Kuwait Sees First Political Crisis under New Tenure

 Kuwaiti National Assembly (KUNA)
Kuwaiti National Assembly (KUNA)
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Kuwait Sees First Political Crisis under New Tenure

 Kuwaiti National Assembly (KUNA)
Kuwaiti National Assembly (KUNA)

Amid signs of a political crisis in Kuwait - the first in the new era - the government on Wednesday boycotted a parliamentary session in protest against what is believed to be an implicit insult by one of the deputies while discussing the response to the Emiri’s speech.

After Speaker of the National Assembly Ahmed Al-Saadoun asked to delete the intervention of MP Abdul Karim Al-Kandari from the minutes of the session, a majority of 44 deputies voted against Saadoun’s request, a move that was seen by those demanding the annulment of the intervention as an insult to the Emir, which violates the constitution.

In objection to the National Assembly’s action, the government boycotted a parliamentary session on Wednesday, which forced Saadoun to lift the session due to the ministers’ absence.

Kuwaiti political analyst Dr. Ayed Manna told Asharq Al-Awsat that the government’s withdrawal from Wednesday’s session had “clear negative indicators.”

“It is inconceivable that the government that has just been formed and took the constitutional oath before the National Assembly will be absent,” Manna said, stressing that the Assembly was still discussing the response to the Amiri speech.

Asked whether Article 106 of the Constitution could be activated, giving the head of state the right to suspend Parliament for a month, Manna said: “Resorting to Article 106 of the Constitution, which stipulates postponing sessions for a month, is a valid possibility, and may anticipate an expected crisis as well, if Parliament does not reduce its pressure in certain directions.”

He continued: “I believe that the relationship between the two authorities may be marred by some turmoil, and therefore it must be built on a common vision and program,” stressing that government positions on some parliamentary demands, such as increasing salaries and loans and similar popular requests should not constitute a justification for paralyzing Parliament’s work.



Oman Warns of Escalation Risk, Qatar Pushes to Revive Talks

Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
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Oman Warns of Escalation Risk, Qatar Pushes to Revive Talks

Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA

Oman warned on Wednesday against the growing military escalation between Israel and Iran and stepped up its diplomatic efforts to shield the region from the risk of a broader conflict.

Qatar, also intensifying its mediation, said it was working with regional and international partners to end the Israeli-Iranian confrontation. This came as Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a written message from Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian.

According to the Qatari state news agency, the letter focused on bilateral relations and ways to enhance them.

On Tuesday, Majed Al Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs and advisor to the Prime Minister, said Doha was in constant contact with friends and partners in and outside the region to help end the escalating conflict.

“Qatar is engaging all parties to narrow differences and reach a scenario that puts an end to this dangerous escalation,” he said.

Al Ansari added that Qatar was working closely with regional and international actors to revive negotiations and de-escalate tensions to prevent the region from sliding into a potentially devastating war.

He said the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister had spoken with several international officials in recent days, voicing strong condemnation of Israel’s repeated violations and attacks, which he said undermine efforts to achieve peace.

Al Ansari stressed the urgent need for collective regional and global action to reduce tensions and resolve disputes through diplomacy.

In Muscat, the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi held talks with his Arab counterparts and key international partners, including EU foreign policy chief and European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas.

According to Omani sources, the discussions focused on tackling rising regional tensions triggered by Israel’s pre-emptive strikes on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent response, part of a broader crisis that has been intensifying since early Friday.

The talks also addressed the need to align international positions, increase political and legal pressure to halt Israeli attacks, and push for comprehensive negotiations aimed at restoring stability and averting further military escalation.

Al Busaidi urged an immediate end to what he called a “tragic war threatening regional security” and called for heightened diplomatic pressure to revive a political solution.