Kuwait Airways to Peshawar

Connect the dots
KU113 Peshawar

Published Date: July 18, 2007
By Meshary Alruwaih, Staff reporter

Two days ago, news reports said Kuwait Airways plans to expand its routes and destination networks in anticipation to upgrading the size and quality of its fleet. Good news, that was my first reaction till I looked at their priority list of destinations. I was shocked to see that this list included Peshawar, the capital of the Federally Administrated Tribal Areas of Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province. While maybe economically sensible, I could not help but reflect on the political social, and security
implications of the commence of this two way open channel between Kuwait City and Peshawar.
Such reflections were presented by many in Kuwait when Kuwait Airways commenced its route from Kuwait City to Bangkok. Many were worried that this route would give Kuwaiti youths easy access to the land of sin, prostitution, alcohol and sensual massages. I believe the route to Peshawar could take young Kuwaitis to the other extreme.
Peshawar is the capital of radical Islam in the world. It's packed with religious Madrasas or schools that preach Taleban-style Islam. Peshawar is more like a college town for terrorists. There, experienced terrorists, hiding after planning and executing their attacks, meet with terrorists wannabes from all over the Muslim countries including Kuwait. All this takes place under the protection and support of primitive and savage Pashtun tribes.
Lately, young Kuwaitis have been subject to brain-washing operations through a few radical groups in Kuwait that resulted in the scattering of 15 and 16 yea old Kuwaitis in all conflict zones throughout the Middle East. Young guys who have not even made it to college yet, but guess what, it seems like Kuwait Airways has decided to carry them to the college town of Peshawar!!
That said, I believe that increasing and enhancing global links with a city like Peshawar can, in the long run, contribute to the de-radicalization of its society. I just do not think that Kuwait should take the initiative; Kuwait cannot add much to Peshawar since Kuwait itself has a potentially vibrant radical base that could be tempted and supported by such easy access to the center of radicalism of the world.
On the other hand, countries like Qatar and the UAE who do not suffer from the accelerating process of radicalization and are emerging as regional financial and cultural centers can fill their already operating flights to Peshawar with business men, investors, and journalists who can contribute even slightly to changing the harsh reality of the Capital of the Pashtun tribes.
As the national carrier, I suggest that Kuwait Airways revise its priority list of destinations taking in consideration that it's not just about making profits, but also about creating links that connect Kuwait and Kuwaitis to international finance, world-class talents, new technology and contemporary art and culture.
I recommend the inclusion of Singapore, Bangalore, Nairobi, Beijing, Seattle, Toronto and Seoul. I would go on but I don't want to get carried away, after all, this is Kuwait. Those upgrade plans may never take place, so if this is the case, just ignore the above!!

Email me at meshary@kuwaittimes.net