State television: Kuwaiti ruler Sheikh Sabah has died at 91

Dubai, September 29

Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, the ruler of Kuwait who drew on his many years because the oil-rich nation’s prime diplomat to push for nearer ties to Iraq after the 1990 Gulf War and options to different regional crises, died Tuesday. He was 91.

In a Middle East replete with aged rulers, Sheikh Sabah stood out for his efforts at pushing for diplomacy to resolve a bitter dispute between Qatar and different Arab nations that continues to today.

His 2006 ascension in Kuwait, a staunch US ally for the reason that American-led conflict that expelled occupying Iraqi troops, got here after parliament voted unanimously to oust his predecessor, the ailing Sheikh Saad Al Abdullah Al Sabah, simply 9 days into his rule.

Yet as Kuwait’s ruling emir, he struggled with inner political disputes, the fallout of the 2011 Arab Spring protests and seesawing crude oil costs that chewed right into a nationwide price range offering cradle-to-grave subsidies.

“He represents the older generation of Gulf leaders who valued discretion and moderation and the importance of personal ties amongst fellow monarchs,” mentioned Kristin Diwan, a senior resident scholar on the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington who research Kuwait.

“No question he has suffered from the lack of deference and respect shown by the younger and more brash young princes holding power today.”

State tv introduced his dying after enjoying Quranic prayers.

Sheikh Sabah is anticipated to be succeeded by his half brother, the crown prince Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah.

Took particular care of the Indian group: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned on Tuesday that the Arab world has misplaced a beloved chief, India an in depth pal, and the world an ideal statesman.

Modi mentioned Sheikh Sabah performed a number one position in strengthening the bilateral relations and all the time took particular care of the Indian group in Kuwait.           

“My heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait. In this moment of grief our thoughts are with the Al-Sabah family and the people of the State of Kuwait,” the prime minister mentioned.

In his tweets, Modi mentioned, “Today, the State of Kuwait and the Arab world has lost a beloved leader, India a close friend, and the world a great statesman. His Highness played a leading role in strengthening our bilateral relations, and always took special care of the Indian community in Kuwait.”

 — Agencies