Kuwait heads towards another transition, as emir hands powers to CP Mishaal

The transfer of powers to Crown Prince Sheikh Mishaal on 16 November was described by officials as a temporary move, but few expect Emir Sheikh Nawaf to return fully to front line duty, given his poor health. The Al-Sabahs will seek to maintain business as usual, as Mishaal’s reappointment of Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah suggests little appetite for change at the cabinet level, despite the amnesty for exiled opposition leaders.