CRS-科威特：治理、安全和美国政策（英文）-2021.5-25页_1mb

Summary of Kuwait: Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy

Core Content

Kuwait is a key regional partner of the United States in the Persian Gulf, due to its strategic location and consistent military cooperation. The U.S.-Kuwait Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) allows for the deployment of over 13,000 U.S. military personnel and the prepositioning of significant military equipment. The U.S. also grants Kuwait Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status, enhancing defense collaboration, though arms sales still require U.S. executive approval.

Kuwait is part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and has played a mediating role in regional conflicts, particularly in Yemen and Syria. It has not joined other GCC states in isolating Qatar and has avoided direct involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, maintaining a neutral stance. Kuwait has also contributed to the stabilization of Iraq and supported Jordan's economy amid regional instability.

Main Points

Political Structure

• Kuwait has a constitutional monarchy with an elected National Assembly.
• The Amir is the head of state and ruler, with the Prime Minister as head of government.
• The National Assembly has 50 elected seats and up to 15 cabinet members serve ex-officio.
• The government has historically dissolved the Assembly multiple times, often to maintain control over the political process.

Political Factions

• Government Supporters:
  • Tribalists: Focus on distributing government resources to their constituents.
  • Shias: Mostly aligned with the government, organized in the National Islamic Alliance.
  • Women: Generally support the government, though their political participation is limited.
• Government Critics:
  • Liberals and Youths: Secular, educated elites advocating for reform.
  • Sunni Islamists: Often associated with the Muslim Brotherhood or Salafists, but not violent.

Recent Political Developments

• The 2020 death of Amir Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jabir Al Sabah led to the succession of Crown Prince Nawwaf, who named Mishal as the new Crown Prince.
• The 2020 National Assembly elections resulted in the opposition holding 24 of 50 seats.
• The Assembly faced early challenges, including a cabinet resignation and a month-long delay before resuming operations.

Human Rights Issues

• Freedom of Expression: Restricted since the Arab Spring, with laws against criticizing the Amir and religious figures.
• Women's Rights: Women have legal rights but face traditional discrimination. They can now run and vote in elections but have limited representation in the National Assembly.
• Trafficking in Persons: Kuwait improved its rating from Tier 3 to Tier 2 in recent years, but domestic worker abuse remains a concern.
• Noncitizens and Bidoons: Approximately 70% of the population are noncitizens, and around 88,000 Bidoons (stateless persons) remain without citizenship.

Key Information

U.S.-Kuwait Relations

• The U.S. and Kuwait have a long-standing defense relationship, dating back to the Iran-Iraq War.
• The DCA, signed in 1991, includes joint military exercises, training, and equipment prepositioning.
• U.S. troops are stationed in Kuwait at major facilities such as Camp Arifjan and Ali al Salem Air Base, with a total of about 13,500 forces.
• Kuwait hosts the headquarters for Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led campaign against the Islamic State.

Economic Issues

• Kuwait's economy is heavily reliant on oil exports, which have declined since 2014 due to falling global prices and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The country has faced economic stagnation due to political paralysis.
• Kuwait has not received significant U.S. foreign assistance, but has contributed to U.S. military costs in the region.

Foreign Policy

• Kuwait has not aligned with Israel's government, unlike some other GCC states.
• It has supported efforts to counter terrorism and has been involved in regional mediation.
• Kuwait has contributed to Iraq's recovery and provided aid to Jordan, but has not intervened in Syria's civil war.

Conclusion

Kuwait's political system is unique within the GCC for its elected National Assembly, but it faces challenges related to political reform and the balance of power between the ruling family and the Assembly. Despite these challenges, Kuwait remains a strategic partner of the United States in the region, especially in security and counterterrorism efforts. Its role in regional diplomacy and its economic contributions to U.S. military operations highlight its importance in the broader Middle East context.