Kuwait Condemns BBC Report on Anniversary of Iraqi Invasion

Coalition forces enter Kuwait in March 1991. Asharq Al-Awsat
Coalition forces enter Kuwait in March 1991. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Kuwait Condemns BBC Report on Anniversary of Iraqi Invasion

Coalition forces enter Kuwait in March 1991. Asharq Al-Awsat
Coalition forces enter Kuwait in March 1991. Asharq Al-Awsat

Kuwait has expressed condemnation of what it called “historical fabrications” made by the British Broadcasting Corporation in an Arabic program broadcast on the anniversary of Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990.

In the program, BBC alleged that up until 1920, Kuwait was part of Iraq.

But the Kuwaiti Ministry of Information issued a statement on Thursday, rebuffing BBC’s “fabrications and allegations” on the country’s sovereignty.

The ministry “regretted” that BBC presenter Rania Al-Attar’s program “Trending” had fabricated allegations about Kuwait’s historic sovereignty, and “violated professional rules, distorting historic facts.”

“Such false claims and serious mistakes are utterly unacceptable, especially when this comes from an international media outlet, which is supposed to observe professional criteria, and to clarify, not distort, facts,” said the statement.

It drew question marks on the timing of such claims, which coincided with the 28th anniversary of Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait.

The ministry said it “has the right to pursue any entity or institution that deliberately commits this historic distortion” of facts.



Trump to Visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE on May 13-16, White House Says

US President Donald Trump speaks during a swearing-in ceremony for Paul Atkins as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, on 22 April 2025. (EPA)
US President Donald Trump speaks during a swearing-in ceremony for Paul Atkins as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, on 22 April 2025. (EPA)
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Trump to Visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE on May 13-16, White House Says

US President Donald Trump speaks during a swearing-in ceremony for Paul Atkins as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, on 22 April 2025. (EPA)
US President Donald Trump speaks during a swearing-in ceremony for Paul Atkins as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, on 22 April 2025. (EPA)

President Donald Trump's upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates will take place May 13-16, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Tuesday.

Trump would be traveling to the Middle East at a time of ongoing tensions with Iran, the Houthis in Yemen and the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

The Middle East would have been Trump’s first foreign destination since returning to the White House, but he will be heading to the Vatican to attend Pope Francis’s funeral on Saturday.

Saudi Arabia was the destination of Trump’s first foreign visit during his first term as president, underscoring the importance his administration places on the Kingdom’s regional and international role.

Trump had previously described his ties with the Middle East as “good”. He has constantly hailed the trade relations between the US and Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom’s role in establishing peace and stability in the region.

He has praised it for hosting American diplomatic efforts and facilitating ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine.

Trump has underlined the size of Saudi investments in Amercian companies that amount to nearly $1 billion dollars and has boasted of his strong friendship with Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Analysts have said Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE will be very significant and will witness the signing of several trade and military agreements.

The visit will also highlight Qatar’s role as a mediator in the Gaza war, while the US views the UAE as a strategic partner.