The year 1938 in Kuwait’s history refers to the formation of the country’s first legislative council. At that time, Kuwait witnessed significant events, the most notable of which were the attempts by the British political agent in Kuwait, Captain Gerald de Gaury (1897-1984), to pressure the Kuwaiti authority in oil extraction negotiations in favor of Britain.

Alongside these efforts, there were political interventions, including the exploitation of Iraq’s Qasr Al-Zuhur Radio to broadcast a forged telegram, which they claimed came from Kuwait, in an attempt to show a dispute between the authority and Kuwaiti political figures. Additionally, an Iranian employee in the British consulate office in Kuwait was used to distribute inflammatory statements among the various components of the Kuwaiti people.

Today, while the events are somewhat lighter, the situation bears similarities. The new US administration is economically focused, looking for relationships that generate money for the US treasury to help the ruling party fulfill its internal promises. Recently, statements by US Secretary of Commerce Howard William Lutnick during a televised interview caused political confusion. As usual in our media space, some raced to analyze the political situation and search for the positions of the American minister, linking his statements to the political dynamics in the Middle East. As happened in the past, local voices sought to inflame the situation in Kuwait and push the American position toward a more hostile stance.

Some of these voices take their instructions from abroad to increase the number of enemies of the United States in our region, even at the expense of Kuwait’s interests. Some are looking for global powers to support them in realizing their political agenda inside Kuwait, even if, for the second time, it is at the expense of the country’s interests. The United States has a key role in Kuwait’s liberation from the brutal Iraqi invasion, and it is in our interest to increase cooperation and coordination with it in various fields. This cooperation and relationship remain crucial for the stability of our country.

The political channels between Kuwait and the United States are extensive and friendly. Both countries are bound by charters and agreements that are not affected by a single statement or comment. Through these channels, the true intent of the statements by the US Secretary of Commerce will be clarified. I have no doubt that Kuwait’s political channels will deal with this statement as they have dealt with similar remarks from past American officials — with wisdom and a focus on the national interest.

However, those who seek to sensationalize or push their internal or regional goals at the expense of the homeland will undoubtedly find a rational Kuwaiti people who have thwarted old schemes and succeeded in overcoming the disaster of the heinous Iraqi invasion by staying united and putting the country’s interest above all else.

local@kuwaittimes.com