Oil-Producing Powerhouse’s Sheikh Dies at 86
Kuwait Mourns the Death of Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, Ruling Emir
The 86-year-old ruling emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, passed away on Saturday after a three-year reign focused on resolving the nation’s internal political disputes. His death was announced on Kuwait state television, accompanied by Quranic verses.
“With great sadness and sorrow, we — the Kuwaiti people, the Arab and Islamic nations, and the friendly peoples of the world — mourn the late His Highness the emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, who passed away to his Lord today,” said Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Al Sabah, the minister of his emiri court.
The cause of death was not disclosed. Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber, the 83-year-old half-brother of the emir, is expected to become the world’s oldest crown prince and take over as Kuwait’s ruler.
Sheikh Nawaf’s health had been a matter of concern since he was hospitalized in late November. Kuwait had been anxiously awaiting news about his condition. The health of Kuwait’s leaders is a sensitive issue in the country, which has experienced power struggles behind palace doors.
As the older generation of leaders in Kuwait fades away, pressure has mounted on the Al Sabah family to pass power to the next generation. This is in contrast to other Gulf Arab nations, such as Saudi Arabia, where younger and more assertive rulers have taken charge.
Sheikh Nawaf assumed the role of emir in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, following the death of his predecessor, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah. Sheikh Nawaf had previously served as Kuwait’s interior and defense minister, but faced criticism for his decisions during the Iraqi invasion in 1990.
During his reign, Sheikh Nawaf focused on resolving domestic issues and political disputes, including the overhaul of Kuwait’s welfare system. However, the nation’s limited financial resources have made it difficult to pay public sector salaries despite its immense oil wealth.
Sheikh Nawaf was known for his efforts to promote stability and reconciliation. He issued amnesty decrees to pardon dissidents and reduce sentences, and he played a role in easing tensions between Gulf Cooperation Council states.
Kuwait, a staunch ally of the United States, is home to the sixth-largest known oil reserves in the world. It hosts a significant number of American troops and serves as the forward headquarters of the U.S. Army in the Middle East.
Sheikh Nawaf’s death marks the end of an era for Kuwait, as the nation prepares for a transition of power to a new generation of leaders.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
Sources:
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What concerns were raised about Sheikh Nawaf’s health prior to his passing
Kuwait is mourning the death of its ruling emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, who passed away at the age of 86. His three-year reign was dedicated to resolving internal political disputes within the nation. The announcement of his death was made on Kuwaiti state television, accompanied by verses from the Quran.
With profound sadness and sorrow, the Kuwaiti people, along with the Arab and Islamic nations, as well as the friendly peoples of the world, mourn the late His Highness, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah. These words were expressed by Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Al Sabah, the minister of his emiri court.
The cause of Sheikh Nawaf’s death has not been disclosed. It is expected that his half-brother, Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber, aged 83, will become the oldest crown prince in the world and assume the role of Kuwait’s ruler.
Concerns about Sheikh Nawaf’s health emerged when he was hospitalized in late November. The news of his condition was eagerly awaited by the people of Kuwait. The health of Kuwait’s leaders is a sensitive matter in the country, where power struggles have taken place behind palace doors.
As the older generation of leaders in Kuwait diminishes, there is increasing pressure on the Al Sabah family to pass the torch to the next generation. This differs from other Gulf Arab nations, such as Saudi Arabia, where younger and more assertive rulers have taken the helm.
Sheikh Nawaf ascended to the position of emir in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, following the passing of his predecessor, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah. Prior to his reign, Sheikh Nawaf had served as Kuwait’s interior and defense minister. However, he faced criticism for his decisions during the Iraqi invasion in 1990.
The death of Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah marks the end of an era for Kuwait. The nation will now look to the future, as it mourns the loss of its respected ruler and prepares to welcome a new leader into its midst.
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