by David Zenian
KUWAIT - For most of the world, the Gulf War is part of history, but not for the people of Kuwait who saw their country slip through their fingers and then miraculously returned thanks to an international military alliance led by the United States.
Most of the scars of the Iraqi occupation are wiped clean from the towns and villages of the oil-rich state except for a few shell-pocked buildings, hundreds of empty apartments once inhabited by Palestinians and a vast desert “museum” housing thousands of destroyed Iraqi tanks, artillery, rockets and patrol boats which act as a reminder of the nightmare.
But the physical aspects are minimal compared to the economic, social and even psychological impact of the war.
Seldom is a conversation with a Kuwaiti citizen or resident concluded without mentioning the Gulf War — sometimes more than once — and for good reason.
Imagine a country of only 1.4 million people where nearly half of its residents and 70 percent of its 600,000 labor force are foreigners. Also imagine that a large chunk of the specialized labor force consisted of Palestinians who have now been expelled from the country because of alleged collaboration with the invading Iraqi army.
No one insists that the Palestinians ran Kuwait’s infrastructure, however their departure has in fact had its impact on the economy.
“One of my best craftsmen was a Palestinian. I have not been able to replace him with the available Indian, Pakistani or Egyptian worker,” a Kuwaiti factory owner said recently. “No, do not use my name,” he added swiftly.
Palestinians were prominent in every aspect of Kuwaiti life. From regional police chiefs, to top government administrators and from the banking sector to skilled labor, Palestinians were a visible part of everyday life.
The so-called Palestinian elite was part of the social circle, while the working class made its marks on the marketplace and the once-active labor unions.
Today, the Palestinians are all but out of the Kuwaiti scene — discredited by citizens and government alike. The few “lucky” enough to be allowed to stay, maintain a low profile for fear of expulsion.
The Gulf War has also had a sobering effect on Kuwaiti citizens. They are more cautious and protective.
“There is a general sense of betrayal. It started with the Palestinians, but has quietly translated into similar reservations toward other Arabs in general,” a western diplomat said recently.
It is this apprehension that has slowed down the influx of Arab workers to replace the Palestinians. Work permits for Indians, Pakistanis or Sri Lankans are easier to obtain than those for Lebanese, Jordanian, Sudanese or sometimes even Syrian employees.
“This is becoming a society of introverts. People socialize mainly within their ethnic circle ... and the Gulf War had a lot to do with this,” a long-time resident observed.
If the behavioral changes are visible on citizens and residents alike, so is the effect of the war on the economy of a nation which has one of the world’s largest known crude oil reserves.
Mercedes Benzes, BMWs still race through the streets, but it’s the used car business which is thriving in post-Gulf War Kuwait.
“It’s all very psychological. The fear of cars being stolen seems to have had a greater impact than expected,” a car dealer said.
“For every new car sold in Kuwait these days, more than 100 used cars are imported from the United States and Germany for sale on the local market. Used car dealers are thriving,” he said.
The behavior is also an indication of the shortage of cash. People are more frugal. “The lavish days are over. The thought of losing everything overnight cannot be forgotten easily. Remember that we almost lost everything once,” a local car repair shop owner said.
“Before the war, I did not care. I am now more careful with my money. We are no longer spending as if there is no tomorrow,” he added.
“We came close to tasting poverty and betrayal by some of our fellow Arab brothers. Kuwait is a different place, and so are the Kuwaitis and foreign guests,” he added.
