Kuwait hosts Gulf Cooperation Council summit
- Despite Qatar crisis, Kuwait hosts GCC summit
December 4
Kuwait hosts GCC summit
Six months after the Qatar crisis erupted, GCC members convened for their annual summit in Kuwait City. Only two heads of state – from Kuwait and Qatar – attended; the others sent representatives. The summit was disbanded after only a few hours.
December 19
U.S. announces new battle tank contract with Kuwait
The U.S. Department of Defense has announced a $24.3 million contract covering the design, development, and building of a new fleet of Abrams battle tanks for Kuwait.
December 20
Kuwait orders probe into helicopter deal with France
Authorities in Kuwait have ordered an investigation into a deal with France for 30 military helicopters. The $1.1 billion deal was reportedly rife with kickbacks, prompting Prime Minister Sheikh Haber al-Mubarak Al Sabah to order a probe. He has referred the deal to Kuwait’s Public Anti-Corruption Authority.
Analysis: Kuwait’s investigation into defense kickbacks was long overdue. The “bribe culture” is now about to be thoroughly investigated and may end up implicating key defense officials and Al Sabah royals.
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