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Feb. 25, 2005 Kuwait is celebrating over the next few days. It was this time in 1991 that the Iraqi army of Saddam Hussein, (You remember him; the tyrant, murderer and dictator?) began to withdraw under the pressure of American Forces. It is a sort of Kuwaiti “Independence” holiday. Hundreds of cars are flying the Kuwaiti and American flag. Many of the city’s buildings are adorned with lights, and there is singing, dancing and joy expressed every evening during the holiday on the public roads and highways. Children are given cans of spray bubbles, soap, and string. As cars are forced to stop by traffic signals; windows are rolled down and bubble fights break out between the children riding in the vehicles while those in convertibles are forced to endure a never ending stream of canned string. It is all in fun. Eventually everyone on the road becomes a participant, or a victim of someone’s soap cannon. Music is played from car speakers and boom boxes carried by young men. The men (never women) dance and prance between the stalled cars; some wearing costumes and masks depicting defeated enemies, goblins and things unidentifiable. It is also the only time in Kuwait City you might find more policemen on the streets than citizens. Every intersection is carefully managed by the police to ensure the revelers do not get out of hand and that traffic is directed into paths that avoid clashing with pedestrian traffic. It is all quite orderly. The malls and stores and eateries are packed, but there is a lot of eating among the stalled drivers too. You can tell by the food wrappers, drink containers and the peelings of various fruits strewn all over the roadway. This holiday is a celebration of life and liberty. No, it isn’t the life and liberty of a completely free and open society. You can talk to the Kuwaiti women about their continued lack of opportunities and the fact they aren’t allowed to dance in the streets with their celebrating male counterparts. Yet the effect of this life and liberty does stretch itself over the whole of this society. At least in Kuwait, women are allowed to drive and own a car. What the Iraqis under Saddam did here is unspeakable. There is every reason to rejoice in life and it is good to see children a part of this now traditional celebration. Today is the celebration of Kuwait’s liberation from Hussein. Tomorrow is “National Day”. The Kuwaitis have actually been celebrating since the end of Ramadan. I think these folks just like to party. There’s certainly nothing wrong with that! Happy Anniversary People of Kuwait! ------------ About the Author: Michael John McCrae has contributed over 300 articles to Useless-Knowledge.com. Email: macswordV@hotmail.com Tell a friend about this site! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com and are not allowed to be posted on other websites. ARTICLE THIEVES WILL BE PROSECUTED! |
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