Security and Post Conflict Reconstruction in the Middle East: A Study of Kuwait

Abstract

Post war conflict reconstruction is usually a complex, holistic and multidimensional effort. It’s aimed at the restoration of law and order (military), governance (political), rehabilitation and development (economic), and justice and reconciliation (social condition). Kuwait in this paper represents a typical example of post war reconstruction following her invasion by Iraq in 1990. The post war/conflict reconstruction of Kuwait touched every fabric of the ruin incurred during the crisis. The economic dimension involved such task as distribution of relieve assistance, restoration of physical infrastructure and facilities, creation of appropriate conditions for the private sector development, and implementation of structural reforms for macro-economic stability and sustainable growth. The paper argues that the case of Kuwait which has become a model till date was strategized by the western coalition partners led by the United States, and this interest was hinged on the fact that Kuwait is a major oil producing country. It therefore concludes that the strategies and mechanisms for the reconstruction of the country was imported from the western world and that her resources and interest fueled the desire of the western world for its reconstruction.