Why kuwait is important

Despite this, ongoing turbulences in the international oil market have already strained ties between Baghdad and Kuwait City. The longer crude prices remain low, the more bilateral ties could suffer from future oil-related issues. Skip to main content. Antonino Occhiuto. Kuwait Among the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council GCC , Kuwait continues to be the most concerned about the volatile security situation characterising neighbouring Iraq and is keen to avoid that the consequences of such insecurity spill over the border into Kuwait.

Related Contents:. Iraq: All the Challenges of Recasting a State. Read more:. When are MENA countries going to reach carbon neutrality. Energy mix in selected countries of the MENA region. Assad in Syria: Here to Stay? Angela Stefania Bergantino. University of Bari. Flanked by powerful neighbours Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Iran, its strategic location and massive oil reserves make it one of the world's richest countries per capita.

A conservative state with a Sunni Muslim majority and a US ally, Kuwait stands out from the other Gulf monarchies for having the most open political system.

But tensions have persisted between parliament and the cabinet, controlled by the ruling Al-Sabah family, and the government is facing increasing calls for radical political reform from the opposition. Sheikh Sabah reigned from , having previously served as a highly influential foreign minister for 40 years. He maintained Kuwait's pro-Western stance and pursued a policy of cautious reform, which Sheikh Nawaf, aged 83 when he ascended the throne, is expected to continue.

The authorities place limits on media freedom, and legislation provides for punishments for criticism of the emir and the government.

State broadcasters operate alongside privately-owned outlets. Some key dates in Kuwait's history:. It becomes an important trading post on the route from Mesopotamia to India. Kuwait becomes the first Arab country in the Gulf to establish an elected parliament.