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Arab Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
We need a courageous stance ... Why are there so many local liquor factories?
FIRST and foremost, I neither like nor consume alcohol ... It has never been part of my life. So when I write about this issue, it is not out of any personal interest, but only because it represents a growing societal problem that needs to be discussed calmly. Recently, news outlets reported the tragic deaths of 23 individuals and the poisoning of around 160 others after consuming adulterated alcohol. At the same time, security forces uncovered a makeshift factory where toxic chemicals and pesticides were being used to produce local liquor. The phenomenon of 'local alcohol' and smuggled alcoholic beverages is not new. It has a long and dangerous history, claiming many lives and leaving others with lasting injuries. In just one week, police arrested several individuals involved in smuggling imported goods or selling locally produced liquor. This prompts me to reflect on the year 1964, when Article 206 of the Penal Code was passed after extensive debate. I recall that Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem (May Allah have mercy on him) was quoted as asking, 'Does this ban encourage drug smuggling, and what are the alternatives?' That question, along with similar ones, has been raised repeatedly over the past six decades. Yet the response has almost always been the same - 'Kuwaiti society is conservative,' and the conversation ends there. However, in reality, Kuwait is not the only conservative society. All Gulf societies are conservative by nature. Still, some of their governments have allowed the controlled sale of alcoholic beverages to non-Muslim expatriates, within specific boundaries, offering some level of relief for these people. Back in the 1960s, before Article 206 was passed, I recall that we launched a press campaign, not to ban alcoholic beverages, but to raise a different question: Why was their distribution monopolized by a foreign company? This was a common situation in all the Arabian Gulf states at the time. The debate wasn't about banning alcohol outright. Interestingly, the conservative society of that era was, in many ways, more open than it is today. So, what has come from the ban in Kuwait? It has led to a surge in drug use, increased smuggling and trafficking, and, as the saying goes, 'Everything forbidden becomes desirable.' We began seeing a rise in the circulation of deadly substances, including makeshift alcohol laced with toxins and produced in illegal 'factories.' The statistics are alarming. Around 81,000 addicts seek help through psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, and treatment centers for just eight years, which is over 10,000 cases per year. These numbers paint a disturbing picture. When 51 percent of users and dealers are citizens, it sends a serious alarm bell and raises important questions about available alternatives. So we ask, why isn't there a calm, open discussion that considers all perspectives, including legal, religious, and public health-related, in the interest of society as a whole? Why do we continue to avoid approaching this issue with objectivity, free from the pressure of extremist voices that have long tried to impose their political ideologies on society? That same pressure has contributed to rising extremism and an alarming increase in drug abuse. What we truly need now is the courage to confront these issues directly, without finger-pointing. The discovery of counterfeit alcohol factories, the growing number of victims, and the high rate of drug use all call for addressing this issue with calm, clarity, and without preconceived notions. I remember, several decades ago, when a Gulf ruler allowed alcohol in his country under strict regulations, someone questioned him, 'Our society is conservative, so how can you permit this?' He responded by saying, 'A true believer doesn't need a deterrent.'
Kuwait Times
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait marks 64th Independence Day
State has made many accomplishments at many levels over the past six decades KUWAIT: Kuwait on Thursday celebrated its 64th independence anniversary, a joyous occasion that marked a new chapter in the northern Gulf state, which took its first steps in the journey of development. The late Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah signed the Declaration of Independence with the British Chief Political Resident in the Arabian Gulf Sir George Middleton, ending the protectorate agreement and paving the way for a journey of development. Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem said: 'On this day of our beloved nation ... On this day we move from one stage to another stage of history, and we fold a page from the past ... and open a new page through this agreement through which Kuwait earned its complete independence and full sovereignty.' Three years after the declaration, a decree was signed on May 18, 1964 merging the national day with the day in which Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem assumed office, making it February 25. Celebrations have been held on that day since 1965. Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem took carefully measured steps for this day since assuming office in 1950, securing independence and paving the way for adopting a constitution. He signed a decree on August 26, 1961 to hold elections of the Constituent Assembly, mandated with writing the constitution. The 183-article constitution was completed in nine months, and it laid the foundations for a sturdy democratic regime, putting the Kuwaiti people on a path of progress and prosperity. On Sept 7, 1961, an Amiri decree was signed specifying the shape and colors of the Kuwaiti flag, the very first flag to be flown following independence. Kuwait has made many accomplishments at many levels over the past 64 years, meeting the aspirations of citizens, playing a major role in regional and international issues, and becoming a global humanitarian center. Kuwait became member of the Arab League on July 20, 1961. The UN Security Council began considering on Nov 30, 1961 Kuwait's application to join the United Nations, and on May 14, 1963, the application was approved and Kuwait became the UN's 111th member. The 15-year reign of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem, who was dubbed the 'Father of Independence' and 'Father of the Constitution', was peppered with achievements. At that time, Kuwait accomplished 43 laws and legislation, including the nationality law, monetary law, passports law and the organization of government departments. New departments were established to cope with the development of the nation, like public works, health, publication, knowledge, municipality, post and telephone, electricity and water, social affairs, awqaf and radio and television. Kuwait remains on a steady path of preventative diplomacy, crisis mediation and efforts contributing to solving outstanding regional and international issues. — KUNA
Arab Times
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait marks 64 years of independence and sovereignty
KUWAIT CITY, June 19: Kuwait marks the 64th anniversary of its independence today, commemorating a historic moment that signified the country's emergence as a fully sovereign state and the beginning of a transformative journey defined by dignity, progress, and national pride. On June 19, 1961, the late Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah officially declared the end of the British protectorate agreement, paving the way for Kuwait to become an independent nation with full authority over its land and resources. This historic milestone laid the foundation for political autonomy and a modern renaissance that would guide the country's future. Describing the occasion as one of Kuwait's most pivotal turning points, citizens recall the remarkable achievements accomplished over the past six decades. These milestones reflect the success of strategic planning and visionary leadership committed to the development and prosperity of the country and its people. Kuwait has also earned a prominent role on the regional and international stage, particularly for its humanitarian contributions. The nation's steady progress continues under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Their efforts have strengthened Kuwait's domestic growth and its global diplomatic presence through a balanced policy of preventive diplomacy. Reflecting on the historic declaration, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem addressed the nation on the day of independence, stating: "On this auspicious day of our beloved homeland... we move from one stage to another in the stages of history, turning with the dawn a page of the past... to open a new page represented by this agreement, by virtue of which Kuwait gained its full independence and complete sovereignty." Three years later, on May 18, 1964, a decree was issued merging National Day with Accession Day, marking Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem's rise to power, which is now observed annually on February 25. The path to independence was not spontaneous but the result of deliberate efforts by Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem since his accession in 1950. Recognizing the nation's potential, he worked toward achieving independence and enacting a constitution. This culminated in an Amiri Decree issued on August 26, 1961, to hold elections for a Constituent Assembly tasked with drafting a constitution based on democratic principles. Within nine months, the Assembly completed a 183-article document that established the legal and institutional foundations for Kuwait's democratic governance. Following independence, Kuwait swiftly passed 43 civil and criminal laws, including legislation on nationality, currency, passports, and administrative regulations. A separate Amiri Decree was issued to organize the judiciary, ensuring comprehensive jurisdiction over domestic legal matters. Internationally, Kuwait made its presence felt by joining numerous regional and global organizations. The UN Security Council began reviewing Kuwait's membership application on November 30, 1961, and on May 14, 1963, Kuwait officially became the 111th member of the United Nations. Even before independence, Kuwait had a well-established administrative structure, with departments in public works, health, education, telecommunications, electricity, water, social affairs, endowments, and media. These departments were instrumental in supporting the young nation's rapid development and institutional expansion. Post-independence, Kuwait adhered to the principles of international legitimacy— rejecting aggression, protecting human rights, preserving national sovereignty, and advocating non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations. The country also strongly supported the role of the United Nations in promoting global peace and security. Today, 64 years after its independence, Kuwait continues to advance comprehensive development strategies at the national level while maintaining a foreign policy grounded in moderation, cooperation, and peaceful conflict resolution. It works closely with regional and international partners to prevent disputes and promote stability. Kuwait's independence stands as a testament to the determination of its people, who believed in their right to freedom and worked to transform that vision into reality. As the nation honors this legacy, the responsibility now lies with future generations to preserve and build upon it — recognizing that true nation-building is sustained not only by remembering the past, but through dedicated effort toward a stronger, brighter future.
Arab Times
20-03-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Farwaniya wins Governorates Ramadan Super Cup
20/03/2025 Farwaniya Governorate team crowned with the Super Cup. KUWAIT CITY, March 20: The Public Authority for Youth Stadium in Mishref recently hosted the final of the Governorates Ramadan Super Cup football tournament, organized by the Sports for All Sector of the Public Authority for Sports. In an exciting showdown, the Farwaniya Governorate team triumphed over the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governorate team with a commanding 4-1 victory. After the match, both teams were honoured in a special ceremony. The final was attended by several distinguished officials, including Farwaniya Governor Sheikh Athbi Al-Nasser, Capital Governor Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem, Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governor Sheikh Sabah Al-Badr, Ahmadi Governor Sheikh Hamoud Al-Jaber, and Adel Al-Aslawi, representing the Governor of Hawalli. Also present was Bashar Abdullah, the Acting Director of the Public Authority for Youth. During the ceremony, Farwaniya Governor Sheikh Athbi Al-Nasser reaffirmed his commitment to supporting youth and sports activities, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, emphasizing their importance in fostering health awareness, promoting sports culture, and enhancing community engagement across Kuwait's governorates. He also expressed gratitude to the organizers and congratulated the winners, wishing them continued success.
