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Nawaf Al-Ahmad: Prince of Amnesty, Combating Corruption

Kuwait’s late leader, Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Kuwait’s late leader, Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Nawaf Al-Ahmad: Prince of Amnesty, Combating Corruption

Kuwait’s late leader, Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Kuwait’s late leader, Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Kuwait’s late leader, Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, started his time as ruler by granting amnesty and concluded his reign by pardoning people who were convicted.

Upon assuming the reins of power on September 29, 2020, Emir Nawaf initiated efforts to foster an atmosphere of reconciliation and amnesty. These endeavors led to the resolution of crises that had plagued the country during a period of political turmoil.

The late ruler also saw to the initiation of “national dialogue” sessions in September 2021 and the culmination of an amnesty project in January 2023.

By issuing a decree, Emir Nawaf pardoned 34 individuals, whether imprisoned or residing abroad.

While leading, he worked to break down corruption and dealt with key figures accused of taking public money. He did so using Kuwait’s legal system and judiciary.

Emir Nawaf earned the title of “Prince of Amnesty” for his efforts in pardon ceremonies, which included numerous parliamentarians, activists, public figures, and politicians convicted in various cases.

Notably, these cases involved the storming of the National Assembly following opposition protests in Kuwait in 2011. Among those pardoned were deputies living abroad.

In October 2021, an Emiri pardon was issued, aiming to reconcile political differences with the opposition, including activists and former MPs.

Sources indicate that Emir Nawaf called for an expansion in the number of individuals covered by this amnesty.

In November 2021, the late ruler issued two decrees for amnesty, pardoning and reducing sentences imposed on 35 people.

Amnesty granted by Emir Nawaf had a political easing effect following a period of tension due to disagreements between the government and members of the National Assembly.

Days before the passing of Emir Nawaf, the Kuwaiti judiciary concluded one of the most significant corruption cases in the country.

On November 26, 2023, Kuwait’s highest court issued its final verdict in the well-known “Army Fund” case.

It sentenced former defense and interior minister Sheikh Khalid al-Jarrah al-Sabah to seven years in prison for mishandling military funds.

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber al-Mubarak al-Sabah, who faced similar charges, was ordered by the court to return the funds he mismanaged.

The Court of Cassation, presided over by Judge Sultan Bouresli, acquitted Adel Al-Enezi and fined the defendants in the case a total of 105 million Kuwaiti dinars ($340.50 million) and compelled them to repay double the amount ($681 million) misappropriated.

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Gulf

King of Bahrain: We Are Keen on Bolstering Ties with Our Surroundings

King Hamad hailed the dedicated and valuable efforts of the RBAF servicemen. (BNA)
King Hamad hailed the dedicated and valuable efforts of the RBAF servicemen. (BNA)
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King of Bahrain: We Are Keen on Bolstering Ties with Our Surroundings

King Hamad hailed the dedicated and valuable efforts of the RBAF servicemen. (BNA)
King Hamad hailed the dedicated and valuable efforts of the RBAF servicemen. (BNA)

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, visited the Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF) on Monday to review operational readiness and capabilities.

He inspected combat aircraft operated by the Bahrain Defense Force, which are among the most advanced of their kind in the world, reported the kingdom’s state news agency BNA.

King Hamad hailed the dedicated and valuable efforts of the RBAF servicemen, commending their combat readiness and high level of skill as they stand united in joint operations with their counterparts in air defense and various units of the Bahrain Defense Force in carrying out their national duty to defend the kingdom, safeguard the security of its citizens, and protect its development process.

Bahrain will remain steadfast in its approach grounded in wisdom, moderation, and the promotion of peace and cooperation, continuing with confidence to fulfill its national and humanitarian responsibilities while strengthening its relations with its Arab, regional, and international partners in ways that support the security and stability of the region, he stressed.

He also praised the professionalism, discipline, and strong sense of responsibility demonstrated by Bahrain Defense Force servicemen across their various posts, emphasizing that the Bahrain Defense Force will remain committed to its role in safeguarding security, stability, and development of the kingdom.

Gulf

Kuwaiti Emir Condemns 'Brutal Iran Attack’, Affirms Right to Self-Defense

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah speaks in a televised address on the occasion of the last 10 nights of Ramadan (KUNA) 
Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah speaks in a televised address on the occasion of the last 10 nights of Ramadan (KUNA) 
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Kuwaiti Emir Condemns 'Brutal Iran Attack’, Affirms Right to Self-Defense

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah speaks in a televised address on the occasion of the last 10 nights of Ramadan (KUNA) 
Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah speaks in a televised address on the occasion of the last 10 nights of Ramadan (KUNA) 

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah said on Monday his country, where 12 people were killed, has been subjected to a brutal attack by Iran, despite not allowing the use of its land, airspace, or coasts for any military action against the Iranian Republic.

On Feb. 28, the United States and Israel launched a surprise strike against Iran, which responded by firing ballistic missiles on lands and facilities in Gulf countries and Jordan.

In a televised address on the occasion of the last 10 nights of Ramadan, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad stressed Kuwait's full and inherent right to self-defense in response to Iran’s blatant aggression.

“Our country has been subjected to a brutal attack by a neighboring Muslim country, which we consider a friend, even though we have not permitted the use of our land, airspace, or coasts for any military action against it, and we have repeatedly informed them of this through our diplomatic channels,” he said.

The Emir insisted on Kuwait's full and inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, in response to this blatant aggression, in a manner proportionate to the scale and nature of the attack and in accordance with international law, including taking all necessary measures to protect its territory, its people, and residents while preserving its sovereignty, security, and stability.

Addressing Kuwaiti nationals, he said, “I address you tonight... during a period in which the region is witnessing rapid developments, increasing tensions, and an unprecedented escalation.”

He said that awareness of current developments is no longer a choice but a national necessity that allows for the accurate interpretation of developments, understanding potential political and security challenges, and dealing with them rationally and responsibly, without neither exaggeration nor underestimation.

The Emir praised the Kuwaiti Armed Forces who managed to intercept hundreds of drones and missiles and said he ordered authorities to enhance precautionary measures and safeguard critical sites to ensure a rapid response to any emergency and maintain public stability.

“The military, security and civilian institutions are operating with high readiness and coordination to ensure the safety of citizens under all circumstances,” he said.

Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad said attacks targeting Kuwait’s airspace, territory, civilian facilities and infrastructure constitute a blatant violation of international norms and conventions and a direct assault on the country’s sovereignty, security and stability.

He said Kuwait’s sovereignty is a red line protected by the will of its people and the courage of its men and women, adding that the country will not allow any state to threaten its security or stability.

He also called on the international community to take responsibility in condemning the aggression and ensuring respect for international law.

The Emir said the attacks targeting neighboring states are attacks on the security of the entire region and a direct threat to its stability and peace.

He stressed that the security of the Gulf Cooperation Council states is indivisible and that any violation of one member state’s sovereignty is a threat to the collective security of all.

Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad reaffirmed Kuwait’s solidarity with its neighbors and support for all measures taken to protect the sovereignty, security and stability of the region.

The Crown Prince also expressed gratitude to the leaders of sisterly and friendly countries for their messages condemning the Iranian aggression against Kuwait.

“These communications showed strong solidarity and support for Kuwait in defending its sovereignty and security and reflected the close ties of friendship and unity in facing threats to regional stability and the safety of its people,” Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad said.

Gulf

One Dead, Eight Wounded in Iranian Attack on Residential Building in Manama

Smoke rises after an Iranian drone was intercepted over the Bahrain Financial Harbour towers, which houses the Israeli embassy, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Manama, Bahrain, March 6, 2026. Picture taken on a mobile phone. REUTERS/Stringer
Smoke rises after an Iranian drone was intercepted over the Bahrain Financial Harbour towers, which houses the Israeli embassy, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Manama, Bahrain, March 6, 2026. Picture taken on a mobile phone. REUTERS/Stringer
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One Dead, Eight Wounded in Iranian Attack on Residential Building in Manama

Smoke rises after an Iranian drone was intercepted over the Bahrain Financial Harbour towers, which houses the Israeli embassy, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Manama, Bahrain, March 6, 2026. Picture taken on a mobile phone. REUTERS/Stringer
Smoke rises after an Iranian drone was intercepted over the Bahrain Financial Harbour towers, which houses the Israeli embassy, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Manama, Bahrain, March 6, 2026. Picture taken on a mobile phone. REUTERS/Stringer

Bahrain’s Interior Ministry said early on Tuesday that a 29-year-old woman was killed and eight others were wounded as the result of a blatant Iranian attack on a residential building in the capital Manama.

The Bahrain Defense Force General Command confirmed that air defense systems continue to confront successive waves of what it described as Iranian terrorist attacks, noting that since the start of the aggression they have destroyed 102 missiles and 173 drones targeting the country.

In a statement, the General Command denounced the use of ballistic missiles and drones to target civilian facilities and private property dubbing it as a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and the United Nations Charter.

It stressed that these indiscriminate attacks pose a direct threat to regional peace and security.

It also urged everyone to remain at home and only go out in cases of extreme necessity, while exercising the highest levels of caution to ensure their safety.