Kuwait has recently made headlines due to political turmoil, including the dissolution of its powerful elected legislature by Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, citing interference by lawmakers. The country is also holding national elections frequently in an effort to break political gridlock. Additionally, Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Sabah was sworn in as Kuwait's new emir, succeeding Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, who was hospitalized due to health issues. Furthermore, former government officials in Kuwait have been sentenced for corruption and fraud, reflecting ongoing challenges in the country's governance.
Kuwait, officially the State of Kuwait, is a country in Western Asia known for its oil-rich economy. It is situated in the northern edge of Eastern Arabia at the tip of the Persian Gulf, sharing borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Kuwait gained independence from British colonial rule in 1961 and has since been ruled by the Al Sabah family. The country is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system, although political tensions and disputes have led to frequent changes in its legislative bodies. Kuwait is a wealthy nation with a high-income economy, largely dependent on oil exports. The country has a diverse population, with a significant expatriate community contributing to its workforce.
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Kuwait has officially abolished Article 153 of its Penal Code, which allowed lenient sentences for honour killings. The reform, announced on March 17, 2025, also raises the minimum marriage age to 18, marking significant progress in women's rights and legal equality in the country.
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A proposal to expand the 2030 FIFA World Cup to 64 teams has been made by CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez. This edition, co-hosted by six nations, aims to celebrate the tournament's centenary. The expansion is controversial, with mixed reactions from FIFA officials and UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.
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Kuwait's new traffic law, effective April 22, 2025, significantly increases fines for various violations, including mobile phone use while driving and reckless driving. The law aims to reduce road accidents, with penalties including arrest for severe offenses and a multilingual awareness campaign to inform the public.
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A massive sandstorm swept through central and southern Iraq on April 15, 2025, leading to airport closures and over 3,700 hospitalizations due to respiratory issues. The storm, the worst of the year, has raised concerns about the increasing frequency of such events linked to climate change.
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On May 2, 2025, a Tunisian court sentenced former Prime Minister Ali Larayedh to 34 years in prison for allegedly facilitating jihadist departures to Syria. This ruling follows a broader crackdown on dissent, including the recent arrest of lawyer Ahmed Souab, amid accusations of political motivations behind the trials. Human rights groups have condemned the escalating repression.
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Belarus has pardoned political prisoners, including Yuras Zyankovich, amid ongoing international scrutiny. Meanwhile, Kuwait has released nearly two dozen Americans detained on various charges. These developments reflect shifting dynamics in international relations and human rights advocacy as of May 7, 2025.
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Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Pakistan amid escalating tensions following a deadly attack in Kashmir that killed 26 tourists. His visit aims to ease relations between the nuclear-armed neighbors, who have recently expelled diplomats and closed airspace due to heightened military alerts.
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Severe weather has impacted multiple regions, particularly the US, with tornadoes and thunderstorms causing significant destruction. Kentucky and Missouri have reported numerous fatalities and injuries, while southern China faces heavy rainfall leading to landslides. Emergency services are responding to the crises as forecasts predict continued severe weather across affected areas.
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Strikes initiated by truck drivers in Iran have escalated into widespread protests against the government, following a controversial fuel price hike. Prominent dissidents, including filmmaker Jafar Panahi, have voiced support for the strikers, highlighting the economic pressures faced by citizens amid ongoing sanctions and negotiations with the U.S.
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Kuwait has revoked the citizenship of 153 individuals, including many women, as part of a broader crackdown that has seen over 42,000 people lose their nationality since August 2024. This policy, driven by Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, raises significant human rights concerns and has left many stateless.
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As of June 9, 2025, citizens of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days. This initiative aims to strengthen ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and follows similar agreements with the UAE and Qatar. The policy is part of China's broader strategy to enhance tourism and economic cooperation.
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Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa visited Kuwait on June 1, 2025, to strengthen bilateral ties and discuss cooperation in political and economic sectors. This visit marks his first to Kuwait since taking office in January 2025, following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. The meeting reflects a broader Arab engagement with Syria post-conflict.
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Neuralink has successfully raised a Series E funding round, attracting major investors like ARK Invest and Sequoia Capital. This follows significant advancements in their brain chip technology, including human clinical trials for patients with severe paralysis. The company is now valued at approximately $9 billion.
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On June 12, 2025, the US State Department ordered the departure of nonessential personnel from the Baghdad embassy amid rising tensions with Iran over its nuclear program. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also authorized military families to leave the region as fears of conflict escalate following stalled negotiations.
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Starting July 1, expatriate workers in Kuwait's private sector must obtain exit permits from their employers before traveling abroad. This new regulation aims to enhance oversight and ensure compliance with labor laws, reflecting broader reforms in the country's labor system.
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On June 13, 2025, Israel initiated Operation Rising Lion, targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and military sites. The operation involved over 200 aircraft and was described as a preemptive strike to ensure Israel's survival. Iran retaliated with drone attacks, escalating tensions in the region amid fears of broader conflict.