The U.S.-Kuwaiti military and political relationship has been of considerable value to both countries since at least 1990. This alliance was formed in the aftermath of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein’s brutal invasion of Kuwait and the U.S. decision to free Kuwait with military force in 1991. Saddam’s later defeat and removal from power in 2003 has ended an important rationale for the alliance, but a close look at current strategic realities in the Gulf suggests that Kuwait remains an important U.S. ally. It is also an ally that faces a number of serious national security concerns in the turbulent post-Saddam era. Problems with an assertive Iran, an unstable Iraq, and the continuing threat of terrorism will require both Kuwaitis and Americans to rethink and revise previous security approaches to meet the shared goals of reducing terrorism and regional instability.
In his book Kuwaiti National Security and the U.S.-Kuwaiti Strategic Relationship after Saddam, published in September 2007 the author W. Andrew Terrill examines the national security concerns that Kuwait must address in the turbulent post-Saddam era. Challenges involving Iraq, Iran, and terrorism are severe and will require both Kuwaitis and Americans to rethink and revise previous security approaches to meet important shared goals.
The author stated in his collusion in Kuwait –U.S Strategic Relationship 10 important recommendations:
1. The US leadership must continue to bear in mind that Kuwait is a more important ally than its small territory and population would imply.
2. The US government must avoid making statements that appear to take the Kuwaitis for granted.
3. The United States needs to speak out in favor of Kuwaiti Democracy and note the positive lessons of Kuwait memorization.
4. Both the United States and Kuwait must continue to understand that the dominant threat to Kuwait is no longer a covenantal Iraqi attack.
5. The United States cannot expect endless gratitude for the 1991 liberation to be the basis of policy towards Kuwait.
6. The united states needs to be aware that Kuwaiti-Iraqi differences will continue despite Saddam's removal from power, while Kuwait will hopefully never have another enemy such as Saddam Hussein, its problem with Iraq could, under certain circumstances, reach extremely high levels,
7.The united states needs to appreciated and understand that Kuwait's geographical position and Sunni-Shi'it sectarian mix often compel it to seek normal relations with Tehran, while nevertheless not trusting the Iranians .
8. The United States must continue to do all that it can to support Kuwait counterterrorism efforts.
9. The U.S government should continue to strongly support efforts by educational organizations to bring Kuwaiti students to the United States to study.
10. The U.S department of Defense and the U.S Department of army should continue to seek out ways to improve military-to-military coordination with the Kuwaitis.
On May 2007 Dr. W. Andrew Terrill came to Kuwait and lectured in U.S policy in mildest to members of Kuwait historical society.
In his book Kuwaiti National Security and the U.S.-Kuwaiti Strategic Relationship after Saddam, published in September 2007 the author W. Andrew Terrill examines the national security concerns that Kuwait must address in the turbulent post-Saddam era. Challenges involving Iraq, Iran, and terrorism are severe and will require both Kuwaitis and Americans to rethink and revise previous security approaches to meet important shared goals.
The author stated in his collusion in Kuwait –U.S Strategic Relationship 10 important recommendations:
1. The US leadership must continue to bear in mind that Kuwait is a more important ally than its small territory and population would imply.
2. The US government must avoid making statements that appear to take the Kuwaitis for granted.
3. The United States needs to speak out in favor of Kuwaiti Democracy and note the positive lessons of Kuwait memorization.
4. Both the United States and Kuwait must continue to understand that the dominant threat to Kuwait is no longer a covenantal Iraqi attack.
5. The United States cannot expect endless gratitude for the 1991 liberation to be the basis of policy towards Kuwait.
6. The united states needs to be aware that Kuwaiti-Iraqi differences will continue despite Saddam's removal from power, while Kuwait will hopefully never have another enemy such as Saddam Hussein, its problem with Iraq could, under certain circumstances, reach extremely high levels,
7.The united states needs to appreciated and understand that Kuwait's geographical position and Sunni-Shi'it sectarian mix often compel it to seek normal relations with Tehran, while nevertheless not trusting the Iranians .
8. The United States must continue to do all that it can to support Kuwait counterterrorism efforts.
9. The U.S government should continue to strongly support efforts by educational organizations to bring Kuwaiti students to the United States to study.
10. The U.S department of Defense and the U.S Department of army should continue to seek out ways to improve military-to-military coordination with the Kuwaitis.
On May 2007 Dr. W. Andrew Terrill came to Kuwait and lectured in U.S policy in mildest to members of Kuwait historical society.
هناك تعليقان (2):
I am glad the Gulf Security Blogspot found my study to be interesting
and valuable. I think that Gulf Security Blogspot has provided a very
useful summary of my work, which I hope will increase interest in this
and other books and studies published by SSI. I am also grateful to the
Qatari newspaper The Peninsula for their kind September 29 story on my
work. My book on Kuwait builds on some of my earlier work and opinion
pieces on Gulf security. Please note that all of our books and studies
at SSI are available as free downloads from the SSI website. I
encourage the readers of Gulf Security Blogspot to download any
publications that they might find interesting. My friend and colleague
at SSI, Dr. Sherifa Zuhur also publishes on Middle East and Gulf topics
for us. I hope to continue publishing on Kuwait and the Gulf and I have
always enjoyed every minute that I have spent in Kuwait.
General Douglas MacArthur
Research Professor of National Security Affairs
Strategic Studies Institute
U.S. Army War College
Carlisle Barracks, PA 17013-5244
(717) 245-4046
http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=local_news&mon
th=september2007&file=local_news2007092934356.xml
Mr. Andrew Terril has visited us last spring to give a productive lecture and it was a great opportunity to see our students take part in the debate over the security issue in the region.
As for the book which we consider very interesting and beneficial for readers in the region, not only analyzes the relationship between Kuwait and the United States of America but also offers an important recommendation that if implemented will surely strengthen the alliance between the two countries. The Iranian crisis poses a constant threat that demands the American/GCC alliance but due to other issues in the Middle East (or due to the foreign policies in the Middle East) this alliance is hindered.
We express our appreciation for posting on this important subject and to the various previous posts which we find very interesting and informative. Our gratitude also goes to the author's endeavors wishing everyone the best.
Dr. Abdulhadi Al-Ajmi
General Secretary
Kuwait Society of Historical Studies
إرسال تعليق