THE FORTRESS BREACHED

THE OPENING OF THE TRIAL of the accused in last December's bombings in Kuwait turns an unwelcome page in the country's short independent history. From independence in 1961, Kuwait enjoyed an enviable internal tranquillity, marked by a comparatively liberal regime, under which most Kuwaitis devoted much of their time to the making of money (or, if a Suq al Manakh punter, to losing it). From the safe security of the 'Little Fortress,' Kuwaitis pursued an active and individual foreign policy, enemy to almost none, and friend to nearly all.