KUWAIT: Kuwait has recently witnessed a spate of negative acts from across different segments of society. The sectarian, religious statements issued were discriminatory in nature and sparked many protests. Also, declarations made by Mohammed Al-Juwaihel were aired on satellite channel 'Al Sour,' enraging many MPs. Thousands of Kuwaitis who attended the symposiums carried out demonstration in the streets.

On Monday, HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah addressed the nation, warning the nation against causing chaos and rifts as a consequence of unfavorable political events. The speech was broadcasted live on all the Kuwaiti TV and radio channels and most of people were tuned into it.

The Kuwait Times interviewed some residents who expressed their view on Amir's speech. "It was a message to the nation about what is wrong and what they have been doing. I think that it was a great thing when HH the Amir spoke to people. They should feel ashamed and tone down their acts of fanaticism. It was a clear message asking us to stop carrying out such nonsense - dividing people according religious sects or others. This won't bring us any benefits. We are all Kuwaitis and not Sunni, Shia, bedoon or
Hadri. When we travel aboard we say that we are Kuwaiti without making further specification," noted Homoud, a 23-year- old Kuwaiti.

Some felt that the Amiri speech was emotionally-charged. "I was deeply impressed with the speech. I was on the verge of tears. HH the Amir sounded very sad which in turn reflects poorly on us. We see our country being ripped apart and fragmented. I hope that the Amir will enforce strict legislations that will put an end to such acts of segregation. I guess that many people interpret freedom in a wrong way. They insult people in public without respect their feelings, and this should be curtailed by laws,
stated a 27-year- old Fatma.

Other feel that the speech was well-timed. "I think that HH the Amir's speech was made at the right time. Our nation really needed this speech to realize the dark tunnel they were headed to . Maybe some people were slightly annoyed with this speech as they believed that the speech was addressed to them. In fact it was addressed to the people who indulged in seditious activities," stressed Talal, a 36-year- old Kuwaiti.

Also, expatriates were keen to listen to what the Amir had to say. "The speech was really nice. It was made at the right time, as the country needs it most. There is a division between religious sects and groups, and other sects. This speech was important to forge the country's unity and stability. The Amir told people that Kuwait's interests should be placed above personal interests, and the speech as really impressive," said Lina, a 30-year-old Lebanese. - Kuwait TImes