The arrest of Fajr Al-Saeed, a prominent Kuwaiti journalist and advocate for normalization with Israel, underscores a pivotal moment in the Arab world’s relationship with Israel and the broader Middle East geopolitical dynamics. Last week, Al-Saeed was detained by Kuwaiti authorities for her calls to normalize ties with Israel, violating the country’s 1964 law that prohibits any engagement with the Israeli state. Her detention has sparked significant debate, especially in light of the changing political tides within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the broader Arab world, where some nations have recently begun to recognize the strategic benefits of engaging with Israel. Al-Saeed’s case reveals both Kuwait’s internal political struggles and the significant role that groups like the Muslim Brotherhood play in shaping the region’s stance toward Israel.
While her views have been unpopular within Kuwait, her stance aligns with the broader trend seen in other Gulf Cooperation Council nations, such as the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
Al-Saeed’s calls for normalization are not only about diplomatic ties but also about fostering practical cooperation that could help modernize Kuwait’s economy and improve its technological capabilities. While her views have been unpopular within Kuwait, her stance aligns with the broader trend seen in other GCC nations, such as the UAE and Bahrain, which have signed normalization agreements with Israel under the Abraham Accords. These countries have recognized that Israel’s economic and technological expertise can be an asset, providing opportunities for trade, innovation, and regional stability.
The arrest of Fajr Al-Saeed also highlights the powerful influence of the Muslim Brotherhood in Kuwaiti politics. Represented in the country by the Islamic Constitutional Movement (ICM), a minority political party that has repeatedly won seats in the Kuwaiti parliament, the Brotherhood has long been a significant force in shaping Kuwait’s internal political discourse. The ICM, which seeks to implement sharia as the primary source of legislation in Kuwait, has maintained a consistent opposition to any form of normalization with Israel, using religious and ideological arguments to rally public support.
The Kuwaiti Muslim Brotherhood’s roots can be traced back to the 1930s and 1940s, when members of the group, seeking refuge from secular regimes in Egypt and Syria, relocated to Kuwait. Over the decades, the Brotherhood has built a solid base of support, not only through its political activities but also through its charitable arm, the Social Reform Society (SRS). The SRS, which has been accused by some governments of financing terrorism, remains a significant player in Kuwaiti society and continues to shape the public narrative on issues like Israel.
By aligning itself with Israel, Kuwait could play a constructive role in facilitating peace and cooperation in the Middle East.
The Brotherhood’s strong opposition to normalization with Israel reflects its broader ideological stance against secularism and its commitment to defending what it sees as the Islamic world’s sacred duty to resist the Jewish state. The group’s position on Israel is rooted in its broader political philosophy, which is often characterized by an insistence on ideological purity and the promotion of a conservative vision for Arab society.
In the realm of security, Israel’s extensive experience in counterterrorism, intelligence gathering, and defense technologies could be a crucial asset for Kuwait, especially in light of the growing regional instability driven by the influence of Iran and extremist groups. Cooperation with Israel would enhance Kuwait’s defense capabilities, helping to secure the country’s sovereignty and regional stability.
Furthermore, normalization could serve as a diplomatic win for Kuwait on the global stage. By aligning itself with Israel, Kuwait could play a constructive role in facilitating peace and cooperation in the Middle East, positioning itself as a forward-thinking, pragmatic actor in a region that has long been defined by its ideological divides.
At the heart of Kuwait’s debate over normalization with Israel is the tension between pragmatic policies and ideological beliefs. The Muslim Brotherhood, through the ICM and the SRS, remains a powerful force in the country, often blocking attempts at reform or political change that would challenge their conservative vision. While the Brotherhood’s influence is undeniable, their opposition to normalization represents a broader ideological struggle that pits religious conservatism against economic pragmatism and geopolitical realities.
The influence of the Muslim Brotherhood, with its entrenched opposition to Israel, remains a significant barrier to progress.
In this context, Kuwait’s future relationship with Israel hinges on whether the country can balance these competing forces. While the government has historically tolerated the Brotherhood’s activities, growing tensions between the ICM and the Kuwaiti authorities suggest that the political climate is shifting. The ICM’s vocal opposition to the normalization agreements in the UAE and Bahrain has increasingly put it at odds with those advocating for a more practical approach to regional relations. As Kuwait contemplates its future, it must decide whether to continue adhering to the ideological positions upheld by the Brotherhood or to embrace the benefits of a more cooperative relationship with Israel.
Fajr Al-Saeed’s arrest and the broader debate over normalization with Israel in Kuwait highlight the challenges of balancing national interests with ideological commitments. The influence of the Muslim Brotherhood, with its entrenched opposition to Israel, remains a significant barrier to progress. However, as the broader GCC region moves toward pragmatic engagement with Israel, Kuwait must consider the long-term benefits of such cooperation.
Published originally under the title “Al-Saeed’s Arrest, Israel, and the Muslim Brotherhood in Kuwait.”
