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Amer Al-Tameemi began by describing the positive political reforms in Kuwait that have been underreported by the media. He contended that people are missing a “big story taking place on the ground” as major political and economic changes are occurring in the Gulf States. Al-Tameemi argued that the recent economic and political developments in the Gulf, and specifically in Kuwait, will be viewed by future historians as “quite dramatic” shifts in Middle Eastern society.

Al-Tameemi explained that a “new team of leaders,” including a new Prime Minister, Crown Prince, and Emir, is now at the helm of Kuwaiti government and has undertaken substantive political reforms. Women were granted suffrage last year, and are now eligible to run in local elections. In addition, they will be permitted to vote in the parliamentary elections next year. Al-Tameemi projected that women may in fact outnumber male voters in the next election, as the military and police are unable to cast ballots in Kuwaiti elections.

Although these reforms are encouraging, Al-Tameemi recognized that there are formidable challenges that lie ahead. He raised questions about whether women will be able to vote independently of the males in their families and whether they will support female candidates. Al-Tameemi emphasized that Kuwaiti society is still very conservative and that not all women active in politics are members of leftist parties. Al-Tameemi explained that many Islamist parties support women as political actors, notably the Muslim Brotherhood, which historically has had strong female participation.

In order to make it easier for women to succeed in politics, Al-Tameemi encouraged the Kuwaiti government to pass legislation that would enlarge the voting districts that candidates are elected from, perhaps reducing the number from 25 to 10. He contended that enlarging the size of the voting districts would cause candidates to be elected on the basis of merit and broad-base appeal rather than on account of their sectarian or tribal affiliation. He also encouraged the Kuwaiti government to legalize political groups that have been excluded from political participation and improve governmental transparency.

Al-Tameemi’s major contention was that Kuwait must undergo major economic reforms in order to progress further with political liberalization. He described how the private sphere, economically reliant on oil revenues and governmental intervention, is unable to sustain vibrant civil society because it is susceptible to governmental influence and coercion. Al-Tameemi argued that further political reforms are contingent on “modernizing” the Kuwaiti economy through diversification and privatization, especially of the utility and telecommunications sectors. A privatized Kuwaiti economy would be heighten its competitiveness among Gulf States, and would enable it to take economic advantage of its strategic location between Iran and Iraq.

Al-Tameemi acknowledged that a policy to privatize many realms of the Kuwaiti economy would confront opposition from parts of the society hostile to changes to the status quo. Economic reform would be difficult when the government contributes 75% of the GDP, most industries are subsidized, and many depend on government-run companies for jobs. However, he argued that the threat of a reactionary response should not dissuade the Kuwaiti government from pursuing economic reforms with resolve. He proposed ways that the Kuwaiti government could ameliorate concern about economic changes, including a policy providing for early retirement with generous benefits.

Al-Tameemi praised the economic progress that has been made thus far in Kuwait, including the introduction of foreign banks, but leveled criticism at the government’s failure to reform the antiquated tax laws. He specifically addressed a decree passed in 1955 to extract 55% of foreign company profits, arguing that it was originally intended for oil companies, but is now out-of-date and should be repealed because it discourages foreign companies from investing in Kuwait. Al-Tameemi argued that foreign investment, both in the Kuwaiti economy and stock market, is vital because some aspects of the economy require the expertise and management by foreigners.

Al-Tameemi concluded that economic diversification and privatization in Kuwait should be pursued because of the economic and political benefits it will bring the country. He emphasized that “balancing the private and public sector” will enable Kuwait to institutionalize democratic political reforms.