NATIONAL GUARD CHIEF ON COUNTERTERRORISM, THE

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 KUWAIT 003669

SIPDIS

LONDON FOR TSOU

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/15/2015
TAGS: PGOV PINR PREL PTER IZ KU
SUBJECT: NATIONAL GUARD CHIEF ON COUNTERTERRORISM, THE
REGION, SUCCESSION, AND DEMOCRATIC REFORM

REF: KUWAIT 3523

Classified By: AMBASSADOR RICHARD LEBARON FOR REASONS 1.4 (b) AND (d)


1. (C) Summary: During an August 15 meeting, National Guard
Commander Shaykh Salem Al-Ali Al-Salem Al-Sabah told the
Ambassador that fighting poverty and illiteracy will help
combat terrorism and that the security situation in Iraq will
improve once the Iraqis advance economically. On Iran and
Syria, Shaykh Salem stated that neither country has a direct
impact on Iraq, but that economic gains by Iraq could cause
its neighbors' citizens to agitate for change within their
own countries. On succession, he stated, in very general
terms, that the ruling family was looking at possible near
term solutions to address the poor health and advanced ages
of the Amir and the Crown Prince. On the Ambassador's
question of democratic reform, Shaykh Salem said
parliamentary constituencies were too small and that
redistricting was coming soon. End Summary.

Security and Counterterrorism
--------------


2. (C) Shaykh Salem Al-Ali Al-Salem Al-Sabah, in his first
meeting with the Ambassador on August 15, stated that
eliminating illiteracy and poverty would help in the fight
against terrorism. He said the GOK was working to educate
its young people on the U.S. role in the 1991 Gulf War and to
teach them Kuwaiti culture. Commenting that the Kuwaiti
people, in general, appreciate the presence of U.S. forces in
country, he said if there were any negative statements made
in the press about the U.S. military, it was the result of
politicians trying to maintain a high public profile. The
Ambassador, who was accompanied by the RSO, Acting OMC-K
Chief, and Poloff, asked for an increase in counterterrorism
cooperation and, citing Saudi Arabia as an example of
enhanced c/t cooperation. He said that a sustained and
concentrated counterterrorism effort was required in Kuwait
and he encouraged Shaykh Salem to help make that possible.

Iraq, Security, and Agriculture
--------------


3. (C) Shaykh Salem explained, in a recurring theme during
the meeting, that Kuwaitis were unlikely candidates for
extremism because they had a good life and that the average
Kuwaiti salary was 6,000 Kuwaiti dinar, approximately 20,000
USD. Shaykh Salem commented that if U.S. forces could help
Iraqis reach a higher level of income then the situation
would stabilize. Noting that the Iraqi manpower was very
capable and that Iraq had ignored its agricultural roots
during Saddam's rule, Shaykh Salem advised that Iraqis needed
to focus on agriculture rather than on having a large army.
On a similar theme, he stated that the recent border dispute
at Umm Qasr (reftel),which he described as "minor," was a
result of Iraqis following anyone who paid them 20 USD. He
added that security, both internal and on the border, was key
to stability within Iraq.

Iran and Syria
--------------


4. (C) When asked about Iran, Shaykh Salem responded that
neither Iran nor Syria had a major impact on what was going
on in Iraq. He added that if the people of Iraq were able to
enjoy a comfortable financial life then Iranians and Syrians
might compare their lifestyles and rise up and revolt in
order to gain the same. "The people," Shaykh Salem added,
"will look to their neighbors to see what they have and they
will search for something similar in their own countries."

Who's Next?...
--------------


5. (C) Asked directly by the Ambassador about the succession
process, Shaykh Salem responded that the issue was being
raised within the family and that they were looking for a
solution "in the near future." Referring to Article 4 of the
Kuwaiti Constitution which covers succession rules, Shaykh
Salem stated that the procedure is very clear, mandating the
nomination of the Crown Prince and the confirmation of the
Amir. (Note: Shaykh Salem has been mentioned by some contacts
as having ambitions for the top position. In October, in
recognition of his position in the family, he was given the
title of "Your Highness." Nevertheless, his age, 81, and his
obesity (poloff estimates that he is over 320 lbs although he
otherwise appears to be in good health) makes his selection
as Amir unlikely. End Note)

Reform and Parliament
--------------

6. (C) In response to the Ambassador's suggestion that it
was time for more democratic reform, specifically regarding
the number of constituencies for parliamentary elections,
Shaykh Salem agreed stating that the number of constituencies
would be lowered from 25 to 10, the same number for Municipal
Council elections. Shaykh Salem added that the number of
representatives in Parliament would not change and that the
redistricting itself was up to Parliament. The Shaykh
pointed out that the Kuwaiti people did not fully agree on
some reforms, for example the existence of political parties
or the number of newspapers allowed to print. He stressed
that it was Parliament that could make the change, as the
voice of the people, and he "hoped" it would do the right
thing.


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