Kuwaiti Government in exile
The Kuwaiti Government-in-exile was the State of Kuwait's internationally acknowledged political authority while Ba'athist Iraq occupied it for seven months. The government was based in the Saudi Arabian mountain resort city of Taif and operated from August 2, 1990, to March 1991. In contrast to many previous governments-in-exile, it was able to successfully organize a worldwide military coalition to liberate its territory, maintain considerable financial power, and maintain control over its diplomatic missions abroad.
Evacuation and Establishment
The Amir and Crown Prince Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah fled by motorcade toward the Saudi border early on August 2, 1990, as Iraqi Special Forces moved closer to Dasman Palace.The Sheraton Hotel in Taif, a mountain resort, served as the government's headquarters. The hotel was transformed into an administrative hub with high security. The Crown Prince was the chief administrator and military liaison, while the Amir was the symbolic head of state.
Diplomatic Strategy and Recognition
Kuwait never lost its seat at the UN, in contrast to many governments-in-exile.- International Recognition: Twelve resolutions condemning Iraq were passed by the UN Security Council thanks to the government's successful lobbying efforts. While Resolution 678 established the legal justification for using military force, Resolution 660 denounced the invasion.
- Rejection of Puppet Regime: By effectively opposing the "Provisional Free Government of Kuwait" and the annexation of Kuwait as Iraq's "19th Governorate," the government-in-exile made sure that no significant international power, with the possible exception of the PLO and Jordan, acknowledged the occupation.
Financial Operations
The Kuwaiti government-in-exile had considerable influence because it was arguably the richest such organization in history.Asset Management: The Kuwait Investment Office (KIO) in London and the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) remained under government control. It funded its operations with about $100 billion in foreign reserves.
Coalition Funding: To finance Operation Desert Shield, the government-in-exile gave the US more than $16 billion.
Subsidies: About 400,000 Kuwaiti nationals who were abroad during the invasion received monthly stipends.
The Jeddah People's Congress
The Jeddah People's Congress was a crucial period in the government's existence.National Unity: To discuss the post-liberation future, more than 1,200 Kuwaiti delegates, including opposition leaders, convened.
The Pro-Democracy Agreement: Following the country's liberation, the Al-Sabah family agreed to reinstate the National Assembly and the 1962 Constitution in order to win over the opposition.
Support for the Domestic Resistance
Through satellite communications and the Saudi border, the government-in-exile kept a covert connection with the Kuwaiti Resistance.Logistics: To support food cooperatives and civilian survival, an estimated $1 million was smuggled into the nation every day.
Intelligence: In order to identify Iraqi tank positions and bunkers in Kuwait City, the government-in-exile worked with the resistance to provide "Targeting Intelligence" to Schwarzkopf's command in Riyadh.