The death of Kuwait’s 91-year-old Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah this week marks the end of a reign characterized by an intense focus on regional diplomacy. Sheikh Sabah had ruled Kuwait since January 2006, but cut his teeth as foreign minister over the previous four decades.
The late emir forged a role as a key peacemaker within the GCC and the broader Middle East. Indeed, the only regional figure with a similar regional role, Oman’s Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said, passed away in January and the loss of the two in quick succession will be keenly felt (MEES, 17 January). (CONTINUED - 1030 WORDS)
