Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf dies, Sheikh Meshal named successor

Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah has passed away at the age of 86, just over three years after assuming power. The cause of his death has not been disclosed. Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, who has been Kuwait's de facto ruler since 2021, has been named as Sheikh Nawaf's successor. Sheikh Nawaf's reign was marked by a standoff between the government and elected parliament, hindering key structural reforms. He maintained a balanced foreign policy with neighboring countries and aligned Kuwait more closely with Saudi Arabia. The new emir has up to a year to name an heir, and his choice of crown prince and premier will be closely watched as factional struggles within the ruling family continue.