KUWAIT: DEMOCRATIC REFORM STRATEGIES TO SUPPORT

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 KUWAIT 002091

SIPDIS

FOR NEA/PI AND NEA/ARPI - BERNS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/15/2015
TAGS: PGOV PREL ECON KDEM KMPI KU
SUBJECT: KUWAIT: DEMOCRATIC REFORM STRATEGIES TO SUPPORT
FREEDOM AGENDA

REF: STATE 80607

Classified By: Ambassador Richard LeBaron for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (U) Introduction: Kuwait proudly identifies itself as
the region's oldest functioning democracy, pointing as
evidence to its 43-year-old constitution; active elected
National Assembly; and separate executive, legislative,
judicial branches. The May 16 decision to grant Kuwaiti
women full political participation was a landmark event in
Kuwait's political history and democratic development.
Respect for basic rights of free speech and assembly are
ingrained in Kuwaiti society and respected by the Government.
Nonetheless, while citizens elect a Municipal Council and
National Assembly, they do not have the right to change their
government. 2003 National Assembly elections were generally
considered to be free and fair, but there were credible
reports of vote buying.


2. (C) Although there is a recognized need for political
and economic reform, and senior members of the Government
have called for change, the GOK is not sure how to affect
further reform and what shape it should take. There is
concern that democratic reform, should it be drastic and
occur too fast, would disrupt existing stability and invite
interference from more conservative elements of society and
from Saudi Arabia and Iran, both of which the GOK wants to
keep at bay. The U.S. strategy for democratic reform in
Kuwait must be far-reaching, comprehensive, and focus on the
benefits to Kuwait from reform measures. Greater success
will come from supporting Kuwaiti initiatives and using
global models rather than U.S.-specific examples. (For
example, a resource requirement for the desired outcomes
below is funding for an Arabic translation and regular
distribution of the "Journal of Democracy." This publication
would be well received by academics, journalists, and
government officials, in part because of the diverse
backgrounds of its contributors.) Additionally, Kuwaitis are
a proud and independent people, and successful reform efforts
in neighboring countries will spur action from a nation that
prefers to distinguish itself from other Gulf states.


3. (C) Priorities: For the period through December 2006,
the U.S. focus should be on political reform, particularly
GOK efforts to promote the full political participation of
Kuwaiti women. We should ensure that women, now empowered to
vote and run for office, play an active role in Kuwait's
political life. We should also promote the formation of
political parties, a step that would eventually help to
reduce tribal influence and religious ideology on domestic
politics. Support for a free press would also contribute to
reform efforts. For all of our MEPI objectives, sustained,
coordinated engagement by senior USG officials and Members of
Congress will be critical.


4. (C) Desired Outcomes:


A. Full Political Participation for Kuwaiti Women

2005 Milestone: On May 16, the National Assembly passed
legislation granting women full political participation at
the municipal and national levels. Although women will not
be able to run for national office until 2007 and the
Municipal Council until 2009, we should encourage that women
serve on the Municipal Council in seats appointed by the GOK,
and that the GOK name women as government ministers. The
Ministry of Health position is currently vacant and
speculation is that a woman may fill that void. Many
Kuwaitis also believe that ruling family member and current
Under Secretary for Higher Education, Dr. Rasha Al-Sabah,
will soon become the Minister of Education.

2006 Milestone: By the end of 2006 Kuwaiti women will be
registered to vote for Parliament and several women will be
preparing to run for the 2007 National Assembly elections.

Strategy: The U.S. position on women's political rights is
well known and some Kuwaitis believe the USG was the main
impetus for the GOK push for women's political rights. As
requested by supporters of women's rights, the Embassy
maintained a fairly low profile on the issue to not detract
from this basic right. This does not mean that we were
silent. Rather, Embassy Kuwait regularly stressed the
importance of women's political rights with senior Government
officials and MPs. We will continue to engage the GOK,
reminding them that all Kuwaitis must understand their
political rights and how to use them.

Programming/Tactics: Post will continue to engage Government
officials and MPs on the need for full political
participation. Embassy Officers will attend diwaniyas,
seminars, and lectures on voting rights and participation.
Post will also continue to host representational events (a
recent Ambassador-hosted lunch for women activists and a
Political Section-hosted movie night for suffrage supporters
were popular events) to signal U.S. interest and support.
Post will seek additional MEPI projects designed to advance
women's political participation.

Resources Requirements: MEPI funding for National Democratic
Institute (NDI) or similar organization to conduct campaign
training workshops for women (preferably in a GCC or
region-wide context in order to promote learning from other
women in the region and dilute any charges of USG
interference in internal politics); funding for a single
country IV program to bring Kuwaiti women together to meet
with American women active in politics; increased funding for
speakers' programs (the July 2004 visit of the former
Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota on women's political and
social rights was very successful); increased representation
allowance for hosting events on women's issues.

Consequences: The U.S. should support and train women
running for office and increase awareness about the benefits
of women playing an active role in Parliament. Women should
not fail to be elected to the National Assembly because of
insufficient support from the U.S.


B. Desired Outcome: Establishment of Political Parties

2005 Milestone: A comprehensive national dialogue emerges on
permitting political parties and the National Assembly holds
committee hearings.

2006 Milestone: The GOK introduces legislation to permit
parties. Parties are established based on shared beliefs and
membership cuts across religion, economic standing, and
tribal affiliation. Unofficial slates are identified for
2007 National Assembly elections.

Strategy: The 2005 resignations of three ministers
highlighted the influence tribal identification and religious
affiliation can have on the GOK and its ability to govern.
Through close contacts with senior Government officials and
MPs, Embassy Officers will raise awareness to the benefits of
political parties and how they can serve the broader
community instead of a subset.

Programming/Tactics: Post will continue to engage Government
officials and MPs on the benefits of political parties and
their potential for reducing influence based on tribal or
religious ties. Embassy Officers will attend diwaniyas,
seminars, and lectures in favor of political party
establishment. Post will use MEPI funds and IV programs to
educate MPs and voters about political parties.

Kuwait was invited as an observer to the April 2005
ministerial meeting of the Community of Democracies (CD) in
Santiago, in order to sustain reform momentum, the U.S. and
CD partners should consider inviting Kuwait to become more
active in the community.

Resource Requirements: The Political Officer position
responsible for monitoring Parliament was not filled in the
2005 assignment process. For sustained, active engagement,
Post requires the assignment of an entry- or mid-level
officer, analyst, or Presidential Management Fellow. Post
also desires a single-country IV program for members of
Parliament and their staffs to see how political parties
function at the national and local levels. Post also requires
funding for the Arabic translation and distribution of the
"Journal of Democracy," and an enhanced speaker program on
the development of legislatures and parties. Kuwait's
Parliament consists of one house, MPs might welcome some type
of exchange with the Nebraska Senate, the only U.S.
unicameral legislature.

Consequences: Some will unquestionably accuse the USG of
meddling in Kuwait's domestic politics. To diminish such
criticism, we should reach out to all established political
blocs from the liberals to the Islamists. We should also
coordinate closely with NGOs, the EU, and others who share
our goals.


C. Desired Outcome: Enhanced Freedom of Expression and
Responsible Journalism

Milestone 2005: The GOK abandons the current draft press law
that would impose greater restrictions on the media such as
weakening libel protections and giving the GOK greater
control of advertising content and extending its ability to
shut down newspapers.

Milestone 2006: In consultation with the media, the GOK
submits a revised press law that reinforces press freedom.

Strategy: Kuwait has an active media, but self-censorship,
poor standards, and Government interference hamper freedom of
the press. Embassy Officers will engage the GOK on how an
active, vibrant press can contribute to political and
economic reform and impress upon the media the need for
trained reporters and responsible journalism.

Programming/Tactics: Post will use IV programs and
in-country workshops to promote responsible journalism. Post
will continue to place articles in local publications to not
only advance U.S. policies, but also to serve as examples of
well-researched, balanced news. Post will also strengthen
efforts to counter dis-information. Post will also continue
to actively program speakers with backgrounds in writing and
journalism.

Resource Requirements: The Public Affairs Section is
currently understaffed. We continue to look for a qualified
candidate to fill the vacant Information Assistant position
and if not hiring locally, will require funding for
relocation expenses. Post will also use MEPI and IV programs
to advance this goal.

Consequences: A better informed public will likely play a
more active role in Kuwait's political development, demanding
and asserting its rights under the constitution.


5. Organization: Post has an active MEPI Committee chaired
by the DCM, with a Political Officer serving as Post
Coordinator.
LEBARON