Kuwait



Kuwait is a city-state on the Persian Gulf. It was founded in 1756 by a confederation of tribes in a seaside oasis and given the name it has which is a transliteration of the Arabic word for "seaside fort". In other words the name means roughly "Shoreburg" or "Shorecastle".

After negotiations it was agreed that the Al-sabah tribe would hold the Emirate of Kuwait (not necessarily the biggest piece of the pie considering all the wealth the other tribes would get from the deal) and the other tribes would be free to trade. This fairly civilized means of settling the issue began Kuwait's history as a Merchant City.

Through the years Kuwaitis became known as seafarers and caravaners. They were also especially known for their pearl fishing.

Politically Kuwait had a pleasantly uneventful history. Though occasionally a power struggle in the desert would bring an army roaring to their gates, their walls were impregnable to any siege techniques available to any prince in the area. The Ottomans were far away and satisfied with nominal tribute, and The British Empire was inclined to act as their patron to protect such things as local trade, policing of the seas, and the Balance of Power. On the whole neither Great Power desired to meddle unbearably. Thus Kuwait's chief worry was negotiations with desert tribes about the proper tolls to be charged.

When oil was found in the early twentieth century, it changed Kuwait's economy. For one thing, it made it a more attractive tidbit. Kuwait finally came to the world's attention in 1991 when Saddam Hussein conquered it. This threatened to give Saddam control of the Middle East oil supply. A coalition was formed led by the United States and the invaders were ejected.

At the present time Kuwait is recovering from the war. The Al-sabahs monopoly of government function has of late been questioned and there has been talk of modifying the local constitution.