Kuwait Times

Published Date: August 12, 2008
By Ahmad Al-Khaled, Staff writer

KUWAIT: The rhetoric between Iran, Gulf states and the international community has heated-up, as August temperatures swell. This is pushing Kuwait and its GCC(Gulf Cooperation Council) counterparts to set in place emergency plans to counteract the effects of a possible regional conflict. Kuwait political analyst Hajaj Bu Khathor stated, "The issue with Iran is not about uranium enrichment, it wants to control the region." He noted that Iran is pushing the nuclear issue as a tool in the process toward attai
ning their greater objective. Bu Khathor explained the issue is not only the responsibility of the GCC but of the international community which would suffer severe global economic downturns if Iran blocks the Strait of Hormuz.

Bu Khathor says that the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will be a reality which we should deal prior to its occurrence, according to a proactive well-planned out strategy. However, he noted that the government has under-publicized preparations for such a crisis. "The reason for this is that they do not want people to panic.

Khathor compared the lack of open discussions on the state's current emergency planning to its lack of preparation and a downsizing of the problems it had with Iraq prior to the Gulf War. "We do not want to repeat what happened before." he said, referring to the Iraqi invasion when citizens were totally unprepared for the crisis.

It is important to address it calmly and discuss it in a professional way. We need a strategy, alternative strategies and solutions." said Khathor who explained the necessity of having proactive discussions rather than reactive responses.

In the event of Iran imposing a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Kuwait will have to be prepared in the following, mostly logistical, ways explained Bu Khathor. "Firstly, the procurement and distribution of medical supplies." For example, he noted, "If there is a nuclear leak from one of Iran's nuclear reactors we need to have stockpiled iodine.

He said, "Kuwait must have emergency medical teams ready to deal with such situations who are equipped with supplies ready in all areas of Kuwait who are ready to deal with every contingency." Secondly, Kuwait would have to "stockpile food and have alternative routes to import food into Kuwait." stated Khathor.
He noted if regional violence broke-out, it may be difficult to rely on airplanes and alternative land routes would have to be made available. "Kuwait would need to procure more trucks for this purpose." Khathor affirmed that the state's Ministry of Commerce has already begun preparations by increasing the strategic food supply and limiting food exports.

The third and most costly aspect of regional preparations involve securing alternate routes to export oil. Bu Khathor explained one such alternative is the option of choosing sea routes which are closer to the shore, which allows for easier protection of ships. Khathor noted, "This would require oil tankers equipped to travel in shallow water.

During the Tanker War this was done and proved to be very expensive." said Bu Khathor speaking of the Iran-Iraq War of the eighties, reiterating, "It was successful to maintain the flow of Kuwaiti oil-but expensive.

According to Bu Khathor, the final aspect of Kuwait's crisis preparations include educating the public on rescue training and equipping them with an understanding OF the state's plan to protect the territory of Kuwait from the sea, land and air. Included in the state's preparations was the recent $152 million deal to upgrade its patriot missile system, stated Khathor.

Khathor remarked on the strategic nature of the Strait of Hormuz. "Powerful forces have historically attempted to control trade via this point." He pointed to the time when the British pulled out in 1971, leaving a power vacuum, Iran filled-it by invading the UAE islands, which are located in the strait. Khathor said this strategic move was made "so they could control traffic through the Gulf-Iran has had this intention since 1971.

Khathor commented, "The closure of the strait of Hormuz is something that is going to happen and will happen many times... it might happen very soon with this issue but either way, it will repeat again in the future." Regardless of whether one considers Iran a friend or foe, Khathor clarified, "We have to address their point of view and concerns, as well as our concerns and interests, and by doing that we can focus on our commonalities and interests.