The Friday Night Report

Since it is a holiday in Kuwait, and many Kuwaiti citizens have left the country, including most top government officials, Kuwait2005 thought it would be fitting to give the Friday Night Report a holiday too! Check back next week mates!

The Friday Night Report

Welcome to yet another exciting edition of the Friday Night Report.

The UAE women's basketball team dethroned Kuwait to become champions of the 8th GCC ladies championship in Sharjah.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have lost yet another sports title. However, isn't it worth knowing that Kuwait, and the GCC, hold a ladies championship? And for the 8th time!

In a deal that could be worth up to $3.5 billion, Kuwait Airways "may" order between 30 and 34 new passenger aircrafts from Boeing and Airbus to replace its ageing fleet that consists of 17 aircrafts. Kuwait Airways is interested in Boieng's 777 and 767, and Airbus's A350 and A340 aircrafts. The current fleet, in operation since 1992, will be sold once new aircrafts are purchased.

Oasis frequent fliers rejoice! Finally, Kuwait Airways "may", I repeat "may", update its ageing fleet! Although American Airlines owns nearly 700 aircrafts, it is a step in the right direction. Expect many more destinations in the near future, if a deal goes through. Emirates boasts a fleet of at least 100 aircrafts, EgyptAir has 44, Qatar Airways has 56, and Saudi Arabian Airlines has 131 aircrafts.

Finally, a shout out to our boy and three-time GCC champion Moh'd Al-Ghareeb who is hoping to get a wildcard invitation to this year's Dubai Tennis Championships. Last time around, Al-Ghareeb met the world's #1 Roger "the invincible" Federer in the round of 16 and lost honorably 7-6 and 6-4.

Until next time, have a safe week!

The Friday Night Report

Major news, or not, that made it into the FNR includes Queen Rania, Kuwaiti-Iraqi border, car number plates, and other interesting stuff!

In an interview with Al-Rai newspaper, Queen Rania of Jordan tells us that Kuwait has a special place in her heart, as it is the place where she was raised as a child and formed many of her friendships and fond memories.

Ladies and gentlemen, and why do we care you say? Why is Jordanian politics, driven by her majesty and others, taking a more central position on the Kuwaiti scene? Well, in addition to Kuwaiti aspirations to invest more than $6 billion in Jordan as mentioned last week, the real answer can be found North of Kuwait. What was that again?!

Last week's news stated that the biggest border crossing in the world was opened between Kuwait and Iraq. It took three years to build with a cost of around $20 million. It is to be used solely for the American troops (news in Al-Qabas). Further, Aspen Road is being constructed to link Southern Iraq with Kuwait, and should be completed by next month. The estimated cost of the 180 km road is $30.4 million, and the goal is to make the transportation of goods from Kuwait City to MSR Tampa more efficient.

Ladies and gentlemen, does spending more than $50 million on infrastructure constitute a temporary position, where things are expected to settle down and get better soon? Will troops be heading home within a year? It sure doesn't look like it, unless home is called Kuwait. If I spend $50 million for roads and buildings, I am planning for a long-term engagement that could be hidden from the eyes of the public at the moment. Something is fishy and it looks like we, as Middle Easterners, are heading for more bloodshed and violence.

His Highness the Amir of Kuwait calmed fears about religious tensions and discrimination in Kuwait indicating that the country does not face such a problem, and that the Shia in the Persian Gulf countries are mostly Arabs who do not pledge allegiance to Iran. Also, His Highness assured the public that a military confrontation with Iran will not happen, warning at the same time that anything could happen!

Ladies and gentlemen, Kuwait does not have religious tensions or discrimination, yet the speech discriminates between Arab Shia and Persian Shia, both being a part of the population in all the Persian Gulf countries. The way it is, the implication is that Arab Shia in the GCC countries are good Shia, while Persian Shia are the ones to watch. Yet, Kuwait does not suffer from any religious tensions or discrimination! The speechwirter should revisit the speech, and make sure any negative implications are avoided, especially with the Liberation of Kuwait celebrations approaching us later this month. So will there be a war or won't there be one?

On a lighter note, Al-Qabas newspaper stated that the first of the new number plates was issued to an important government official in Kuwait by "complete coincidence."

Ladies and gentlemen, this is what the media thinks about the Kuwaiti reader. They can say this and actually get away with it. Until next time, take care and stay safe...

The Friday Night Report

The Friday Night Report is pleased to present "IMPORTANT" Kuwaiti headlines.

First of all, did you know that Liberia is pursuing a friendly football match against Kuwait in order to prepare for its clash with Cameroon in March? Further, Kubba Fashions, based in Singapore, is arranging the encounter, scheduled for the 7th of Feb.

Ladies and gentlemen, Liberia (ranked 112) wants to play a friendly against Kuwait (ranked 76) "in Kuwait" in order to prepare for Cameroon (ranked 11). What about Kubba Fashions you say? That is another matter to be solved by the Kuwaiti FA ;-)

Second of all, Kuwait's minister of industry and trade "underlined Kuwait's aspirations to increase investments in Jordan" that amounted to nearly $6 billion last year. This comes after the Jordanian parliament officially mourned the death of Iraq's deposed dictator Saddam Hussein.

Ladies and gentlemen, the country is "aspiring" to spend more than $6 billion in a country that has constantly shown negativity and hatred towards anything related to Kuwait, including a number of students that fall victims to hate-crimes on a regular basis. On the other hand, Kuwait's government refuses to discuss the outstanding Iraqi loans, the consumer loans in Kuwait, or even allow the $300 monthly allowance for students to pass. So, who you gonna call? Ghostbusters ;-)

Finally, too much bad football (aka Kuwait in the Gulf Cup), heavy loans, high prices, and global warming can have a very negative effect!

See you next Friday...Peace