Al Shelemey: Kuwait has been quite successful in fighting terrorism

WHIA – Exclusive Interview with Dr. Fahd Al Shelemy

by Dean Aesh

Today, WHIA has the honor of interviewing with Dr. Fahd Al Shelemy, a distinguished Kuwaiti security and strategic expert, political analyst, and retired colonel with over 25 years of experience in the Kuwaiti army.
Dr. Fahd holds a Ph.D. in strategic planning to combat terrorism, along with several advanced degrees in public administration, military service, and information systems management from prestigious universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Kuwait. He has played pivotal roles in both civil and military planning projects, serves as a security expert at the United Nations in Kuwait, and continues to contribute as a lecturer in military and academic institutions globally.
We look forward to discussing his insights on Kuwait’s future and his role on the global stage. Good evening, Dr. Fahd.

Dr. Fahd: Good evening to you.

Dean Aesh: Dr. Fahd, you have participated in numerous security and strategic projects on both international and regional levels. How do you believe your expertise in strategic planning and counterterrorism can shape Kuwait’s approach to current and future challenges?

Dr. Fahd: I believe Kuwait has played a commendable role in combating terrorism. We’ve worked closely with the United States in various coalitions, beginning with Desert Shield in 1990 and Desert Storm in 1991. I was in Tampa during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan in 2002, and we also participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Kuwait has signed all agreements and protocols related to fighting terrorism, including measures against its funding and ideology, which is crucial. We have faced challenges from extremist groups like Al-Qaeda and Daesh but managed to contain them through various efforts, including a media campaign aimed at raising awareness among the public. Overall, Kuwait has been quite successful in this fight.

Dean Aesh: I see. Given your extensive academic and military background, what do you think should be the top priorities for Kuwait to address both domestic and regional challenges?

Dr. Fahd: Challenges and threats are a part of life for any state, whether large or small. For Kuwait and the GCC, one of the major internal challenges is corruption. While there are cases of corruption, there have also been penalties, with high-profile figures, including judges, businessmen, and even members of the royal family, being held accountable.
Another significant challenge is the fight against drug trafficking, particularly from Iran and Iraq. We have made progress, especially in maritime drug trafficking, but new smuggling techniques keep emerging. A third challenge is combating extremism, often fueled by sectarianism. We emphasize that all citizens are equal under the law.
Additionally, the balance between Kuwaitis and foreign labor needs to be adjusted. Currently, Kuwaitis constitute only 33% of the population, with the rest being foreign workers. Regionally, Iran poses a serious threat with its missile and nuclear programs and UAVs. We are also concerned about the potential environmental hazards from Iran’s nuclear facilities, which are situated near earthquake-prone areas close to the Arabian Gulf.
Terrorism, both domestic and foreign, remains a concern, and we are working closely with our GCC partners to share information and counter these threats effectively.

Dean Aesh: You have also worked as a strategic and security expert and political analyst for international media. How do you see the role of media and public opinion in shaping Kuwait’s political landscape today?

Dr. Fahd: The media and public opinion play a critical role, not just in Kuwait but globally. Campaigns, whether true or not, can significantly influence public perception. With the advent of AI and mass communication, misinformation can spread rapidly, creating challenges for governance. Kuwait and the GCC are working on a unified protocol to combat negative and black campaigns. It is essential to educate the younger generation on how to navigate and critically assess information on social media.

Dean Aesh: Your academic credentials span institutions in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Qatar. How has this diverse education shaped your vision for Kuwait’s future in terms of international relations and governance?

Dr. Fahd: My international experience has been invaluable. Engaging with foreign embassies, ambassadors, and commercial attachés has helped me understand their policies, customs, and decision-making processes, allowing me to offer better advice to my government and serve as a bridge for communication. My role is to advise the government and raise public awareness through social media.

Dean Aesh: With the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaching, what are your expectations for the potential outcomes and how they might impact Kuwait and the Gulf region?

Dr. Fahd: The world is closely watching the U.S. election, as its outcome will impact not only Kuwait but many countries. We generally find more common ground with Republican policies, which align better with our region’s political and economic interests. While we support free trade and economic cooperation, we differ on certain issues, such as the handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Regardless of who wins, we hope for continued collaboration and mutual respect.

Dean Aesh: As someone who has lectured in both military and academic institutions, what lessons from your experience can Kuwait adopt in terms of national defense and strategic planning?

Dr. Fahd: We need to strengthen our partnerships, particularly with the United States, and continue to work on agreements like the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). Kuwait must also strive for inclusion in non-NATO alliances and improve our diplomatic engagement. The focus should be on fostering better understanding, particularly in handling Iran’s policies, which have been a source of concern for us.

Dean Aesh: How do you view the evolving relationships between Kuwait and global powers such as the U.S., China, and Russia in light of the shifting geopolitical landscape?
Dr. Fahd: During the Cold War, GCC countries, including Kuwait, had limited relations with the former Soviet Union. Now, due to policies of past U.S. administrations, we are exploring cooperation with China and looking at the U.S. with caution, particularly under Democratic leadership. We feel the Republican approach better aligns with our values and concerns.

Dean Aesh: Thank you, Dr. Fahd, for sharing your insights and expertise with us today. Your perspectives have provided a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Kuwait and the broader region. We wish you continued success in your endeavors and look forward to the positive impact of your contributions on the global stage.
Dr. Fahd: Thank you, Dean, for having me. I appreciate your efforts and understanding. Many thanks to you.