(C) KUDOS FOR REPORTING ON TRIBALISM AS A

S E C R E T STATE 041510

NOFORN
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/24/2034
TAGS: PINR PGOV PREL SCUL SOCI KU
SUBJECT: (C) KUDOS FOR REPORTING ON TRIBALISM AS A
MOBILIZING FACTOR IN KUWAITI POLITICS (C-DI9-00764)

REF: A. KUWAIT 000244

B. KUWAIT 0053

Classified By: SUZANNE MCCORMICK, DIR., INR/OPS. REASON: 1.4(C).


1. (S/NF) WASHINGTON ANALYSTS APPRECIATE EMBASSY KUWAIT'S
RECENT REPORTING ON TRIBALISM AS A MOBILIZING FACTOR IN
KUWAIT (KUWAIT 000244). THE DETAILED BACKGROUND ON THE
STATUS OF TRIBES, THE EVOLUTION OF DYNAMICS BETWEEN THE ROYAL
FAMILY AND TRIBALIST FIGURES, AND THE WAY TRIBALISM HAS
PLAYED INTO ELECTION CAMPAIGNING AND OUTCOMES WAS OF GREAT
INTEREST.


2. ANALYSTS ARE ALSO INTERESTED IN THE FOLLOWIG TOPICS AND
WOULD WELCOME ANY FURTHER INSIGHTS POST CAN PROVIDE, AS TIME
AND RESOURCES PERMIT.


A. BACKGROUND OF THE UPCOMING PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS AND
THE WAY ISLAMIST POLITICS PLAY OUT IN THE TRIBAL CONTEXT,
INCLUDING THE LOCATIONS OF THE TRIBAL CANDIDATES ON THE
POLITICAL MAP AND THE RELEVANCY OF RELIGIOUS IDEOLOGY VS.
CONSTITUENT INTERESTS.


B. EFFORTS BY THE ISLAMIC CONSTITUTIONAL MOVEMENT (ICM) TO
FIELD TRIBAL CANDIDATES IN COMPARISON TO THEIR EFFORTS IN MAY

2008.


C. INFORMATION ON TRIBE BREAKDOWN, INCLUDING THE LEADING
TRIBAL SHAYKHS IN KUWAIT AND THOSE MOST ADEPT AT PLACING
CANDIDATES IN OFFICE AND GETTING THEIR DEMANDS MET BY THE
GOVERNMENT.

MANY THANKS, AND REGARDS FROM WASHINGTON.
CLINTON