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The start of construction on the new Kuwaiti Mubarak Al-Kabir port near Iraq has reignited long-standing resentments over territory, security and the legacy of reparations from the Saddam era.

Kuwaiti port plans reflect spending push

In April, Sheikh Nasser Mohammed was reappointed as prime minister by the emir, following the resignation of the cabinet in the wake of attempts to question three ministers. Despite heavy opposition from several MPs and youth activists, Sheikh Nasser has now formed his seventh government in five years.

This should be a moment of vindication for Kuwait. But the political classes seem incapable of responding to voters’ pride in their constitution and exasperation with domestic squabbles

Shell has been approached for gas imports from its Iraqi fields, although there is no guarantee the deal will go through given power shortages in Iraq. At the same time, Kuwait wants to increase output from its own fields

Kuwait has been shaken by the sudden death in Cairo of prominent businessman Nasser Al-Kharafi after a heart attack. Al-Kharafi, who was in his mid-60s, was widely regarded as the patriarch of a family that has played a leading role in developing the emirate’s business sector and was a favourite of

On 5 March, Sheikh Nasser Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah was re-appointed by his uncle, the emir, to the post of prime minister. He will be tasked with forming his seventh government in five years, despite heavy opposition from several MPs and youth activists

Iran’s relations with its Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) neighbours have entered a dangerous new phase in the febrile world of Arab politics that has followed the upsurge in popular protest and toppling of North African regimes. Amid claims of bellicose meddling in domestic affairs, it would not be over-dramatic to talk about the emergence of a new Arab-Iranian cold war, reflected in actions such as Kuwait’s 31 March announcement that it would expel an unspecified number of Iranian diplomats for alleged spying and the mid-March attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Tehran and Mashhad.

Emir reappoints prime minister despite opposition, Nigerian kingpin released, Rafsanjani son accused of cheating, Al-Attiyah in line for Arab League job

Kuwait-based Mobile Telecommunications Company (Zain Group) announced on 3 March a consolidated net profit of $3.675bn for the 12 months ending 31 December 2010. Its total managed active customers rose by 23% to 37.2m, and consolidated revenues reached KD1.35bn ($4.7bn), an increase of 7%. Its active customer base grew in Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Iraq, Lebanon and Kuwait, but decreased in Bahrain and Jordan.

Since Kuwait was the first Arab state to have a parliament in 1962, it is no stranger to voices of dissent and opposition within its governing system. It has a powerful and democratically elected National Assembly, with a strong sense of constitutional rights (GSN 891/1). This has earned the emirate a reputation for a vigorous political culture.

Manama has witnessed Jasmine Revolution-inspired demonstrations calling for political reform. The fervour of opposition has spread to many Gulf states, where aged leaders are being challenged by their youthful populations

After Friday prayers on 18 February, hundreds of stateless Arabs protested to demand their civil rights. The elite special forces used water cannon, tear gas, batons and smoke bombs to disperse the crowds.

The involvement of Gulf states in funding a security team in the Puntland region shows that pirates, radical Islamists and warlords are a serious regional problem, and that oil interests may also be at stake

On 5 February, Kuwait Energy Company (KEC) issued its Q4 2010 activities report announcing unaudited earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation of $36.4m.