The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Last day in Kuwait. It's a good day to leave, the sun is shining and the wind is crazy but at least there are no sandstorms or haze to delay the flights. Today's workload is light and since my meeting is at the hotel, it's quite possible that the only time I go outside today will be on the way to the airport. All the International flights usually depart around 1:00 am and that's what I'm stuck on today. At least for the first time I get to fly direct to Washington DC and can skip the Europe stop. This means over 14 hours on the same plane but it's worth it.

Today the region is going about it's business. Kuwait can seemlessly have the day go by without concern for North Korea or Lebanon (which is sure to have a problem today) and even the George Bush is less of a topic than he used to be. There's concern about Iran that was never here before. The headline story in the Kuwait Times is about Kuwait Airways intent to buy 34 new planes. That's great news since the current planes are pretty much falling apart at the seams.

On the topic of censorship, there's a story on the front page about another Kuwait paper (Arabic) that is getting shut down for publishing a photo of Saddam Hussein's 20-something grand-daughter in a swimsuit, while at the beach with a Lebanese male celebrity. The paper was sued for breaking Muslim law for decency. In a surprise move, the Kuwait court overturned the ruling for closure and is allowing the paper to keep operating.

Kuwait is at the crossroads. The country is either about to modernize or revert to extereme conservatism. Restaurants here are starting to convert the dining rooms to add family and single sections, such as what is done in Saudi Arabia. I don't see this as a good sign.