Kuwait: Opposition Subdued

Kuwait has traditionally had the most active opposition movement in the Gulf, and barely two years ago was the scene of massive anti-government protests, leading Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah to warn against “chaotic sedition” and anounce he was changing the electoral law. There were also reports that Saudi officials considered sending in Peninsula Shield forces to help “maintain stability”. But a loss of momentum, many Kuwaitis’ disillusionment with the opposition and greater government control over public discourse has led to a much quieter opposition movement in recent months, despite attempts to reinvigorate it through radical manifestos and a focus on corruption scandals.