of Kuwait: Constraints from Gravity Anomalies. New York: U.S. Geological Survey, 1994. Print.
US Government. Kuwaiti National Security and the US-Kuwaiti Strategic Relationship After Saddam. New York: General Books LLC, 2011. Print.
