US embassy cable - 05KUWAIT2091

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 KUWAIT 002091 
 
SIPDIS 
 
FOR NEA/PI AND NEA/ARPI - BERNS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/15/2015 
TAGS: PGOV, PREL, ECON, KDEM, KMPI, KU, Public Diplomacy 
SUBJECT: KUWAIT:  DEMOCRATIC REFORM STRATEGIES TO SUPPORT 
FREEDOM AGENDA 
 
REF: STATE 80607 
 
Classified By: Ambassador Richard LeBaron for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) 
 
1.  (U)  Introduction:  Kuwait proudly identifies itself as 
the region's oldest functioning democracy, pointing as 
evidence to its 43-year-old constitution; active elected 
National Assembly; and separate executive, legislative, 
judicial branches.  The May 16 decision to grant Kuwaiti 
women full political participation was a landmark event in 
Kuwait's political history and democratic development. 
Respect for basic rights of free speech and assembly are 
ingrained in Kuwaiti society and respected by the Government. 
 Nonetheless, while citizens elect a Municipal Council and 
National Assembly, they do not have the right to change their 
government.  2003 National Assembly elections were generally 
considered to be free and fair, but there were credible 
reports of vote buying. 
 
2.  (C)  Although there is a recognized need for political 
and economic reform, and senior members of the Government 
have called for change, the GOK is not sure how to affect 
further reform and what shape it should take.  There is 
concern that democratic reform, should it be drastic and 
occur too fast, would disrupt existing stability and invite 
interference from more conservative elements of society and 
from Saudi Arabia and Iran, both of which the GOK wants to 
keep at bay.  The U.S. strategy for democratic reform in 
Kuwait must be far-reaching, comprehensive, and focus on the 
benefits to Kuwait from reform measures.  Greater success 
will come from supporting Kuwaiti initiatives and using 
global models rather than U.S.-specific examples.  (For 
example, a resource requirement for the desired outcomes 
below is funding for an Arabic translation and regular 
distribution of the "Journal of Democracy."  This publication 
would be well received by academics, journalists, and 
government officials, in part because of the diverse 
backgrounds of its contributors.)  Additionally, Kuwaitis are 
a proud and independent people, and successful reform efforts 
in neighboring countries will spur action from a nation that 
prefers to distinguish itself from other Gulf states. 
 
3.  (C)  Priorities:  For the period through December 2006, 
the U.S. focus should be on political reform, particularly 
GOK efforts to promote the full political participation of 
Kuwaiti women.  We should ensure that women, now empowered to 
vote and run for office, play an active role in Kuwait's 
political life.  We should also promote the formation of 
political parties, a step that would eventually help to 
reduce tribal influence and religious ideology on domestic 
politics.  Support for a free press would also contribute to 
reform efforts.  For all of our MEPI objectives, sustained, 
coordinated engagement by senior USG officials and Members of 
Congress will be critical. 
 
4.  (C)  Desired Outcomes: 
 
A.  Full Political Participation for Kuwaiti Women 
 
2005 Milestone:  On May 16, the National Assembly passed 
legislation granting women full political participation at 
the municipal and national levels.  Although women will not 
be able to run for national office until 2007 and the 
Municipal Council until 2009, we should encourage that women 
serve on the Municipal Council in seats appointed by the GOK, 
and that the GOK name women as government ministers.  The 
Ministry of Health position is currently vacant and 
speculation is that a woman may fill that void.  Many 
Kuwaitis also believe that ruling family member and current 
Under Secretary for Higher Education, Dr. Rasha Al-Sabah, 
will soon become the Minister of Education. 
 
2006 Milestone:  By the end of 2006 Kuwaiti women will be 
registered to vote for Parliament and several women will be 
preparing to run for the 2007 National Assembly elections. 
 
Strategy:  The U.S. position on women's political rights is 
well known and some Kuwaitis believe the USG was the main 
impetus for the GOK push for women's political rights.  As 
requested by supporters of women's rights, the Embassy 
maintained a fairly low profile on the issue to not detract 
from this basic right.  This does not mean that we were 
silent.  Rather, Embassy Kuwait regularly stressed the 
importance of women's political rights with senior Government 
officials and MPs.  We will continue to engage the GOK, 
reminding them that all Kuwaitis must understand their 
political rights and how to use them. 
 
Programming/Tactics:  Post will continue to engage Government 
officials and MPs on the need for full political 
participation.  Embassy Officers will attend diwaniyas, 
seminars, and lectures on voting rights and participation. 
Post will also continue to host representational events (a 
recent Ambassador-hosted lunch for women activists and a 
Political Section-hosted movie night for suffrage supporters 
were popular events) to signal U.S. interest and support. 
Post will seek additional MEPI projects designed to advance 
women's political participation. 
 
Resources Requirements:  MEPI funding for National Democratic 
Institute (NDI) or similar organization to conduct campaign 
training workshops for women (preferably in a GCC or 
region-wide context in order to promote learning from other 
women in the region and dilute any charges of USG 
interference in internal politics); funding for a single 
country IV program to bring Kuwaiti women together to meet 
with American women active in politics; increased funding for 
speakers' programs  (the July 2004 visit of the former 
Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota on women's political and 
social rights was very successful); increased representation 
allowance for hosting events on women's issues. 
 
Consequences:  The U.S. should support and train women 
running for office and increase awareness about the benefits 
of women playing an active role in Parliament.  Women should 
not fail to be elected to the National Assembly because of 
insufficient support from the U.S. 
 
B.  Desired Outcome:  Establishment of Political Parties 
 
2005 Milestone:  A comprehensive national dialogue emerges on 
permitting political parties and the National Assembly holds 
committee hearings. 
 
2006 Milestone:  The GOK introduces legislation to permit 
parties.  Parties are established based on shared beliefs and 
membership cuts across religion, economic standing, and 
tribal affiliation.  Unofficial slates are identified for 
2007 National Assembly elections. 
 
Strategy:  The 2005 resignations of three ministers 
highlighted the influence tribal identification and religious 
affiliation can have on the GOK and its ability to govern. 
Through close contacts with senior Government officials and 
MPs, Embassy Officers will raise awareness to the benefits of 
political parties and how they can serve the broader 
community instead of a subset. 
 
Programming/Tactics:  Post will continue to engage Government 
officials and MPs on the benefits of political parties and 
their potential for reducing influence based on tribal or 
religious ties.  Embassy Officers will attend diwaniyas, 
seminars, and lectures in favor of political party 
establishment.  Post will use MEPI funds and IV programs to 
educate MPs and voters about political parties. 
 
Kuwait was invited as an observer to the April 2005 
ministerial meeting of the Community of Democracies (CD) in 
Santiago, in order to sustain reform momentum, the U.S. and 
CD partners should consider inviting Kuwait to become more 
active in the community. 
 
Resource Requirements:  The Political Officer position 
responsible for monitoring Parliament was not filled in the 
2005 assignment process.  For sustained, active engagement, 
Post requires the assignment of an entry- or mid-level 
officer, analyst, or Presidential Management Fellow.  Post 
also desires a single-country IV program for members of 
Parliament and their staffs to see how political parties 
function at the national and local levels. Post also requires 
funding for the Arabic translation and distribution of the 
"Journal of Democracy," and an enhanced speaker program on 
the development of legislatures and parties.  Kuwait's 
Parliament consists of one house, MPs might welcome some type 
of exchange with the Nebraska Senate, the only U.S. 
unicameral legislature. 
 
Consequences:  Some will unquestionably accuse the USG of 
meddling in Kuwait's domestic politics.  To diminish such 
criticism, we should reach out to all established political 
blocs from the liberals to the Islamists.  We should also 
coordinate closely with NGOs, the EU, and others who share 
our goals. 
 
C.  Desired Outcome:  Enhanced Freedom of Expression and 
Responsible Journalism 
 
Milestone 2005:  The GOK abandons the current draft press law 
that would impose greater restrictions on the media such as 
weakening libel protections and giving the GOK greater 
control of advertising content and extending its ability to 
shut down newspapers. 
 
Milestone 2006:  In consultation with the media, the GOK 
submits a revised press law that reinforces press freedom. 
 
Strategy:  Kuwait has an active media, but self-censorship, 
poor standards, and Government interference hamper freedom of 
the press.  Embassy Officers will engage the GOK on how an 
active, vibrant press can contribute to political and 
economic reform and impress upon the media the need for 
trained reporters and responsible journalism. 
 
Programming/Tactics:  Post will use IV programs and 
in-country workshops to promote responsible journalism.  Post 
will continue to place articles in local publications to not 
only advance U.S. policies, but also to serve as examples of 
well-researched, balanced news.  Post will also strengthen 
efforts to counter dis-information.  Post will also continue 
to actively program speakers with backgrounds in writing and 
journalism. 
 
Resource Requirements:  The Public Affairs Section is 
currently understaffed.  We continue to look for a qualified 
candidate to fill the vacant Information Assistant position 
and if not hiring locally, will require funding for 
relocation expenses.  Post will also use MEPI and IV programs 
to advance this goal. 
 
Consequences:  A better informed public will likely play a 
more active role in Kuwait's political development, demanding 
and asserting its rights under the constitution. 
 
5.  Organization:  Post has an active MEPI Committee chaired 
by the DCM, with a Political Officer serving as Post 
Coordinator. 
LEBARON