Article Link:https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/7/kuwaits-emir-names-security-czar-sheikh-meshal-as-crown-prince
Analysis: Recently the deputy head of the National Guard, Sheikh Meshaal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, was named crown prince of Kuwait by Kuwait’s new ruler Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah on Wednesday.
Two members of Kuwait’s ruling family posted messages on Twitter pledging allegiance to Sheikh Meshaal as crown prince. Furthermore, state news agency KUNA cited a statement from the emir’s office as saying, the selection of Sheikh Meshaa “was blessed by the Al-Sabah family”.
Sheikh Nawaf assumed power following the death of his brother Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad last week. His ascension occurred at a time of tension between Kuwait and its larger neighbors, Saudi Arabia and Iran, as the government tried to shore up finances strained by low oil prices and the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking to Al Jazeera ahead of the announcement, Dania Thafer, director of the Gulf International Forum, said that unlike other presumed candidates for the role, Sheikh Meshaal “does not have any alleged scandals and controversy associated with him”.
“He has a very close relationship with the Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah, and is viewed to have good relations with neighbours such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE,” said Thafer.
“He was also the one that accompanied the late emir to the US for medical treatment,” she added.
On the topic of the country’s parliamentary confirmation vote, the parliament speaker has stated that if the emir announces a crown prince on Wednesday, lawmakers would vote on his choice on Thursday, the last day of parliament’s term.
The appointment of Kuwait’s heir apparent is very important in regards to it’s future. The current emir Sheikh Nawaf is described by diplomats and analysts as having a very low-key style, that combined with his age, will pressure a large portion of responsibilities to Sheikh Meshaal. With Sheikh Meshaal’s good relationship with Kuwait’s neighbors Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and lack of scandals and controversy he seems like an excellent candidate.
Officially known as the State of Kuwait, Kuwait is a constitutional sovereign state with a semi-democratic political system. The reason for this global event can be seen on both an individual and domestic level. On an individual level the current emir Sheikh Nawaf is directly responsible for the appointment of Sheikh Meshaal, only he has this power, thereby making him directly responsible. On a domestic level Kuwait’s semi-democratic political system and the existence of a prolonged ruling family plays a monumental role in the appointment of Sheikh Meshaal.