Kuwait has a new cast of MPs and a new government, but analysts have little optimism that this is the breaking of a new dawn for the emirate. Instead, while some faces have changed, essentially Kuwait has been left with an unchanged political class, and as such an unchanged set of political challenges which risk continuing to hold back new legislation and development projects.

In August, Crown Prince, Sheikh Mishal Al Sabah dissolved parliament (MEES, 5 August) paving the way for the 29 September elections in which opposition candidates performed strongly. The Crown Prince has effectively taken up the constitutional duties of Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah due to his ailing health. (CONTINUED - 1002 WORDS)