Kuwait’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, dissolved the emirate’s national assembly on 2 August setting in motion upcoming parliamentary elections for October. Kuwait has been plagued by never-ending standoffs between the legislative and executive branches of government which have for more than a decade delayed much needed fiscal and economic reforms.

The move follows a 24 July decision by the Crown Prince – who has undertaken the constitutional responsibilities of the ailing Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah – to appoint the Emir’s eldest son Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah as Prime Minister (MEES, 29 July). (CONTINUED - 214 WORDS)